Slut or Stereotyped?
‘Slut or Stereotyped’ is an exploration into the stereotypes and taboos facing women.
Certain behaviours, interests or hobbies can leave women categorized by society. Labels such as ‘Slut’ are thrown at those who choose to follow a natural desire to have sex. Others like ‘housewife’ describe the expectations from society for those who may have children.
“Promiscuous”
The stereotype that gave this project it’s title. There is a hard hitting taboo that comes with a woman enjoying sex. Casual sex, multiple sexual partners, or even just exposing outfits can all lead to upsetting labels. Why is it a bad thing to be sexually active? Why must we label women as ‘whores’, ‘sluts’ or ‘deviant’ for a natural desire?
“Bimbo”
I set up my studio lights outside of my garden shed, adopted a bleach blonde wig and pulled a few confused facial expressions to play on the ‘dumb blonde’ (otherwise known as a bimbo) stereotype.
“Emotional”
“You’re being emotional”,
“Is it that time of the month again?”
“women are so hormonal”
I’ve grown up with the concept that women are overly emotional and sensitive. Do I cry when I’m sad? Yes. Does that make me an emotional wreck? Only sometimes. I have on occasion sobbed at a few dog videos or had a drunken weep in the girls’ toilet of a club. I can, however, complete the same tasks as a man without being too emotional to function.
“Housewife”
The hair curlers, lipstick, dress and apron were all designed into this characters appearance in order to reference to the traditional 1950’s housewife.
“Fake”
This photoshoot was an exaggeration of how some people view cosmetic surgery and even makeup. “Make sure you take a woman swimming on a first date” is a remark on the internet referring to washing off a woman’s makeup to see what she actually looks like.
Women should be free to do what they like with their appearance without the fear that they will be categorised or judged.
“Weight-obsessed”
This photoshoot was an exaggeration of how some people view cosmetic surgery and even makeup. “Make sure you take a woman swimming on a first date” is a remark on the internet referring to washing off a woman’s makeup to see what she actually looks like.
Women should be free to do what they like with their appearance without the fear that they will be categorised or judged.
“Bitch”
We’ve all seen the movies. ‘Mean girls’, ‘Clueless’, ‘Legally Blonde’. Girl’s being bitchy and caring about social status is engrained into our culture.
“Prude”
Quite the juxtaposition from the above images, this character was playing on the ‘prude’ and ‘nerdy’ appearance. As well as being judged for caring about their appearance, many woman can face ridicule for not fitting into traditional beauty standards.
“Witch”
One of the most dangerous labels a woman has been given through history is that of a ‘witch’. To have a talent with herbal remedies, a small animal as a pet or a large freckle are all ways to get yourself burnt at the stake or drowned in a lake with your arms and legs tied.
“Bossy”
When we think of a CEO it can be much easier to picture a man. When men tell people what to do, they are autoreactive, sure of themselves, assertive. When a woman does the same thing she is bossy, naggy, dramatic.
