It isn’t every day that consumers view their favorite products or stores advertised with anything other than perfection: a model with the perfect body, the perfect hair, the perfect smile or an expensive item only few can afford. Maybe we should take a minute to review our definition of perfection because Target seems to have hit the nail on the head when it comes to the ideal image—a fun, loving, and beautiful boy who soaks up the spotlight and is changing the mindset of people across the world one advertisement at a time.
Ryan Langston, 6, has charisma, a Bieber-like haircut, and a contagious smile that has caught the eyes of the media and consumers across the world. There is only one thing that sets him apart from the other kid models seen on our favorite Target advertisements, Ryan has Down syndrome. The cute kid with blonde hair and blue eyes fits right in with the other 3 children also photographed in the Target ads.
Ryan’s parents are ecstatic about his ability to pose in front of a camera and feel no different than the other kids his age—this is how Ryan should feel. In an interview with NBC Nightly News, Ryan’s father Jim says, “the fact that they are not making a big deal—it’s ironic. It’s a big deal because they are not making a big deal about it,” he said.
To read more about Ryan and how he has enlightened families with his keen sense of humor and charming demeanor, check out the NBC News exclusive, “Child model with Down syndrome inspires thousands.”
