Why I No Longer Support Soft White Underbelly: Ethics and Exploitation in Mark Laita's SWU Project

In this video, I criticize photographer Mark Laita's YouTube series "Soft White Underbelly," which consists of interviews with individuals living on the fringes of society - including pimps and prostitutes, thieves and mafiosi, and damaged people of all stripes. I describe my transformation from supportive fan to jaded unsubscriber. Specifically, I discuss: I. Issues with consent in obtaining interviews: 7:40 II. Won't take down interviews as promised: 10:15 III. Exploitation of underage interviewees (Nova): 15:30 IV. Crowdfunding accountability and fund allocation (as seen in the Whittaker fiasco, including discussion of contractual exclusivity): 20:57 V. Irresponsible and unrealistic narratives around trauma and sex work: 30:22 I touch on Mark's emotional entanglement with his interviewees as well as his periodic angry outbursts; his reluctance to accept advice from licensed mental health professionals and to involve a greater number of people in the decision-making connected to his project; how his interview approach could retraumatize the people that he is supposedly trying to help; and how he is glamorizing and popularizing some very dangerous narratives about online and full-service sex work. I understand that Mark has an avid fanbase, and I agree that there is value in what he does. However, I believe that he needs to modify his approach for the safety and well-being of everyone involved, including himself. All I ask is that you respect my right to articulate my opinion (as I will your own!).