PERSONAL
My personal response to this image is a cultural difference. Living in a culture where women walk around half naked and don’t think anything of it, this image is different then our culture. The women are happy and do not looked oppressed or reluctant to wear this dress. Our culture views this as a burden or something that a man came up with and so we have to “free” these women. I dont think this is how it is at all. So when I see this picture I think it just captures how different our views are of other people.
HISTORICAL
The history of arab women and their role in that society is not something I am familiar with. If I had to take a guess, I think that their religion has a lot to do with their culture.
TECHNICAL
Lighting
The lighting in this shot is natural because it is taken outdoors. You can see on the white especially the highlights from the sun. It appears to be a very sunny day, giving good lighting for the shot.
Composition
This shot is a mid body shot. I think that it is candid, but there are little things you could still pull out from it. For example, the arches in the background mirror the arches of the women’s veils. Also, the splashes of blue that carry your eye through out the photo. The setting of the photo is unknown because it appears as though the photographer is just focusing on the emotion of the women. Also, if you notice the women are wearing colored garments that are patterned as well. This to me represents the style in the culture. This also appears to be a very horizontal image
Symbolism/Vector
The graphic vector of the arcading arches draws your eye horizontally from one woman to the next. Also, I think that their attire is symbolic for modesty.
Ethical/Cultural/Critical
The ethical portrayel that comes to my mind when stereotyping arabs is the violent radical image. These women look very peaceful and I think it is unethical to judge a group of people because one person messed up. Culturally, this picture screams at us. We are completely different in our culture and I think this picture can sum up the different approaches to beauty.
Overall approach to femininity
I believe this picture represents arab femininity because of the dress. This photo captures the beauty of their modesty. They do not dress this way because they are oppressed (stereotype) however they respect themselves enough to be modest. I think this is true femininity and beauty. Modesty is respect for yourself and these women look just as happy and they are not wearing skanky clothes. The pretty colors and patterns of their outfits show that effort is still put into style. They are not just thrown into something that appears ugly or unflattering. They also can pick something that reflects their personality.
2 responses so far ↓
adriennerhea // April 14, 2008 at 7:31 pm
I agree with you on this picture Steph, the women in the shot don’t seem to be oppressed, they seem very happy and to be having a great time. The colored and pattern clothes that the women are wearing gives the picture a lighter happier feel than most of the other pictures I’ve encountered! Good job.
bekahfletch // April 16, 2008 at 12:12 am
I like your photo. It is a different look at their stereotyped culture. I agree with you in that it doesn’t look like they feel as though they are oppressed. That is just the western idea of their lifestyle. Bravo Roomie!!