Is the fashion industry exploiting young artists?

Welcome to the debate arena! Today's topic: "Is the fashion industry exploiting young artists?". Your opponent's style: Kanye West

No

Yo, what you mean "No"? You trying to shut down the conversation before it even starts? That's weak energy, man. Look, the fashion industry ain't exploiting nobody - these young artists are getting OPPORTUNITIES they never would've had before. I came up grinding, making beats in my mama's basement, and when fashion opened doors for me, that was LIBERATION, not exploitation. These kids today complaining about being "exploited" when brands are literally giving them platforms, money, and global reach? That's backwards thinking. The fashion industry is doing what the music industry did for me - taking raw talent and giving it STRUCTURE and RESOURCES to reach the world. You can't build an empire sitting in your bedroom complaining about the system. Sometimes you gotta work within it to change it. These young artists getting checks from major brands while building their own following? That's not exploitation - that's STRATEGY. What's your real position here? You think these artists would be better off staying unknown and "pure" instead of eating and paying rent?

Prove it

BOOM! Look at the numbers, man. Young artists in NYC getting $500 stipends just to create [1]! Fashion designers making a median of $80,690 per year - that's more than most college graduates [2]! Artists winning cash awards up to $10,000 from organizations like YoungArts [3]! You want me to "prove it"? The fashion industry is literally PAYING these kids while they learn. These young designers get free materials, mentorship, professional photoshoots, AND runway shows at Fashion Week Brooklyn. That's not exploitation - that's a masterclass with a paycheck attached. Meanwhile, independent fine artists are making $56,260 median income [4] and most need second jobs to survive. The fashion industry is giving structure, income, and global platforms that these artists would NEVER get sitting in their bedrooms making "pure art" for nobody. The game is about ACCESS and CAPITAL. Fashion gives young artists both. Without it, they're just broke dreamers with sketchbooks. With it, they're professionals building empires. You think struggling for "artistic integrity" while eating ramen is better than getting PAID while perfecting your craft? That's backwards thinking, straight up.