The picture signifies the modern Indian housewife, who is metaphorically presented as a super woman. The red cloth (like superman) and lower camera angle signify the super-human and powerful nature of her. She stands for housewives in general metonymically. This is a visual sign. It is iconic at surface level, symbolic at metaphorical level and ironic at mythic level. Why is the woman fair and young? Why not dark-skinned? Why not an overweight or very thin? Why not an older woman? Why can’t she be in modern attire, let’s say long kurta and jeans? Paradigmatically, saree is chosen for her as an attire, equating Indian-ness with one specific type of attire, and a specific style of wearing it. The script of the image reads, 'gettyimages' and 'uniquely india'.
Such a picture conveys the message that women are really happy, satisfied and powerful in our society, which is a myth. But, the dominant ideology (patriarchy in this case) tries to propagate and normalize this idea. The image subtly encodes the notion of caretaker of the house and family, plus objectifies the woman for sexual gaze.
Extending one more type of interpretation, actually presented by one of the female students, the picture shows a proud acceptance of menstrual cycle which makes her, a super woman, superior to men as it is also a sign of reproductive system. In such an interpretation, the red cape symbolizes menstrual blood. While smiling and confident stance of the woman signifies her proud acceptance of the fact that there is nothing dirty or taboo about menstrual period.
Patriarchy is not because of men, it's because of jealous women who disrespect courageous, strongly opinionated women who speak against wrong. First learn to stand for each other, men is just using this jealousy for his own benefits. Don't be a good girl according to society norms be a sensible girl.
ReplyDeleteBe a conscious women's you don't need certificate from western culture or Indian culture on anyone. You have incredible abilities just explore, appreciate and put into action with confidence. Noone is weak nor men nor women.
You don't have to wear western or Indian outfit to be strong rather wear comfortable clothes, you don't have to smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. Absolutely nonsense you have to just believe in yourself, you have to read stories of successful women, you have to learn to reject opinions of everyone about your character, you know yourself better than anyone on this earth.
You have to reason well and live in society with full confidence because you are society.