Week 9: Apply and Reflect
Voices are heard but we can also ignore them this has happened to the voices of women that live in third world countries. It happens to women all over the world, even the most prestige nations whose bank accounts can afford more than the basic of infrastructure. All women struggle based on their sex, but more on gender politics that have forced women into a position that is adverse. However, by comparing the hardship of all women, there will be no change for women. Since it is based on educating on a problem that involves all women. Importance of listening to third world women having empathy towards their story and recognizing some actions of the first world women has caused that hardship.
Trinh T. Minh-ha in “Difference: Special Third World Women Issue” says the reason women have been able not to see each other is because we view each other as different. “Words manipulate at will. As you can see, ‘difference’ is essentially ‘division’ in the understanding of many. It is no more than a tool of self-defense and conquest.” Women in third world countries are different, but it should not divide all women by keeping each other down or using each other as props too. When third world women speak on their lives or even on their education, we need to keep them talking so we can understand and listen more than once. Then think we have their problem solved by listening and talking about it with each other. The same can be said with the art third world women make.
There is a division in art that has kept third world women as being different. There art does not fit first world fine art standards. African and Asian women have used beads to express themselves creatively. Where first world women have viewed beaded work as a craft activity, not seeing the artistic design. And when first world women go to these countries, in the form as a savior, they see themselves buying beads as a gift for these women to get out of poverty. It is true selling art is a way out of poverty, but it should be seen as art, not as a gift to them. There is more to bead work than something to do. There is a cultural value, but since beads can be seen in most culture it does not fit the authentic check because is not seen as unique. This division is harming women in third world countries, we should support their art for art, not as pity.
1.) Minh-ha, Trinh T. "Difference: 'A Special Third World Women Issue'." Feminist Review, no. 25 (1987): 5-22. Accessed October 22, 2020. doi:10.2307/1395032.
This is an excellent analysis! I thought your examples of the many ways third world women are put down were very insightful and thoroughly explained. The art you chose to display really ties with your previous points in a powerful way that isn't the first idea of artist express i.e. beaded jewelry. Why do you think that isn't common for Americans to not recognize beading as a form of art? Is it truly racism/sexism or ignorance?
ReplyDeleteThis is a great analogy all forms of art should be celebrated and not categorized as if it was simply made for the sole purpose of being sold. Bead work like rug weaving or any form of art has a symbolic meaning to the people who create it. Yes if someone buys it that helps. The artist puts heart and love into those pieces they have a deeper meaning than just what those who do not know any better labels it. How can the artists educate small minded people?
ReplyDeleteSo what can be done to support them outside of buying their work or is it all in the intent? I do feel like people honor their bead work in museums but more in a cultural way than anything else, definitely not in the modern bead work though.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel!
ReplyDeleteI like that you included the quote, " ‘difference’ is essentially ‘division’ in the understanding of many. It is no more than a tool of self-defense and conquest," because tis completely true in our society. Any difference is used to isolate and separate us from each based on our predetermined prejudices. What do you think would be the be the best way to address the root of the problem and educate people?