Who am I? Do you know my name? Do you know who I am? Do you care?
These are questions women have had to face and deal with when trying to present themselves as an artist in a field dominated by men. Artists Lorna Simpson and Shirin Neshat explore gender stereotyping, racism, and class in these works. What are their hidden messages, and how is stereotyping, racism, and classism explored in each piece?
She, Lorna Simpson, 1992
Rebellious Silence, Neshat, 1994
The message behind “She” is that Lorna felt as if women in the united states are treated by everyone as we (women) are faceless. As if we have no identity, personality, or no voice. Society stereotype women as if we are nobody. Lorna wants to show society that we are someone we do have a voice. Far as racism Lorna uses skin color to define who society thinks that black women are faceless with no identity.
The message behind “Rebellious Silence” is that Islam believe women are equal to men. The women have to wear Chador, to prevent her from becoming a sexual object. I believe some people may stereotype this picture as if she is a terrorist. I believe a person may be racist towards her because of her Chador. People are racist towards her because we are not use to seeing women from Islam wearing Chadors. That same person may not understand why she has to wear the Chador.
Hi Bashful…..very powerful message!
class notes 2/14/13
She challenges black women’s role in America
She wear the pants in the family
She explosres stereotypes, race, class, and gender in western society
Erike23,
What type of stereotypyes are explored in She and Rebellious Silence?
Why must a woman “wear the pants” in the family?
Be more specific….Prof. Dee
In class we never went over why she had the gun exactly? Maybe it’s because of her equality to man and that she might have to take up that role in protecting her family.
Alyssa…..depending on which class you are in, there was some discussion around the gun….the gun divides her face into light and dark areas, both being equal…What do you think that means? … I will ask the class bloggers…..good question.
I think that in Rebellious Silence, the woman has a gun because she is ready to defend herself, her honor, and what she believes in….
Good point….you might be able to use some of this response on your upcoming test….just work on flushing out the idea a little more.