John Berger
"Presence for a woman is so intrinsic to her person that men tend to think of it as an almost physical emanation, a kind of heat or smell or aura."
The quote suggests that a woman's presence is deeply connected to her identity, to the extent that men tend to perceive it as a palpable, almost tangible quality. It implies that a woman's presence is something that men can sense or feel, like an energy or a vibe that radiates from her. The use of terms like "heat," "smell," and "aura" suggest that this presence is not limited to visual or auditory cues, but encompasses a more holistic sense of a person's being.
“To be born a woman has been to be born, within an allotted and confined space, into the keeping of men”
The quote suggests that being born as a woman comes with limited and prescribed societal roles and expectations that are determined and controlled by men. It implies that women are confined to a certain space or set of limitations within society, and that their lives and experiences are defined and shaped by male influence and power. The quote expresses the idea that women are not free to fully express themselves or live as they choose, but are instead restricted and subject to the will of men.
Bell hooks, Understanding Patriarchy and The Oppositional Gaze
“Ultimately boys and men save themselves when they learn the art of loving.”
The quote is saying that the key to a man's personal growth and well-being is his ability to love and connect with others in a meaningful way. The phrase "the art of loving" suggests that love is not just a natural feeling, but a skill that must be developed and honed. By learning how to love, boys and men can save themselves from a life of isolation and disconnection. The quote highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy in leading a fulfilling and satisfying life.
“Mainstream feminist film criticism in no way acknowledges black female spectatorship. It does not even consider the possibility that women can construct an oppositional gaze via an understanding and awareness of the politics of race and racism.”
The quote is pointing out a gap or limitation in mainstream feminist film criticism, which does not take into account the experiences and perspectives of black women as spectators. It argues that this type of feminist criticism does not recognize that women, particularly black women, have the ability to engage with media in a way that challenges dominant power structures and creates a different, alternative viewpoint. The idea of an "oppositional gaze" refers to the ability of a marginalized or oppressed group to look back at the dominant culture in a way that resists and subverts its power. The quote is highlighting that mainstream feminist film criticism has failed to recognize the potential for black women to engage with media in this way.
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The "male gaze" is a term used in feminist film theory to describe the way that media represents and portrays women from a masculine perspective. It refers to the idea that the dominant viewpoint in media is male, and that women are often depicted as objects of desire or as passive, secondary characters. This perspective reinforces traditional gender roles and reinforces the notion that women are there to be looked at, rather than as active agents in their own right. There are representative media that reflects the experiences and perspectives of all women, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexuality, or other factors.
The "female gaze" is a term used in feminist film theory to describe a perspective that seeks to counter the male gaze and represent women as active, autonomous agents with their own desires, experiences, and perspectives. Unlike the male gaze, which objectifies and sexualizes women, the female gaze portrays women as complex, multi-dimensional characters who are not solely defined by their relationships to men. This gaze can be seen as a way of empowering women and challenging traditional patriarchal representations in media.
The "oppositional gaze" is a concept in critical race theory that refers to the way marginalized people resist and challenge dominant power structures and representations by creating a counter-perspective that reflects their own experiences and challenges the dominant gaze. This concept highlights the importance of representation and representation of marginalized communities and the need for them to have control over how they are represented.
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Female Gaze: Art that Looks at What Women See | NYTIMES
“linked to a fundamental revaluation of the concept of individuality.”
The quote is referring to a shift in the understanding or perception of individuality. The word "revaluation" implies a change or reassessment, suggesting that the concept of individuality has undergone some kind of transformation or revision. The use of the word "fundamental" suggests that this change is significant and has far-reaching implications. The speaker is indicating that this revaluation has affected the way people view the concept of individuality, potentially altering its meaning or significance in some way.
Mickalene Thomas: Photographed, Collaged and Painted Muses
"By portraying real women with their own unique history, beauty and background, I’m working to diversify the representations of black women in art.”
The quote is about the importance of diversity in art, specifically in regards to the representation of black women. The speaker is suggesting that by depicting real women with their own unique histories, beauty, and backgrounds, they are working to break the mold of limited and stereotypical depictions of black women in art and instead creating more nuanced and diverse representations.
Ana Mendieta: Artist Who Pushed Boundaries | NYTimes
"As an immigrant, Mendieta felt a disconnect in the United States. The trauma of being uprooted from her Cuban homeland as a girl would leave her with questions about her identity and make her more conscious of being a woman of color."
The quote is referring to the Cuban-American artist Ana Mendieta and her experiences as an immigrant in the United States. The speaker is highlighting the fact that Mendieta's displacement from her home country, which occurred when she was a young girl, caused her to feel a sense of disconnection in her new country. This traumatic experience led Mendieta to question her identity and made her more aware of her status as a woman of color. This heightened consciousness would shape her experiences and inform her art, which often dealt with themes of displacement, identity, and the body.
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