About Vogue Brazil’s Recent Paralympian Campaign… | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

About Vogue Brazil’s Recent Paralympian Campaign…

Though the intention behind it is commendable, in this case the ends do not justify the means.

7
About Vogue Brazil’s Recent Paralympian Campaign…
Vogue Brazil

When the Olympic Games finished in Rio, social media was blowing up in Brazil alerting people of the fact that very few tickets were sold for the Paralympics, which will start next month, despite them being much cheaper and using the same facilities. Many people were sharing news headlines on Facebook, urging others to go, trying to start a movement for people to appreciate and cheer for the Paralympian athletes just as much as they did the Olympic ones. And let’s be honest, they deserve to be appreciated and celebrated and cheered for.

Vogue Brazil launched a campaign about two days later with famous Brazilian actors - Cleo Pires and Paulinho Vilhena - who were posing as Paralympians, having had parts of their bodies removed by computers. The slogan of the campaign is “We Are All Paralympians.” And though the intention behind the campaign, which probably was to increase people’s awareness of the Paralympic games and motivate them to attend the games, is commendable, the problem with how it was conducted has overshadowed its real purpose.

In summary, people are mad, and they have every right to be. The problem with this campaign is the same problem which is found when white actors are cast in African American, Asian, or other ethnicities’ roles: representativity. This issue is found in many other spheres of the entertainment world as well, and it honestly has to stop. What’s so wrong about it is that, by having people whose characteristics fit right into society’s twisted standards of beauty represent those who have been removed from and probably oppressed by the spotlight, you’re essentially ignoring their existence and the fact that they are just as, maybe even more, qualified to play these roles. That strengthens the growth of a close-minded, oppressive, and limited society where only very few people are privileged enough not to be hurt on a daily basis. And I’m coming from a privileged position myself by writing this, but I feel like if I can use my voice to raise even the smallest awareness to something, I will.

At the end of the day, back in Brazil, the campaign was heavily criticized on social media, Cleo Pires (the actress in the campaign) spoke out telling people that the Paralympic athletes had approved of it, and ticket sales for the Paralympic Games skyrocketed. This puts some rest to the chaos, but it does not erase the problem. And this problem has been making headlines for far too long for something not to change soon.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

17538
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

7502
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5499
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4775
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments