I am a woman in modern society. In a sense the curation of this project is an answer to the question What is it like to be me? But my experience is not all encompassing and I need to validate the strengths and struggles of the women around me. With my collection of images I have tried to capture the multifaceted meaning of Being a Woman.
Showing posts with label #digitalmuseum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #digitalmuseum. Show all posts
Friday, September 15, 2017
Like A Girl
"Is like a girl a good thing?" is a question the interviewer asks the subjects of this video. Part of womanhood in today's climate is fighting against the ingrained notion that somehow being a woman is inferior to being a man. That doing things "like a girl" is an insult insinuating weakness and fragility. But society's conception of "like a girl" is vastly different than the reality of what womanhood and girlhood look like.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjJQBjWYDTs
"Journey"source: michaels.com
This journey to authentic womanhood becomes difficult when we are bombarded by the ideals our culture places upon us. Our magazines bombard us with images of women as sex symbols and tag lines for articles about how to be better in bed, get you summer body, and why he's not into you. We are surrounded by the message that we only exist as an object to be objectified by others.
Source: https://hoochiewoman.wordpress.com/2013/10/30/down-with-cosmo/
Source: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/09/23/books-girls-life-vs-boys-life-magazine-comparison
Artist rorablue created this series of images that explore the sexist comments that have affected her and other women. Several of these images edisplay the idea that women only exist in their relationship to other people, whether that's in the way men view you, as a mother, a wife, a homemaker, etc. Women struggle to establish an identity that does not rely on their relationship to someone, but just purely as a human being living their authentic life.
Source: "Handle With Care" by Rora Blue
Being a woman today means dealing with the realities of gender violence, like sexual assault. Rape culture exists, in that a woman's actions, past sexual history, or mental state are brought into question after a sexual assault in a way to make her responsibility for the violence committed against her. No amount of promiscuity or "provocative" is invitation for unwanted sexual activity.
Source: http://theblvckcool.tumblr.com/image/152287712368
After Senator Elizabeth Warren was silenced and shut down in the Jeff Sessions debate in February of 2017 by Major Leader Mitch McConnell, he said of the situaiton, "She was warned. she was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted." The quote became a rallying cry for women throughout history who did not back down to the "warnings" they were given. Just as Senator Warren persisted, women of today are persisting in their fight to be recognized and accepted for their authentic selves that don't conform to the expectations placed on womanhood.
Source: "Nevertheless, She Persisted" by Courtney Privett
Wolf and Woman. Are the two mutually exclusive? Does being a ferocious and strong mean you aren't a woman? No. Ferocity is a hallmark of womanhood, because of the strength it takes to live confidently in a society that is telling you that you should be otherwise. It a society that ingrains in you the need to apologize for you strength and firmness, where leadership and strength is characterized as "bossy." Women are navigating ways to "stop apoligising for their wild."
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/BKKEOUlB0Nt/
“I grew up with all mothers, all women. I come from a long line of matriarchs, very strong women.” -Erykah Badu
Being a woman requires strength. Strength to be who you want to be, even when everything is working against you. Being able to establish an identity that is your's and not dependent on what society things womanhood should look like.
Source: http://moodboard.streetetiquette.com/post/89899260934/theblackamericanprincess-i-grew-up-with-all
Mary Wollstonecraft was an English writer and advocate for women's rights. This quote encapsulates the essence of feminist and authentic womanhood, which is that woman aren't fighting for the power over men but in a society were have been subservient to men, the ultimate goal is to become equals. With that equality comes the right for women to govern themselves and their lives in a way that they see fit.
Source: http://traitspourtraits.tumblr.com/post/151205906424/i-dont-wish-women-to-have-power-over-men-but
"There is no limit to what we, as women, can acccomlish." Michelle Obama is someone I look to as an examples for being able to be a powerful entity of her own, without bringing down those around her to do it. Her husband was one of the most powerful people in the world and she did not operate in his shadow. She was advocate herself for things she believed in and by many as not just the First Lady of the United States, but an individual capable of tremendous impact and good.
Source: T Magazine - T Greats Issue
Maya Angelou's words in "Still I Rise" capture the essence of what being a woman is to me. Despite the criticism and the negativity, women continually rise to the challenge and work towards the ultimately goal of having the freedom to live their self-determined authentic lives, however different from the mold of womanhood they may be. Because that's what being a woman it.
Source: Maya Angelou - "Still I Rise"
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/58/0d/81/580d8103445d8094f6ab457b7907fade.jpg
Man! I Feel Like a Woman
The year was 1997. I was just a young kid at the time, but I can vividly remember driving to school on the bus one day when Shania Twain's pop-country hit "Man! I Feel Like a Woman" came on over the radio. I sang it. The kindergarteners and sixth graders sang it. The bus driver sang it. We all sang it. As a young boy, belting the lyrics, "Man! I feel like a woman!" felt oddly empowering. Admittedly, as an adult male, my understanding of what it truly feels like to be a woman in today's world is probably pretty limited. Maybe the closest I've ever come to understanding the power of being a woman is singing Shania Twain on a dirty yellow bus 20 years ago. What I do know is that being a woman means being human; and being human means being individually unique and complex. With this complexity in mind, describing what it's like to be a woman in today's world in a few mere words or photos is impossible. However, through the following media and accompanying dialogue, I try to capture my perspective of women and what it means to me to be a woman in today's world.
Photograph by Kylee Ann Maughan. (2014, July 4).
Image retrieved from http://kyleeannphotography.com/amber-breast-cancer-inspiration-shoot/
To be a woman in today's world means being brave, strong, and resilient. It means being an inspiration. The above picture is from a photoshoot of a woman named Amber who recently underwent breast cancer treatment. As my mom overcame breast cancer, including a double mastectomy, a few years ago, Amber's photoshoot carries personal significance. Many would consider long, luscious hair and breasts hallmarks of female beauty and womanhood. So without either of these physical features, the cultural consensus might be that Amber is not "sexy" or beautiful. However, Amber's beauty is undeniable. Only a woman could endure the physical and emotional trials of breast cancer and emerge more beautiful than ever. Amber's photoshoot portrays the bravery and courage of the modern woman. Society might expect a survivor of breast cancer to be insecure, damaged, and unwilling to display their "imperfect" body. Sorry society. The modern woman- Amber, my mom, and many other survivors- are too strong to let a little cancer cripple them.
Image retrieved from http://www.assisttohire.com/blog/2017/03/28/the-modern-mom/
Quote by Emma Watson. (2014, Sept. 20)
Image retrieved from http://ew.com/movies/2017/03/01/emma-watson-feminism-quotes/
The modern woman is misunderstood. The above quote is from a speech delivered by actress Emma Watson to the U.N. in 2014. Thanks to the media and society in general, the word "feminism" often carries negative connotations. Feminists are man-haters. Feminists are angry. Feminists seek superiority over men. However, as Emma Watson points out, feminism is misunderstood. Feminists want equality, not superiority. The woman in today's world who stands up for women may be mislabeled as an obnoxious, whiny, angry, overly sensitive man-hater. Hopefully in history books 100 years from now, we will reform our current stereotypes and look back on today's feminists in the same light as Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Abraham Lincoln- as heroes who fought for human rights and equality.
Song by Kelly Clarkson. (2003, April 10).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS1ZW0FdoIU
A woman is independent. Traditional views suggest that a woman is dependent, specifically, that a woman is dependent on a man. These traditional stereotypes submit that a woman needs a man to "show her the way." Without a man, a woman cannot thrive and cannot succeed. Without a man, a woman cannot BE. To me, being a woman in today's world means being independent and self-reliant. Women are progressively being portrayed as empowered, autonomous individuals in the media. Songs like Kelly Clarkson's "Miss Independent" promote self-sufficiency, fearlessness, and independence in women. Even in the Disney movie "Frozen," female independence and not needing a man acts as a central theme.
Tweet by alivingiano. (2016, Aug. 15).
Retrieved from https://www.boredpanda.com/funny-women-tweets-feminism/
To be a woman in today's world means having the ability to accomplish anything and everything and yet not receive the appropriate recognition. At the age of 19, Katie Ledecky dominated the 2016 Olympic games in swimming winning four gold medals, one silver medal, and breaking two world records. However, her unparalleled success was reduced to a mere footnote in the Associated Press which featured Michael Phelp's silver medal as the dominant headline, thus downplaying the significance of Ledecky's world record. To be a woman in today's world means to be more capable and accomplished than a man and yet receive less recognition for equal or superior performance. Notwithstanding this lack of praise, the modern woman will continue to break world records.
Video by BuzzFeed. (2014).
Video retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o9Dp6D91fI
To be a woman in today's world means to face the constant pressure of being externally beautiful and "made-up." This expectation to put on a pretty face is not just a pressure women face in the United States and other first-world countries. As seen in the above video, the majority of the world perceives a woman to be beautiful when she is meticulously "made-up" with perfect hair, eyeliner, mascara, foundation, etc. Although the definition of female beauty differs throughout the world, regardless of location, beauty consistently revolves around physical appearance. Today's woman might be told that inner beauty is all that matters, but then turns on the television and sees the actress with the pristinely "made-up" face or goes to the store and sees the airbrushed magazine model with the perfectly toned body. Because cultures throughout the world define female beauty by physical appearance, the modern woman faces daily pressure to be physically flawless. To be a woman means to battle the cultural contradiction that inner beauty is supposedly all that matters when outer beauty is all that is seen in popular culture and media.
Photograph by Annie Leibovitz. (2015).
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/life/the-real-reason-why-pirelli-chose-real-women-the-rise-of-the-fem/
Ad by UN Women. (2013). Credit: Memac Ogilvy and Mather Dubai
Image retrieved from http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2013/10/women-should-ads
To be a woman means to be oppressed in many parts of the world. Progressive ideas concerning women's rights are not accepted in most cultures. Women around the world are oppressed, victimized, and abused. It is estimated that 1 in 3 women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their lives. To be a woman in today's world means to be widely considered inferior and incapable. I have been fortunate to grow up in a culture and household that values women as intelligent, capable, equal, beautiful, and worthy of constant respect and admiration. Unfortunately, the perception and treatment of women throughout the world largely does not mirror my own.
Image retrieved from https://giphy.com/gifs/quote-boss-bossy-B1q47o48d0SCA
Women are "bosses." Traditionally, women have been stereotyped as meek, soft, and submissive. Yes, I suppose women may generally be more meek than men, but almost every prominent woman in my life is a straight-up "boss." My wife is a "boss." She's strong, opinionated, independent, motivated, sexy. My mom is a "boss." She's brave, persistent, hard-working, determined, and intelligent. My grandma is a "boss." She's strong-willed, confident, selfless, outgoing and was literally the boss of BYU catering for over 20 years. The fearlessness of the women in my life has shaped my view of today's woman as being strong, driven, and tenacious.
Quote by Kavita Ramdas. Date unknown.
Image retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/213780313539342543/
To me, women are the most loving, caring, and selfless people in the world. Although society might associate these characteristics with just mothers, I believe these attributes pertain to all women. I believe women have an innate ability to love. To be a woman means to have the unsurpassed ability to nurture, love, and empathize. Throughout this presentation, I have referred to women as strong, brave, and "bosses." Many would consider that these assertive traits contradict characteristics such as loving, caring, and selfless. Enter the uniqueness of women. Only a woman can be a "boss" while simultaneously being the most loving, compassionate person in the world. The above poem illustrates a woman's unique ability to possess seemingly contrasting characteristics
Image by Barry Deutsch. (2012, April 3)
Image retrieved from http://leftycartoons.com/2012/04/03/really-good-careers/
To be a woman means to have equal intelligence, skill, and ability but not equal opportunity. As of 2015 in the United States, the Pew Research center estimated that a full-time working woman makes 80 cents for every dollar earned by a man. Further statistics indicate that women consistently earn less than men in nearly every occupation in which salary data can be collected. Even more harrowing, the Institute for Women's Policy Research estimated that Black women will have to wait until the year 2124 to receive equal pay as men. Hispanic women will have to wait until 2248. And while more women graduate from college than men, women enter the work field following graduation make approximately $9,000 less in yearly salary than men according to an Economic Policy Institute study (2016).
Quote by Alexandre Dumas. The Count of Monte Cristo.
Image retrieved from http://quotespictures.com/quotes/women-quotes/page/36/
This quote, more than any another, captures my perception of women. Women are sacred. Women are divine. Women are the greatest of God's creations. My belief in the divinity of women was cemented when I got married to my wife, Christie. In her I see my future, my life, and my potential. Women throughout the world are not always viewed as sacred or holy. They are disadvantaged, oppressed, and objectified. To be a woman in today's world means to be the greatest of God's creations but not recognized or treated as such. I am grateful that my upbringing, religious background, and personal experiences have helped me realize the sacredness of women.
My Thoughts on Women in Today's World
My Thoughts on Women in Today's World
The other day while talking with my fiancé, the ideas and subject matter of my women's studies class swirled in my mind. After letting my thoughts brew for a little while longer I let them eep out into a conversation. I said, " you know what, I am really glad that I am a girl." to which my husband to be answered, "I am glad you are a girl too. And I am glad I am a boy." As I think about what it means to be a woman in today's world, I think mostly about the gratitude I feel for my gender and the need we have as men and women to support and love one another. This post is a continuation of my swirling thoughts and feelings surrounding womanhood- written by a woman, for other women.
We need to celebrate and praise women. To recognize the greatness that exists around us and within us obligates us to nurture the greatness in the rising generation. I am grateful to be a woman.
Michelle Obama is an example of a strong woman. As the 44th first lady of the United States, Michelle has developed her strengths and used them to bless the community, our nation, and her family. As a graduate of princeton university and Harvard law school, Michelle values education and hard work. The job that is most important to her however, is her role as a wife and mother. I value the love she shows for her husband and family.
I love this quote and picture. Sometimes we are not always privy to the strength that others have and the hidden battles they are fighting and winning. There are so many women today that exert this kind of strength that doesn't make the headlines. My mother is one of those heroes.
Too smart,
Too beautiful,
Too strong.
Too much of something
That makes a man feel like less of a man,
Which will start making you feel like you have to be less of a
woman.
The biggest mistake you can make
Is removing jewels from your crown
To make it easier for a man to carry.
When this happens, I need you to understand,
You do not need a smaller crown –
You need a man with bigger hands. - Michael Reid
The other day while talking with my fiancé, the ideas and subject matter of my women's studies class swirled in my mind. After letting my thoughts brew for a little while longer I let them eep out into a conversation. I said, " you know what, I am really glad that I am a girl." to which my husband to be answered, "I am glad you are a girl too. And I am glad I am a boy." As I think about what it means to be a woman in today's world, I think mostly about the gratitude I feel for my gender and the need we have as men and women to support and love one another. This post is a continuation of my swirling thoughts and feelings surrounding womanhood- written by a woman, for other women.
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| (https://www.women.com/jessicadefino/lists/number-girl-power-quotes-to-get-your-passion-on?utm_source=wdc_pin&utm_medium=Pinterestsharebutton&utm_campaign=ShareValueonPinterest) |
We need to celebrate and praise women. To recognize the greatness that exists around us and within us obligates us to nurture the greatness in the rising generation. I am grateful to be a woman.
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| Pinterest (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/fd/fa/75/fdfa75baab07696a9e2271bc42c40980.jpg) |
I love this quote and picture. Sometimes we are not always privy to the strength that others have and the hidden battles they are fighting and winning. There are so many women today that exert this kind of strength that doesn't make the headlines. My mother is one of those heroes.
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I think we too often overlook the gift women have been given to bring life to this earth. Bearing children is a great privilege. Today, many women downplay the importance of this gift. An increase of gratitude and reverence for our bodies would do more for humanity than would a focus on how pregnancy and the attitudes surrounding it have imprisoned women.
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A big part of showing gratitude for women is taking care of the woman you are with 24/7- yourself! Sometimes we fall into the trap of self negligence when our lives get busy. I believe that our life quality begins with how we treat ourselves, emotionally, physically, spiritually, socially, and in any other capacity.
Sometimes
You’ll just be too much woman.Too smart,
Too beautiful,
Too strong.
Too much of something
That makes a man feel like less of a man,
Which will start making you feel like you have to be less of a
woman.
The biggest mistake you can make
Is removing jewels from your crown
To make it easier for a man to carry.
When this happens, I need you to understand,
You do not need a smaller crown –
You need a man with bigger hands. - Michael Reid
https://sincerelyloewe.wordpress.com/2016/02/11/dear-woman-by-michael-e-reid/
The best thing we as women can do to encourage other women and men to step up is to be ourselves. There has never been a bigger need in our world for strong people. Refusing to settle for less will force others to rise up to a higher standard.
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| Betrayal This painting by Mario Sanchez Nevado shows the beauty and virtue inherit in women and the great need we have for their goodness in the world today. The woman in the painting fearlessly faces the gun of the world- refusing to back down and standing courageously for the values that make up her very nature. So is it with the women of today's world. |
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I love this poster of Rosie. This poster isn't to show that we don't need men in the workplace (as it is sometimes misinterpreted) but to show that women work to run America in cooperation with the men. While men were away at war, women were needed to work in the factories to help the war effort. Just as the success of our country during wartimes was continent upon cooperation between men and women, the success of our country today is contingent on both men and women working in cooperation.
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| Motherhood Uncut
To be a woman in today's world is to be a mother. Whether it is to be a mother for children you have birthed yourself or for other children, women today have a tremendous influence on the rising generation. We are to raise children who know that they are loved and valued by us. Children who are fortified with confidence in themselves and simultaneous humility to serve in the world.
To be a woman in today's world is to be equipped with charisma and a positive outlook on challenges. The challenges we face in school or at work are opportunities for growth.
By Linda K. Burton
Relief Society General President
This address was given in a general conference meeting of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Linda K. Burton is a Woman in today's world and recognizes the importance of cooperation instead of competition between men and women.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/394766-are-peanut-butter-jelly-sandwiches-healthy/
The cause of humanity is like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Men and Women are different and complementary. Women in today's world should embrace their identity as women, show gratitude for it by taking care of themselves and working in cooperation with men.
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The Changing Roles and Voices of Women
A Time-Honored Position: The role of a mother has changed with each passing generation. Even in the last several decades, I have watched as modern woman took control over the sort of mother she wants to be: a working mother, a stay-at-home mother, a single mother, a mother by blood or by adoption, etc. The world may have an old-fashioned idea of what a mother must be, a checklist of sorts, but I have seen the role of "mother" filled in an endless variety of ways.
Women In Our World
The women in our world exist in many different roles. Some of these roles are chosen, others are consequential of the world women live in, our world, most are a combination of the two. This collection of works seeks to find expressions of many of the categorizations of women.Women as strong. Women as vulnerable. Women as mothers, which matters because the strength and vulnerablity of women serve as the bedrock our children are raised on. Women as all of these things, and many others. Concluding with representations of how women gaining power builds liberation for everyone.
Black, White and Color: the Life of a Woman
Women around the world face deep challenges and discrimination unique to their circumstance. Being a women in the modern world entails that we are aware of the struggles of our fellow females- and do we our best to see the world in Black, White and Color.
Thursday, September 14, 2017
More than just a Mother
Gone are the days when women were just supposed to have kids and stay at home cleaning the house. Women in the modern world are able to be and do whatever they would like. Unfortunately, in many religions and even in the thoughts of many people, women are still just supposed to be mothers and nothing else. Men can be fathers, but also have careers and follow their passions. Being a parent doesn't stop them. I believe that women can do that same thing. Motherhood can still play a big part in a woman's life, but women are more than just mothers. The modern world is changing and women are going back to work. They balance the life of motherhood with whatever they are passionate about. They are mothers, but they are also...
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