Social issues

Banks, Tyra. Modelland. New York: Delacorte, 2011. Print.

There is inequality present in many parts of Modelland. The first place you learn about it is when Tookie is at school. The wealthy people are respected more at her school because they can afford the nicest clothes. Then later, at the Day-Of-Discovery, the girls are being judged on their looks in order to be chosen to attend Modelland. The most beautiful girls are chosen. Then when Tookie is taken to Modelland, she learns about "Mannecants". The following quote explains Mannecants further.

"Tookie's eyes strayed to the left, to an assembly of about three hundred other girls. Some were not girls at all but older women. They were totally nude, and their flesh seemed to be made of hard plastic with creases at every joint-- the shoulders, elbows, and wrists, the neck, hips, knees, and ankles-- which made them look like living, breathing mannequins. Their eyeballs were completely black, making them look soulless. They stood stiffly, staring blankly at the crowd. Just looking at them made Tookie shiver." (Banks 167)
""Servants of Modelland," ZhenZhen explained. "They are failed Bellas who dedicated their lives to this place in exchange for never having to leave."" (Banks 171)

In my opinion, the author is trying to prove the inequality present in the world of fashion and modelling on a larger scale. As the story progresses, I am starting to notice suspicion forming in the main character. She is noticing the inequality that occurs at Modelland. This is important to the story because it's possible that later in the story, Tookie (the main character) will rebel against these inequalities and that will become the plot.