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Kid Gets Rejected From Ad Campaign “Because He Has Down’s Syndrome”, Mom Fights Back
When Megan Nash was sending photos of son Asher, who has Down Syndrom, to a local model agency, she was told by the owner of the agency that her son’s photos were not submitted to the company because it “didn’t specify special needs.” That’s when Nash knew she had to do something.
She and her son set off on a mission to change the advertising world by making it more inclusive. “My first thought was how in the world does she know they don’t want a child with a disability if they haven’t even seen his picture?” Nash told HuffPost. Since then, Nash has been pushing for her son’s representation in ads even harder.
Megan posted three photos of her adorably photogenic son to Facebook, hoping it would get OshKosh B’Gosh’s attention. “I was hoping by posting the picture and calling out OshKosh … that it just might get enough attention to change the world’s view on people with disabilities and spread awareness about this issue,” Nash said. “I want people to know they are not just a trend that comes and goes in advertisement, they are here to stay.” The photos have gone viral since, as they’ve been posted by other Facebook pages, including Kids with Down Syndrome, where they’ve been shared over 111k times.
More info: Facebook (h/t: huffingtonpost)
RELATED:
Megan Nash’s son with Down Syndrom, Asher, got rejected by a model agency because he had “special needs”
So Nash set off on a mission to make the advertising world more inclusive
“My first thought was how in the world does she know they don’t want a child with a disability if they haven’t even seen his picture?”
She posted her son’s photos to FB hoping to get OshKosh B’Gosh’s attention, and they went crazy viral reaching 111K+ shares
“People need to realize that babies, children and adults with disabilities deserve to be in advertisements just as much as a typical person does”
“I want people to know they are not just a trend that comes and goes in advertisement, they are here to stay”
Let’s hope it will be enough to change their minds!
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What do you think ?
Quant 8 years ago
In other words, they want to cash in on the kid... discrimination my a*s... just read these comments... "deserve".. "not a trend, here to stay"... not even a professional model can be certain she/he'll have a job next year, but this mom sure wants to be sure... entitlement much? Gazzillion dislikes, not to the kid, he's adorable, but to his mother... Also, noninvasive prenatal... just saying.
Johhn3443234523 8 years ago
I know she can see everywhere discrimination, but always somebody is not submitted. No matter how cute is etc. Stop looking everywhere discrimination. Women, people with disability, people of other religions, other races, other orientations can be excluded as well. And it's not always a discrimination.
Hugo Raible 8 years ago
I've a bit of a belly. Where can I ask for my pictures being included in a model agency's catalogue? They only seem to accept skinny people...
Pualani Dalton 8 years ago
Hey, I work for Target, and a focal model point for the boys department in our local store is 3 different boys of different ethnicities, including a boy with special needs ( I.e. Down Syndrome) . There are stores and model agencies that care, the tide is changing, but this whole article struck a negative with me. I can submit a million pictures of my photogenic nephew with autism to my local agency, but unless that's what they want nothing will go forward. Its not discrimination. It's what they as an agency are advertising for.... And is there any comparison between her boy, and another boy who has down syndrome really?What's really the motivator here? He's just a kid. What am I supposed to be judging on, or against?? What cute factor is she measuring on?? What is she fighting on here??? This whole article is a joke.
pilipe 8 years ago
I love how people want to force their ideas. This mom should take care of her son and stop being dumb. We don't want this baby in the advertisement.
cyn smith 8 years ago
And so are you, don' let anyone tell you otherwise! Some of the most beautiful ideas, images, you name it come out of "Abstractions"!!!!!!!!
Load More Replies...
Lynn DeBeal 8 years ago
He is adorable. I say lets not ignore the elephant in the room and pretend his being left out is about anything but our "perfect body" driven culture. f it were not an issue we would not have so many people spending so much money getting plastic surgery, face lifts and reconstruction, tummy tucks, liposuction and died hair. Anorexia, bulimia, a billion dollar diet & gym industry. One would have to be pretty out of touch to not connect the child having the face of Down Syndrome and the company not choosing him. We still have countries, western countries - Russian - where children with DS are kept hidden in their homes.
Solen Yucel 8 years ago
I really don't understand why people are so eager to put their babies into modelling business. I have been in advertising for so many years, it is soul crushing for kids. The auditions, competition and exhausting hours of work. I really believe it creates serious self esteem issues in the future. Also i have seen how ambitious moms get as well. The way they treat other moms in the set, if their kid is lead and the others are extra, the way they treat their kids when they can't reach to the expectation. Well now, this kid has special needs. it is gonna be much much harder for him. Why put your child in a position like this? Is this fighting again discrimination or just ambition? I don't want to be judgemental but i really can't tell.
Karen Bunn 8 years ago
He's a precious kid. Having worked at a creative agency and helped cast and set up kids photo sessions for ad work, I can tell you, lots of kids his age are difficult to work with. They may look the part--but at the end of the day you feel like you've been through the ringer. And because you can only work with a child this age for two hours, temperament is key. (This is also why twins have an advantage for kids under twelve.). I have a second cousin with Downs who was a cool character at this age 90% of the time and cute as a button, too. I'm a fan, of diversity as are many of my clients so, don't give up. Just know there's a smaller market for him. She should get his pics to a kids agency with a good reputation. He might not have been right for that particular job, or, yes he might have been discriminated against. In a sense, modeling and casting often seems that way because you are looking for a very particular set of looks, skills, size, etc. It's not easy for anyone.
Joanne Palmer 8 years ago
Everyone deserves the right to be treated equal but this is not always a given and alot of people with or without special needs find this out the hard way!! He's an adorabl;e little boy though :)
Lynelle Mellady 8 years ago
Is this the kid in the new Fisher Price commercial? Thought he was cute when I first saw it& was so happy to see kids ofall abilities shown!
Audrey La Jeunesse 7 years ago
Aw!!!! Those pictures are super cute! I hope that this doesn't continue to happen/
Isabelle Vive 8 years ago
How can you not love him? Look at him, look at this lovely adorable creature!
Julie Julie 8 years ago
I agree with comments that the mother is using the child to get attention for her own sake rather than really trying to fight discrimination. What I really wonder though is... why would you want to (and fight so hard) to have your child in an advertising campaign? Adults can make their own choices, children cannot. The parents should not have the right to sell the child's image. Regardless of its race, age, body shape and health.
Karin Fern 8 years ago
Not all children get picked..Modeling jobs are tough to get for ANYONE.it isn't discrimination it is the world you are trying to get your son into.where a size 5 model can be " too fat".that woman wasn't being mean she was being HONEST, GET a THICK skin or just let your cute little guy grow up a normal kid
Tyler Durden 8 years ago
They can reject you for various reasons: not being tall/short enough, not being big/small enough, not being redhead/blonde etc... There are commercials where - let's say - extra-size models are needed, older people are needed or kids with down syndrome are needed. Why does it always be the discrimination? Why don't they get to choose whos right for their ad?
Meaghan Brady 8 years ago
The truth is that 99.9% of ads don't represent real people we see every day. This mom just wants to raise awareness, not exploit her son.
Jan Kerry 7 years ago
I think this mother is doing an injustice to people who are truly discriminated against. Throwing the word around loosely in hopes of making money off of her child. "Surely my claim of discrimination against my handicapped child will get him a modeling job". When your child is denyed his "rights" in life due to his condition , then you can claim discrimination. Modeling jobs are not a right my dear. Spend your time helping your child thrive instead of going on witch hunts for a wrong that has not yet happened.
DeeDee Stone 7 years ago
My a*s is so far I can use it as a coffee table. If no one hires me to model, by God I will sue!
Gocha Wimmer 7 years ago
Sorry, he is sweet etc. But I hate when parents do money on their kids. Health kids or kids with disabilities - I don't care. Its all about the money. Get a job mother.
Puddin Tane 8 years ago
What a beautiful little boy! Asher, you BUSTED down the door to my heart. I just can't stop smiling. You are just such a handsome littlle boy and if anyone says different, know that there is a special place for them. You rock, Asher. My heart over flows with love for you. May you achieve all your dreams.
Angelina Russo 8 years ago
Knew this was going to trigger some people, it's basically a debate here in the comments xD
Sara Lowe 8 years ago
I think modeling is a difficult job and a very boring one for very young children. Some children will always be rejected depending on what an agency is looking for, if they are wanting a blond 4 year old girl a brunette 7 year old boy isn't going to do, that's not discrimination thats fulfilling a requirement, if they want a little boy with downs syndrome they are not going to want a little indian girl etc. This parent is using her sons condition to get him attention which is wrong, shame on her even if she doesn't realise what she has done !
cyn smith 8 years ago
Really!!?!! What is wrong with you? Are you the poster child of perfection?
Load More Replies... Quant 8 years ago
In other words, they want to cash in on the kid... discrimination my a*s... just read these comments... "deserve".. "not a trend, here to stay"... not even a professional model can be certain she/he'll have a job next year, but this mom sure wants to be sure... entitlement much? Gazzillion dislikes, not to the kid, he's adorable, but to his mother... Also, noninvasive prenatal... just saying.
Johhn3443234523 8 years ago
I know she can see everywhere discrimination, but always somebody is not submitted. No matter how cute is etc. Stop looking everywhere discrimination. Women, people with disability, people of other religions, other races, other orientations can be excluded as well. And it's not always a discrimination.
Hugo Raible 8 years ago
I've a bit of a belly. Where can I ask for my pictures being included in a model agency's catalogue? They only seem to accept skinny people...
Pualani Dalton 8 years ago
Hey, I work for Target, and a focal model point for the boys department in our local store is 3 different boys of different ethnicities, including a boy with special needs ( I.e. Down Syndrome) . There are stores and model agencies that care, the tide is changing, but this whole article struck a negative with me. I can submit a million pictures of my photogenic nephew with autism to my local agency, but unless that's what they want nothing will go forward. Its not discrimination. It's what they as an agency are advertising for.... And is there any comparison between her boy, and another boy who has down syndrome really?What's really the motivator here? He's just a kid. What am I supposed to be judging on, or against?? What cute factor is she measuring on?? What is she fighting on here??? This whole article is a joke.
pilipe 8 years ago
I love how people want to force their ideas. This mom should take care of her son and stop being dumb. We don't want this baby in the advertisement.
cyn smith 8 years ago
And so are you, don' let anyone tell you otherwise! Some of the most beautiful ideas, images, you name it come out of "Abstractions"!!!!!!!!
Load More Replies... Lynn DeBeal 8 years ago
He is adorable. I say lets not ignore the elephant in the room and pretend his being left out is about anything but our "perfect body" driven culture. f it were not an issue we would not have so many people spending so much money getting plastic surgery, face lifts and reconstruction, tummy tucks, liposuction and died hair. Anorexia, bulimia, a billion dollar diet & gym industry. One would have to be pretty out of touch to not connect the child having the face of Down Syndrome and the company not choosing him. We still have countries, western countries - Russian - where children with DS are kept hidden in their homes.
Solen Yucel 8 years ago
I really don't understand why people are so eager to put their babies into modelling business. I have been in advertising for so many years, it is soul crushing for kids. The auditions, competition and exhausting hours of work. I really believe it creates serious self esteem issues in the future. Also i have seen how ambitious moms get as well. The way they treat other moms in the set, if their kid is lead and the others are extra, the way they treat their kids when they can't reach to the expectation. Well now, this kid has special needs. it is gonna be much much harder for him. Why put your child in a position like this? Is this fighting again discrimination or just ambition? I don't want to be judgemental but i really can't tell.
Karen Bunn 8 years ago
He's a precious kid. Having worked at a creative agency and helped cast and set up kids photo sessions for ad work, I can tell you, lots of kids his age are difficult to work with. They may look the part--but at the end of the day you feel like you've been through the ringer. And because you can only work with a child this age for two hours, temperament is key. (This is also why twins have an advantage for kids under twelve.). I have a second cousin with Downs who was a cool character at this age 90% of the time and cute as a button, too. I'm a fan, of diversity as are many of my clients so, don't give up. Just know there's a smaller market for him. She should get his pics to a kids agency with a good reputation. He might not have been right for that particular job, or, yes he might have been discriminated against. In a sense, modeling and casting often seems that way because you are looking for a very particular set of looks, skills, size, etc. It's not easy for anyone.
Joanne Palmer 8 years ago
Everyone deserves the right to be treated equal but this is not always a given and alot of people with or without special needs find this out the hard way!! He's an adorabl;e little boy though :)
Lynelle Mellady 8 years ago
Is this the kid in the new Fisher Price commercial? Thought he was cute when I first saw it& was so happy to see kids ofall abilities shown!
Audrey La Jeunesse 7 years ago
Aw!!!! Those pictures are super cute! I hope that this doesn't continue to happen/
Isabelle Vive 8 years ago
How can you not love him? Look at him, look at this lovely adorable creature!
Julie Julie 8 years ago
I agree with comments that the mother is using the child to get attention for her own sake rather than really trying to fight discrimination. What I really wonder though is... why would you want to (and fight so hard) to have your child in an advertising campaign? Adults can make their own choices, children cannot. The parents should not have the right to sell the child's image. Regardless of its race, age, body shape and health.
Karin Fern 8 years ago
Not all children get picked..Modeling jobs are tough to get for ANYONE.it isn't discrimination it is the world you are trying to get your son into.where a size 5 model can be " too fat".that woman wasn't being mean she was being HONEST, GET a THICK skin or just let your cute little guy grow up a normal kid
Tyler Durden 8 years ago
They can reject you for various reasons: not being tall/short enough, not being big/small enough, not being redhead/blonde etc... There are commercials where - let's say - extra-size models are needed, older people are needed or kids with down syndrome are needed. Why does it always be the discrimination? Why don't they get to choose whos right for their ad?
Meaghan Brady 8 years ago
The truth is that 99.9% of ads don't represent real people we see every day. This mom just wants to raise awareness, not exploit her son.
Jan Kerry 7 years ago
I think this mother is doing an injustice to people who are truly discriminated against. Throwing the word around loosely in hopes of making money off of her child. "Surely my claim of discrimination against my handicapped child will get him a modeling job". When your child is denyed his "rights" in life due to his condition , then you can claim discrimination. Modeling jobs are not a right my dear. Spend your time helping your child thrive instead of going on witch hunts for a wrong that has not yet happened.
DeeDee Stone 7 years ago
My a*s is so far I can use it as a coffee table. If no one hires me to model, by God I will sue!
Gocha Wimmer 7 years ago
Sorry, he is sweet etc. But I hate when parents do money on their kids. Health kids or kids with disabilities - I don't care. Its all about the money. Get a job mother.
Puddin Tane 8 years ago
What a beautiful little boy! Asher, you BUSTED down the door to my heart. I just can't stop smiling. You are just such a handsome littlle boy and if anyone says different, know that there is a special place for them. You rock, Asher. My heart over flows with love for you. May you achieve all your dreams.
Angelina Russo 8 years ago
Knew this was going to trigger some people, it's basically a debate here in the comments xD
Sara Lowe 8 years ago
I think modeling is a difficult job and a very boring one for very young children. Some children will always be rejected depending on what an agency is looking for, if they are wanting a blond 4 year old girl a brunette 7 year old boy isn't going to do, that's not discrimination thats fulfilling a requirement, if they want a little boy with downs syndrome they are not going to want a little indian girl etc. This parent is using her sons condition to get him attention which is wrong, shame on her even if she doesn't realise what she has done !
cyn smith 8 years ago
Really!!?!! What is wrong with you? Are you the poster child of perfection?
Load More Replies... 
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