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“ Being different is something that I should be proud of, this is not my destiny but it is my choice.”
Matthew Pakasi is a 19-year old model from Singapore and said that people treated him unfair for the reason of being different, such as the way he dresses and walks. He quoted, “I normally get judged by people my age and I was bullied in high school because they think I am different and weird”.
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SINGAPOREAN Model and Makeup
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n this era, men wearing makeup is not a new thing. Some people make stereotypes that makeup and fashion is solely for girls. In the fashion industry is acceptable, however, in the regular society it may still be unacceptable because most people think that it is unusual. Matthew Pakasi, 19, from Singapore, he is an androgyny model, and said that people treated him unfair for the reason of being different from others, such as the way he dresses and walks. He quoted, “I normally get judged by people my age, and I was bullied in high school because they think I am different and weird”. A year after Matthew graduated from high school, he decided to join a model agency, and from that time onwards, countless designers have lined up booking for his services. He has been featured in famous magazines, such as Elle Magazine Indonesia in 2014. Even though he is an androgynous, he feels proud of himself. “I am really proud with myself. Yes, I am different but through the differences I have, I can make my own money”, said Matthew. He has been interested with make-up and fashion since he was 12 years old. There are only a few boys like him around and he felt embarrassed at the beginning, but his decision is to go and try some beauty products. Turns out, his first time experience was amazing. “I am so excited. I went with my older sister and pick up make-up products that I see without knowing the colour/shade for my skin”, said Matthew. In the beginning, his parents were very shocked by his decision but now they are supportive with their child’s decision. “I love my child, I do not care what he wants to do. As long as he is healthy and kind, I am fine”, said his mom.
“My society have suffered a lot, sometimes people speak very nasty words to us”, said Matthew. He, is also identified himself as a homosexual, says that he believes societies are opening up to people like him. “This world is now in the modern age. Even though I get bullied right now, I believe people will change” said Matthew during the interview. Matthew has also been hired by an Indonesian designer, Ivan Gunawan. He is a couture designer and he has been using Matthew as his model for four fashion shows in a row. Ivan said, “This guy was incredible, we learned a lot from him. People who hate him will say what they want to say but he doesn’t seem to care and he will show to them that he can. Confident is the key for success, do not be scared to people that judge you”, said Ivan. Other than Matthew, other models from the same agency have the same experiences he had. Despite this, he does not want his name to be mentioned, is also a homosexual and was bullied from high school, just like Matthew. He said: “Being different is something that I should be proud of, this is not my destiny but it is my choice.” He continued, “everyone does not know how hard it is to be bullied like us, it was terrifying to have that kind of experience”. It is hard to have freedom for this issue. They are getting judged from lots of people every time they try to make things right. The things they do are unacceptable in most of the public’s eyes. Some people accept them for what they are, but some do not. “I don’t support them, as I believe makeup on men seems to be important in certain cases such as photo shoot or video making but not for daily life” said Marie, 35, She is a Singpore fashion magazine editor.
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On the other hand, Maya, 21, a fashion design student at LCCA supports this controversial view and quotes, “I think a man should be allowed to wear whatever they want, and if that includes makeup, I do not mind at all. There’s nothing wrong about a man wearing makeup and being fashionable. As long as they are comfortable with so, why not?” Living in this society, we learn to be better and not to be perfect. Agree or not, these people will wear makeup in any way. One famous You Tubers, Endi Feng, 25, said, “I wear makeup for my everyday life, and I love the way using makeup gives me confidence. I wear makeup and I do not tell anybody until they realized on their own,” and he continued, “Makeup is genderless, so a men with makeup is okay”. In the interview, Endi said “I get emails everyday from heterosexual men who are thinking to buy foundation for themselves after years feeling unconfident with their natural look, but are too scared to wear it.” This proves that even straight men wear makeup, and makeup is genderless. This might not be for a daily basis, but for some occasions where they want to look good. Despite of this controversy, Cover Girl is using male beauty blogger for their new cover shoot. This is the first time that they using men for their cover. At 17 years old, James Charles becomes the first male ambassador for cover girl. He got a call to be in the cover of Cover Girl only a year after start using makeup. He shoots the cover along side with his favorite idol, Katy Perry. “Cover Girl has always embraced diversity and pushed the boundaries, I think having a male ambassador really takes it one step further and just expresses inclusivity for all. Makeup is kind of becoming a more genderless concept, which is so cool and something that I’m all for” said Charles according to ABC news website. Fortunately, makeup for young men is a growing custom now. The industries are influencing young men to wear makeup in a daily basis. In the meantime, makeup has become a part of men’s lives. These kinds of men have their own reason to wear makeup, from wanting to look very good in their “big day” or just to feel more confident. 7 Anima
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“ I normally get judged by people my age, and I was bullied in high school because they think I am different and weird �
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