www.cnn.com/style/article/arab-men-scarlett-coten-tamara-abdul-hadi-photography/index.html
This article focuses on two women, Scarlett Coten and Abdul Hadi, who set out to photograph Arab men in a mission to confront stereotypes of terrorism, misogyny, and one-dimensionalism. Coten's photographs reveal the vulnerability and sensitivity that many do not see in Arab men. Because she posed as an outsider in many of the communities she visited, most men felt they could confide in her. Hadi's photos also display the softer, more gentle side of this group of men.
This article was written by Katy Scott at CNN. It was updated 3 days ago. Before reading this article, I didn't know much about Arab culture at all, really. I was somewhat aware of the stereotypes that are put on these men, though. While this article didn't really cover Arab culture, it did make me think about the other side of the stereotype that is so commonly presented in Western media. It's important to recognize all sides of all people, especially when it's a group of people that we have a lot of preconceived ideas about. The recognition of the presence of traditionally feminine characteristics (sensitivity, softness, vulnerability, etc.) within men is incredibly important to the evolution of the human psyche and society as a whole. I'm a firm believer in the breakdown of traditional gender roles in all their forms and abstaining from labeling any one group of people. If we can understand the complexity and multi-dimensionality of a people, especially in this case, we can build unity and compassion with those people.
Synthesis: This article is similar to the realization of freed blacks as a strong, united people with motivation towards self-improvement after the passing of the 13th amendment in the late 19th century. Slaves had many misconceptions and preconceived notions made about them by more privileged whites, but after they were freed, (for the most part, anyway), some whites were confronted and forced to alter their beliefs.
I think it's important to see and recognize their humanity rather than focus solely on the stereotypes we have here that they're all ruthless and cruel.
ReplyDeleteIt's important in this day and age to see dimension of a person, like you said, and to accept them. It also should be spread so that stereotypes do not stay the same and people are not ignorant.
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