A trend story from the WSJ of the sort only the Times (and I) could love:
More parents are signing their children up with modeling agencies and talent classes, in search of fame and, even better, a little extra money in a weak economy. Agencies like Wilhelmina International Inc.’s Wilhelmina Kids and Teens and Funnyface Today Inc. in New York City and Peak Models & Talent in Los Angeles say they have seen the numbers of child applicants grow in the past few years. Charlie Winfield, head booker at Funnyface, estimates the agency’s children’s division has seen a 50% increase in applicants in the past three years. Modeling Camp in Tyson’s Corner, Va., saw a 30% increase in attendance at its workshops last summer from the year earlier and plans to expand to New York and Florida next year.
There’s nothing quite like child exploitation to bring out the “I’m a better parent than you” reflex. I love the part about breaking the news to young “Sabrina” that she didn’t pass muster for an ad. Says awful parent to not-quite-cute-enough child:
We’ve explained to her the best way that we can that for different reasons they are looking for different looks.
The view from my peak of moral superiority is lovely this time of year.