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New magazine targets black Brazilians
From Correspondent Marina Mirabella
SAO PAULO, Brazil (CNN) -- Some models who measure up in every way consider themselves lucky to be working. They don't fit the popular prototype, but a new magazine is out to change that.
Brazil has a sizable population that is black or of mixed race. But the magazines that line the newsstands do not reflect that, with covers of white faces as the norm.
"For the longest time, I couldn't get work because of my skin color," said model Marianne de Moraes. "Modeling agencies weren't hiring people with dark skin."
Journalist Aroldo Macedo is beginning to fill the void by launching the country's first magazine geared to people of color, called Brazil Race.
"It's like 90 million Afro-Brazilians are invisible because of their skin color and because of the myth that they don't have any purchasing power," Macedo said.
The magazine's first run of 250,000 copies sold out at newsstands in two days, prompting publishers to print another 100,000 copies.
The magazine isn't just about black fashion or makeup. It talks about issues that are often ignored by most other publications. Articles focus on topics such as mixed marriages, job discrimination and profiles of successful black Brazilians.
Those who run the magazine say their goal is to raise the self-esteem of blacks.
"Self-esteem among Afro-Brazilians has always been low," Macedo said. "They don't see any role models in the media. Our magazine wants to change that."
With the success of Brazil Race, other magazines and advertisers are taking notice, recognizing that black faces on covers sell issues. That, in turn, is providing black models -- and Afro-Brazilian interests -- with more exposure.
Related sites:
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- The Great Brasil Web Tour - This page automatically guides you through some of the best Brasilian resource sites on the Web.
- Brazil On Line
- The Brazilian Society: Culture
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