G-code = Loyalty??

My best mate Taryn DuPlooy and I (a.k.a. Lercano & Tarnado...our superhero names, lol :'D)

"Cliques are for kids!" Apparently, that's a statement made by an individual that for some reason, prefers being a loner, either by choice or perhaps from unpleasant experiences with being in a 'group of friends'.

What I've witnessed and have tried to understand, is this 'g-code'(guy-code/girl-code) business among men and women, and it has fascinated me how the 'rules' tend to change or can be adjusted, depending on the matter at hand.

In  the #ModelBiz loyalty and camaraderie is demonstrated in the often love/hate working relationship between a model(client) and their agent(employee). I know you probably thought I'd have said it's among the models, but sadly enough, this is not a common thing, go figure. I mean, among the different cliques/groups of friends, there is plenty of it, especially with us older and more experienced ones, but not when it comes down to who could be getting the next paying gig.

A model's loyalty to her agent, regardless of the fact that the agent is the model's employee, and not the other way around, will be tested a lot during a model's career, especially when the relationship is new. I've been with the same agent and agency since '99, and Monica Smyth is my 2nd mother, but it hasn't always been peaches and cream, but the main reason I am still one of her models, is my loyalty towards her. 

Time and time again, she has demonstrated that she has my best interest in mind and heart, and she never compromises my values or standards or a quick buck.

Many times, a disgruntled model will have something to complain about, and trust me there's plenty to complain about, the industry in South Africa has a LONG way to go before models are actually paid the respect and money we deserve, and models tend to blame their agents for things out of their control. When in truth, the blame lies with the 'middle-man' AND the models ourselves! Why we're to blame for the bad fees and often mediocre treatment is plain and simple; there is NO palpable proof of loyalty in the massive numbers of professional models in this country.

I could complain and go into detail about how some models would take a low paying job, just for the sake of working to pay the bills, but I won't, because we have to pay bills right? I could explain that another reason our industry isn't loyal to us as the ones that actually 'make' a campaign, shoot or fashion show possible, because we've allowed it to happen for not saying 'No' in ONE voice as models to the ridiculous decline in fees and oft times ill treatment on the job, but I won't.

I have asked a few men and women I know, on how the 'g-code' is applied in different situations, and I used examples that were sensible and some that were almost 'impossible' to think could be resolved without anyone ending a relationship that's business or personal, short or long-term. The main ingredient that I found played a major role in sustaining a healthy relationship between friends and partners, was loyalty. Regardless of the gain or loss to either party, it seemed that the relationship trumped any sort of animosity or resentment that could develop.

Most cliques are formed from school days, either in primary and high school or tertiary institutes, majority being the latter. For others, that were perhaps loners or outcasts in those awkward times of their lives, they developed friendships and partnerships within a group as an adult in the working environment. 'Word' has it, that it doesn't matter how long you've known a person for, but it depends on the sort of character one has, that when loyalty is tested, it will show and prove where ones trust should lay.

With all this said, there is one thing I know for certain; true loyalty is priceless, and it hardly ever seeks a public reward or acknowledgement, it's just demonstrated in or out of the presence of those one claims to be loyal to. The foundations of loyalty can however be shaken to it's core, leaving cracks that often cannot be mended.

Another thing I realized; is that trying to decipher and fully understand the 'g-code' is not entirely possible, because for different cliques, different understandings and dynamics come into play. So there isn't really a written rule-book of the 'g-code', but more and unwritten understanding between friends and/or partners, that's discussed at some point in a relationship. Some times, there is no discussion, and some rules are just 'common sense'....hehehehehe, but it's often laughable though, how common sense these days; is not as common as we would believe and how what's common for one, may not be common for another. Ah yes, the intricacies of life and human nature.

I pray that someday, that the sort of bond and immovable loyalty shown in most lifelong friendships and partnerships, does develop in the #ModelBiz. Some relationships are seasonal, and that's with most things in life, but others are for a lifetime and some, even what some consider an 'eternity'.

The entertainment industry as a whole, shows tremendous and often applaud-able cases of loyalty that has been built into formidable empires. Even the #ModelBiz internationally has produced many an empire; Tyra's, Kimora's and Heidi's to name a few, and what I've noticed as the golden thread, there are links to the entertainment industry, makes sense right. Most of the time, folks here are quick to jump at bringing down anothers attempts to build or grow in their careers, as opposed to the few that actually show support, not just in word but in action.

 Models overseas use 'technical riders' just like an artist or actor would, and I'm very sure that most models or agents here don't even know what one is.

Our industry is in denial, if we can't admit that it has become stagnant. If any of us can proudly look forward to a truly growing and thriving industry, using ONE voice to build and develop it, I'm sure once it's where it should have been at least 5 years ago, the bickering, back-stabbing and selfishness can continue in the background. Let's build it first, so there will be something to worth competing for, because right now, there is simply no serious financial gain or growth for any industry player.

Mama Bear carez, I swearz...peace, love and strawberry cheesecake y'all...MWAH! :-*