MY 1st Post
Mixed in the 80’s
I grew up in the 80’s with a Korean mom and Latvian dad in Connecticut. We had moved from Seoul to the states because didn’t everyone want to live in America? Not me, growing up mixed was not cool… my how have things changed!
In Korea, being mixed was such a novelty, but today it’s much more common. I want to write about this as my first post because it’s almost trendy now in advertising to be “mixed”. As we have had experience in several industry markets, I hope that I can impart what I know about countries/regions as it pertains to our kids. I also want you to write me and correct me if I’m wrong.
Different Markets
My kids started modelling in China, because they are “mixed”.
In Far East Asia markets (eg. China, Korea),mixed (btw I have also heard the term hybrid, yes like a car) means mixed with Asian (far east Asian or “oriental” to Brits, FYI if you ever say oriental to a far east Asian person in America, you will be called a racist, that word is what you call a rug not a person).
Back on topic, we had some success because the kids could appeal to a local Chinese market but also appear foreign (American/Euro) enough that big brands would feel as if they had more international presence. In Chinese markets, they prefer the skin to be as white as possible. The thing about China is that as a homogenous society their acceptance of races and even the colour of their own skin is evolving slowly. I know some mixed Chinese and Caucasian kids that can’t work in China because their skin is too dark (for Chinese standards) I don’t agree with what they believe is beauty, but that’s why I am writing about this to you…
Don’t doubt your child’s looks
The American and London markets are great for all types of mixed race kids. I know a girl who was popular and booked frequently in London. She moved to China and because she has olive coloured skin, she rarely receives a booking. My advice in these kind of situations is to apply in markets where you know you have a chance, otherwise the rejection really messes with your psyche. Your child is beautiful no need to feel any other way by standards that are unreasonable.
Lastly, do you know how many heartbreakingly beautiful Korean and Chinese kids (full Asian) are in China and Korea? Millions! These kids because they are from local families can’t get any attention due to their sheer number. If some of these kids were able to come and work in the West, agencies would be blown away.
The reason why some kids get a lot of work is luck. There is niche and they fill that niche. I will admit it to you, that is what happened to us, we were lucky… Most (initial) success in this industry truly comes to luck and location, however staying in this business comes down to determination and tenacity.
Jane