Girls Just Wanna...

Are they really the revolution in feminism or is it all just a facade? These girls, all tatted and pierced, have taken the Internet world by storm, but who are they? SuicideGirls. Originally started in the summer of 2001, the owner Missy Suicide as she's called, created the website as an independent art project. However, it soon blossomed from just an art project into a worldwide craze. As it has grown, it has been creating a frenzy of people wanting to become a SuicideGirl. The numbers of girls signing up with hopes of becoming a SuicideGirl themselves have grown over the years.

As it was created, it was intended to be a site that empowers women and strengthens the morale of feminism. However, recent allegations have arisen accusing the owners of the site of exploiting the women who draw viewers. The site's owners have been accused of reselling photos or selling the sites that the girls submit to other third parties, usually hardcore pornography websites, who are willing to pay; Punkrockgirlfriend.com for example is a website that has purchased many of SuicideGirl sets, and which advertises sexually-charged content of a more-than-modeling nature. Here are interviews of two women, one of whom is currently active on the site and is pro SG, the other who used to be active on the site and has become anti SG.

Jennifer Caravelli, formerly Sicily Suicide, 28, an ex-SG who originally joined the group in 2003, but left due to irreconcilable differences had a few things to say. Fullerton College Torch: When did you first decide to become a suicidegirl and why? Jennifer Caravell: In 2003. I liked the aesthetic. I liked the models and I was under the impression that a woman shot the photos and ran the site. FCT: I'm sure you were very well known as a SG, so why did you leave? JC: I was ripped off and lied to. I had a moment of clarity and realized how idealistically naive I was being and had to leave if I wanted an inkling of my integrity and self-respect intact. FCT: So there's been a lot going on with SG and the resale of photos of girls who were either archived or whose sets were rejected, you being one of them, have you got anything to say to the people who are pro-SG or are SGs themselves as well as the aspiring SGs out there? JC: It's pretty obvious in hindsight. You hand someone the rights to your image and it could end up anywhere. It's about money, of course Sean sold our images. Why wouldn't he? He is a businessman; he doesn't care about the how the models are respected by the thousands of people jacking off to their pics. There are over a thousand suicide girls...dime a dozen. FCT: Have you got any words to say or any warning to any girls aspiring to be a SG out there? JC: If you're cool with having your image smattered all over smut sights, etc, etc...go for it. Just know that you are objectifying yourself and have absolutely no control of the context in which your image is displayed.

FCT: Since you're off of the site now are you doing? JC: Business, Art, Kung Fu, etc...My life is awesome. FCT: Have you got anything to say to any models aspiring to break out into the alt-porn field? JC: Once again, the creative aspect is a lot of fun. I would suggest putting yourself into situations where you own the rights to all your images. Conversely, Beau Suicide, 21, has had a positive experience of from being a SuicideGirl, and she loves what the site is about. FCT: So you feel at home with SG? And other than excitement, how are you feeling right now? BS: Seriously, the truth is, I feel like I've always been a SuicideGirl. In high school I used to stick safety pins in my face and dye my contacts crazy colors. SG is more then a webpage to me - it's a lifestyle. I just finally had the guts to say I deserve an opportunity to do this and went for it. So yes, I do feel at home...and excited...when the set goes up I'm sure I'll be announcing it. FCT: So I'm sure you've heard about SuicideGirls and the whole resale controversy, what have you got to say about that? BS: You know. I want my face to be out there. Stuff happens, it's just like any other webpage. People steal things also. It's not right by any means. But if someone used mine, would I even know? Chances are not unless someone directly told me about it. Even if, I still don't see a huge deal it in. Like I said things happen. If so, I think I'm pretty cool about it. After all they are just making me more popular. FCT: Okay...I can understand that, How about the talk going on concerning SG and their contract, what is your opinion on that? BS: The contract? You mean like they cannot pay for the photo shoot and all that? I really haven't had any negative experiences. I mean they really have hooked me up. I'm just loving it.

FCT: Not that exactly, more along the lines of the moment you sign the contract and get accepted, you're the official property of SG, some would say. BS: Ah yes, I don't mind. I mean that's with anyone that has your photos copyrighted! What the heck is the big deal? It's whatever. I'm proud to be SG property.

FCT: Well, I mean some girls want to model for SG and at the same time model for another site but cannot because SG forbids them and will take legal action if they do, so on that level, What are your intentions with SG? How do you plan to use them? Are you planning on modeling for anyone else? BS: Victoria's Secret models that did campaigning for Very Sexy makeup cannot campaign like Maybelline - for instance I'm sure you've seen Adriana Lima do that. She's not on the Very Sexy line. No. I get rejected everywhere else for my height. And I'm tired of it. I mean I do promotional modeling, but its not taking pictures, its serving free beer to people. I have used one non-nude photo to show people on my MySpace. Why? It seriously has been getting me more promotional jobs. And they pay thirty dollars an hour, it's great pay.

FCT: So what has SG given you so far? BS: A good job, great friends, profession photos, free access to the webpage, and a care package with five hundreds dollars with my name on it And confidence! Not to mention! People haven't even seen the set and I've gotten so many compliments. People are excited to see my pictures too. I really appreciate everyone's support.

FCT: So being that it's a major webpage and hundreds, if not thousands of girls apply for the chance to be a model, what advice would you give to model hopefuls out there? BS: Go for it! If you're not a perfect, tall, skinny supermodel. I think all these girls have a chance and the mainstream doesn't give it to a lot more of the girls out there. There is an apply page. You have a computer? It's just one click away. That easy.

FCT: Have you got anything else to say to the readers out there? BS: It's a good opportunity; I mean I got to meet so many people. And everyone is so nice and helpful on the web page. I think there is way too much negativity been going around about SG.

To Suicide or not to Suicide? Ultimately, it depends on what you want for your career and how you look at Internet modeling.