INTERVIEW WITH MANICORN, MODEL & ACTIVIST RONNIE KROELL
By: Christopher Donaldson
6.10.2010
Although a bit embarrassing to admit, I prefer perusing the Urban Dictionary to Webster’s or Oxford’s English. In fact, I prefer it to most anything else that would require me to step away from my computer. I speculate this is because I have fully transitioned from human to internet borg.
In my defense, there is much to learn from street, cyber and subculture lexicons; meanings usually labeled meaningless by mainstream culture.
Case in point is the word "manicorn" I found the other day on, yes, Urban Dictionary. A manicorn is a mythical male creature who is successful, smart, chivalrous and artistic; someone who can be found at bars, but not singing karaoke drunk while making out with your best friend. In other words, he’s the “elusive perfect male.”
To my surprise, I was lucky enough to capture manicorn and June 2010 Playgirl model Ronnie Kroell, better known in his human form as the handsome mid-westerner on season one of Bravo’s Make Me a Super Model (MMASM). Before he galloped back to that magical land known as New York City, we chatted about activism, success, beauty meeting brains, and, well, what it feels like to be perfect in an imperfect world.
How did you feel after winning the "fan favorite" prize on MMSM?
I was humbled because it showed that viewers were able to see through to the heart of my work. It is because of my fans that I'm still pushing forward and reaching for my dreams. They found value, not just in the work that I do, but also in the products and messaging behind the work. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today.
Ah, a guy with a big heart. What other types of work, besides modeling, do you do?
Over the past few years I have collaborated with various organizations and charities that support public health education and promotion. Currently, my focus is directed at a very special project, GeekNerdWonk Charitable Foundation (GNW), I founded with Stephanie A. Jones.
GNW contributes money, talent and volunteers to help small charities raise funds, add professional and academic credentials in their applied field work, and develop grant proposals.
I hear that you're also a student.
Yes. I'm studying Political Science at The New School in NYC. My family taught me that embracing diversity, education, and standing up for myself are some of the most important values I can hold on to. I love learning about different cultures, public policy and global humanitarian causes, and I believe that it's critical to leverage field-work experience with hands-on training to better explore those ideas and theories. If I'm going to carry out my passion and dream of protecting human rights, I need adequate experience working in different cultures and communities. One of the groups that I work with and look to for support and guidance is the LGBTQ community.
Since MMASM ended, I have been working non-stop doing fashion, music, and acting, and have continued my humanitarian work in Chicago. I have also been fortunate enough to work with Mayor Bloomberg, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and Statesman Supreme, Hillary Rodham Clinton— who on her 2008 campaign trail called me her favorite supermodel. There's a lot of work to be done in our respective communities and I don't want to be sitting on the sidelines. I want to be in the ring with my gloves on.
We need more guys in the ring with their gloves on. Admirable guys. Who do you look up to?
I admire the empathetic person. Someone who says what he means, and does what he says. Call me old fashioned, but I still believe there is value in handshakes and in the spoken word. We are all presented with opportunities to make a difference every single day, whether that be through a friendly smile, holding the door open for someone, or giving someone directions. It's not really hard to earn my admiration, but it does take a certain level of selflessness and effort.
It took me three months to decide. Not because of the type of work, or potential scandal, but three months to flush out what I wanted the photographs to mean. The deal was sealed when Playgirl agreed to give me full artistic license and control over the project.
On the surface, posing was a beautiful and exciting art project. But I wanted to dig deeper. I realized that this project offered me an opportunity to directly challenge the way Americans view nudity and human sexuality. Why are we scared of the penis? 49% of all Americans have one. On a more macro-level, I wanted to examine why we label ourselves, or attempt to, through fashion, sexuality, gender and race. Why we use stereotypes to lay order on perceived realities.
What advice do you have for aspiring models?
God, I could write a book of Dos and Don'ts, but the right road to success in the modeling industry does not exist. The bottom line is this: modeling is hard work. It isn't always about glitter, glam and hype. As a model, you need a genuine interest in the products you sell. You have to be willing to work long hours with an assortment of different personalities. Remember that models are living, breathing hangers hired to sell products.
Also, there is no such thing as 'luck' in the industry. It's about doing the work, building strong relationships and being a team-player. No one wants to deal with a Diva.
Divas are deal breakers. What, then, is a deal maker?
[laughs] Marriage. I want to marry the love of my life and commit to a "traditional" relationship complete with adorable little children. My parents really want to be grandparents and I really want to be a dad. Before all that happens though, I want to travel the world, foster friendships and collaborate with others to change the world for the better. And let's face it, I have to make some serious money in order to keep that family happy.
Are you seeing anyone special right now?
I'm in love with the smart, the talented, the sexy, the soulful and the extraordinarily endowed (hearted) Taylor Proffitt.
