The first aspect of the lecture which immediately made me reflect on my life experiences was the concept of what it is to be ‘lady like’. When I look back I could think of countless occasions throughout my childhood in which this term was used in order to get me to change my actions. Every action should be completed based on what a lady would do. This notion wasn’t questioned as this idea is simply accepted by society and it is not until it gets pointed out to you that you realise just how bizarre it is.
Another section of the lecture which challenged my thinking was that of female grooming and the example of protest displayed in Amanda Palmer’s song ‘Map of Tasmania’. In Australia, it is seen as necessary for a female to shave her legs, armpits and ‘map of Tasmania’ if she wants to avoid being called either a crazy feminist or a lesbian. When I was in my teens I would hear comments such as these posed as jokes and laugh along without questioning. Since studying these sorts of topics at university I have found myself being a bit thrown back and disagreeing when hearing comments such as these yet I still struggle to abandon these forms of personal grooming without taking a dip in self-confidence.
Finally, the last section of the lecture that caught my eye was the Great Wall of Vagina. I love that Jamie McCartney has gone to this effort of making this artwork. As someone who struggled with thoughts of labiaplasty after going through puberty but luckily worked through this before taking any drastic measures, I was very comforted by the variance that this artwork displayed. I can only imagine how great and important this artwork could be to anyone currently struggling with their own thoughts and bodies in this area.
All in all, I loved this lecture for both affirming some of my thoughts and for challenging others. I cannot wait to see what future lectures have in store.
Week 2 Reflection
The first aspect of the lecture which immediately made me reflect on my life experiences was the concept of what it is to be ‘lady like’. When I look back I could think of countless occasions throughout my childhood in which this term was used in order to get me to change my actions. Every action should be completed based on what a lady would do. This notion wasn’t questioned as this idea is simply accepted by society and it is not until it gets pointed out to you that you realise just how bizarre it is.
Another section of the lecture which challenged my thinking was that of female grooming and the example of protest displayed in Amanda Palmer’s song ‘Map of Tasmania’. In Australia, it is seen as necessary for a female to shave her legs, armpits and ‘map of Tasmania’ if she wants to avoid being called either a crazy feminist or a lesbian. When I was in my teens I would hear comments such as these posed as jokes and laugh along without questioning. Since studying these sorts of topics at university I have found myself being a bit thrown back and disagreeing when hearing comments such as these yet I still struggle to abandon these forms of personal grooming without taking a dip in self-confidence.
Finally, the last section of the lecture that caught my eye was the Great Wall of Vagina. I love that Jamie McCartney has gone to this effort of making this artwork. As someone who struggled with thoughts of labiaplasty after going through puberty but luckily worked through this before taking any drastic measures, I was very comforted by the variance that this artwork displayed. I can only imagine how great and important this artwork could be to anyone currently struggling with their own thoughts and bodies in this area.
All in all, I loved this lecture for both affirming some of my thoughts and for challenging others. I cannot wait to see what future lectures have in store.