Model: I won 'genetic lottery,' Cameron Russell says what few will

A famous model reveals that she won a "genetic lottery" in her revelations about how she came to be who she is. Cameron Russell openly shared her experience and views as being one of the top supermodels in today's world, CNN reports Feb. 18.

Russell --who has modeled for Victoria' Secret, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and seen in the pages of multiple fashion magazines -- wanted others to know what privilege means. She started off by saying she was "scouted," but that it means nothing.

Perhaps the real sentiment that came from her honesty, was how winning the "genetic lottery" really did the trick for her.

The model said:

"The real way that I became a model is that I won a genetic lottery, and I am the recipient of a legacy. What do I mean by legacy? Well, for the past few centuries we have defined beauty not just as health and youth and symmetry that we're biologically programmed to admire, but also as tall, slender figures, and femininity and white skin. And this is a legacy that was built for me, and it's a legacy that I've been cashing in on."

As Russell points out, some will argue that models Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, Joan Smalls, and Liu Wen are famous non-white models.

Russell's answer:

"But the truth is that in 2007 when an inspired NYU Ph.D. student counted all the models on the runway, of the 677 models hired, only 27, or less than four percent, were non-white."

Among the many things the model said besides winning the "genetic lottery," were she gets "undeserving attention" because of her looks, she is "not a uniquely accomplished 25-year-old," and "hard work is not why I have been successful as a model."

Basically, Cameron Russell said she has to show up to work with a 23-inch waist and "looking young, feminine, and white."

The model spoke candidly about her perceptions and few would make such bold comments. In her case, she was honest and her story is among the most popular being read right now.