In a world where societal expectations are always lurking – telling us how to dress, think or act; it is easy to feel like we are trapped in someone else’s version of who we are supposed to be. In this series of photographs: I am inviting you to join me on an exploration of the expectations and complexities around masculinity and femininity. Think of this as a safe space to ponder, question, or just let your mind wonder… reader – you can make the choice to read on, or don’t. Change your mind half way, or stay exactly where you are. The goal of this isn’t to wrap everything into a neat little bow – instead the aim is to spark up a conversation amongst you and yours.
The individuals in this shoot were encouraged to show up as their most authentic selves, however that looked to them and made them feel the most confident in themselves. The intention behind the individuals tearing, crumpling, burning, standing on and biting the newspapers aims to showcase rebellion from societal expectations. The title of the newspaper “Norms and Notions” aims to show society’s expectations for the models; the sub headings “as a man… as indoda” [1] and “a woman is expected to” was intentional; it is then followed by a list of demands. If you take a closer look at the pictures used in the newspapers – it is the model’s themselves fulfilling these roles and conforming to the expectations of society. Now, when these same models are seen destroying the newspaper – it aims to serve as a powerful visual of rejection, a moment of reclaiming their authenticity, stepping outside of these boxes that are imposed on them and embracing their authenticity. It is about rejecting the mould and redefining what it means to be – however that looks; the purpose of these series of photographs is to encourage choice.
I acknowledge that this freedom is not afforded freely without consequence. Often, when we rebel against society – it fights back. Sometimes loudly, rudely and in the most extreme cases, violently. One can think of societal expectations like a jail warden, caging us in and forcing us to subscribe to the version of masculinity and femininity of the time. I say this current “version” intentionally, because masculinity and femininity changes all the time (I can’t help but wonder… who is in the boardroom?). I mean… I think of beauty standards for example and how this is constantly changing… one minute beautiful is skinny… next minute beautiful is slim thick – as society changes its mind, we are expected to follow. Go to the plastic surgeon… no wait, undo it. Low rise jeans are in… hold up, no make that high waisted jeans…okay – I am getting distracted, let’s talk violence.
When thinking of violence as a method to ensure assimilation, there are so many examples it’s actually overwhelming. From subtle ostracism to more overt forms of violence such as hate crimes, complete social exclusion, political repression and more. All these versions that society (our great social governing body) uses to ensure we assimilate (no…seriously… who’s in the boardroom?!) At the end of the day, it is important to note that:
masculinity and femininity are social constructs. These constructs are consistently evolving over time and are different across cultures and communities.
To reiterate, these dictate how we are expected to behave, dress, or even think. It doesn’t give much room for individuality. I acknowledge that we seem to be moving into a time where there is slightly more acceptance of individuality.
but I am also acknowledging the fact that these violence’s still occur showcasing that we aren’t where we need to be just yet.
This series of photographs seeks to challenge these rigid definitions and invites viewers to consider the ways in which they conform or resist these societal norms. By showcasing individuals in their most genuine form, I aim to highlight the beauty of diversity in expression and the importance of personal agency. The act of tearing, crumpling, biting, standing on and burning the newspapers serves as a powerful metaphor for dismantling these constrictive norms in an attempt to make space for a more inclusive and varied representation of identity. The need for the newspaper to be destroyed aims to show that it is difficult to go against society without expecting some form of push back; this is why these forms of destroying the newspaper were used as opposed to just throwing the newspaper away. It is the act of intentional stepping out of and away from societies ideals that we seek to invoke here. In asking constantly who is in the boardroom, I seek to challenge the authority of those who create and perpetuate these standards. I am inviting a dialogue where we can discuss inclusivity, freedom, and individuality.
To conclude, this series of photos are not just a visual critique but a call to action. It encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness and redefine what it means to fully be yourself. True liberation lies in the ability to choose the aspects of masculinity and femininity that deeply resonate with you and reject the ones that don’t.
[1] “As a man… as indoda” aims to ride the wave that is currently ongoing on social media where we ‘joke’ around about the expectations of men (… that being said, is now the time to talk about the fact that the patriarchy doesn’t actually serve men either or…?) “A woman is expected to” aims to serve as the inverse of that. How many times have we heard the phrase “a womxn is expected to?
