Agency Quote by Bethann Hardison
“That's a very privileged attitude and I think the ignorance is so strong there. When people say, "Oh please, I don't want to hear that conversation," it's because it makes them uncomfortable." But that's because they think it's all okay. If it was racist, I would move onto someone whose mind I could change, but it's mostly ignorance. So when someone says, "Oh, it doesn't matter," I not only make designers responsible but casting directors and modeling agencies for not pushing those other girls on to the designers.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Fashion Industry Panel, 2020
People often avoid uncomfortable topics, labeling them ignorance, which perpetuates systemic bias in design and casting.
In simple terms: Avoiding discomfort sustains bias.
Key Takeaway
Confront bias, demand inclusive practices.
Themes
bias
ignorance
responsibility
industry
inclusion
Mood
frustrated
determined
hopeful
Type
critical
call‑to‑action
When to use this quote
- design meetings
- casting decisions
- agency policies
- creative collaborations
Key Concepts
systemic bias
social accountability
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you create safe spaces for difficult conversations?
- What steps can you take to hold industry peers accountable?
A Different Perspective
Change requires willingness to face discomfort, not just labeling it.
![“I'd only started noticing that something had gone wrong when I got a call from Naomi [Campbell], she called me and said, "You gotta do something about it, it's really bad, they're not using any models of color."” quote by Bethann Hardison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/868/bethann-hardison-39322_color_i-d-only-started-noticing-that-something_2452668.jpg)
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
