Perhaps this is some French guy's subversive sense of humour or even a political statement - a naked and battered female doll suspended by her shoulders from bungee cords at the recent brocante at Ile de Chatou, France. Whatever impression the seller was trying to make, the rather disturbing doll certainly attracted attention - most of it negative - from passers-by.
Here's Johann Hari's insightful article in The Independent lamenting the demise of strong women as portrayed by both Hollywood and the media. I agree with the premise that society's dictates, particularly in Hollywood (and in politics) often undermine women and their talents and strengths. What do you think?
Spring fever
Have just come home absolutely drenched from a walk in the rain - the pouring-soak-through-your-shoes kind of rain that leaves puddles of water everywhere - but I am smiling, because it's spring, with all its accompanying joy and possibility.
Flowers are blooming, new chapters are being written and leaps of faith taken. The heady delirium of spring fever can't be diminished by a few rainshowers. And listening to this makes me happy. What is making you smile today? Whatever you're doing, hope you have a lovely weekend ahead!
What is making Jeanie smile today? Well, I finally have a chance to look at your wonderful blog on a computer that will speed up the photos -- versus home, a dial-up truck, so I just read text and then get behind in blogland. I'm smiling a lot at your posts -- except this photos is a tad disturbing.
Over the weekend when you wrote this, I was smiling because I spent much of the weekend doing art and cleaning/sorting which ultimately makes me smile, even if I growl a bit at the time!
Posted by: Jeanie | 01 April 2008 at 23:45
I've been thinking about this one all weekend. So here goes - women should get ahead on merit not on their gender. Yes it's tougher for women than for men but certainly not impossible. Our stupid Conservative leader David Cameron has stated that a large proportion of his cabinet will be female. Tony Blair has already made that mistake with his Blair babes back in the 90s.
We had Margaret Thatcher for years - she was like a man though not a very nice one.
Posted by: Di Overton | 31 March 2008 at 19:19
It's coarse and hurtful.
Posted by: Cynthia | 30 March 2008 at 23:01
I love the points Johann Hari made in the article. I hope the tide changes and society embraces the strength and intellect of women in a large-scale way.
On another note, we were enjoying the unfolding of spring until a cold snap settled in bringing with it some very unusual snow! My hyacinth, daisies and calla lilies were NOT happy. xx, JP/deb
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 29 March 2008 at 18:07
i think the merchant that placed the dull in this position did not even think about a statement here but definitely shows a lack of caring and passion in general. sensitive men are rare!
however hollywood or politics look alike, rather brainless and superficial.
inspite of the global movements, women still have a long way to go, everywhere! and i am afraid they will never ever arrive!
Posted by: marita | 29 March 2008 at 17:29
That certainly is an odd and disturbing image. Don't even want to get started on the way the media portrays women! So I'll focus on what's making me smile! Spring, warm weather and the start of a new school year (in Japan) and all the possibilities that all those things mean!
Posted by: Kamsin | 29 March 2008 at 15:14
A disturbing image indeed - though I wouldn't necessarily peg it as having been created by a man, having seen somewhat similar exhibitions - in public gallery settings - that were created by women, making artistic statements protesting our 'objectification' in a male-dominated society. Though the favorite media for such assemblages seems to be Barbies, I have seen some that used dolls similar to this one. Such exhibits can be somewhat gruesome, though I do realize they have a point, and agree they have the right to express that point in of view, I have to admit, I don't find them generally very aesthetically enjoyable.
So glad you're enjoying spring, Tara! Hope the rain stops for a bit, so you can enjoy your weekend all the more~xOx
Posted by: tinker | 29 March 2008 at 09:53
I had never heard about this singer before.
The song is as sweet as the spring breeze today.
I like the lyrics and Leona's tune.
Posted by: Marie-Noëlle | 29 March 2008 at 09:37
PS. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that post you did on the NY windows with all the flowers. I wish I could see that first picture with all the roses in person!! WOW! So wonderful, and I guess that is what makes me happy today! ;)
-Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Cottage Way of Life | 29 March 2008 at 08:17
That song is so lovely. After watching the youtube, I looked her up on Itunes, and she has other lovely songs. I may be adding to my music collection! :)
-Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Cottage Way of Life | 29 March 2008 at 08:16
There has been talk in my area about a new coffee bar opening up, where the servers only have on bikinis. Like a Hooter's on caffine, I guess. People are talking about how it is a "woman's right" to work there if she wants to, and people shouldn't be such prudes...blah blah.
It makes me want to go live in a cabin out the middle of the woods, and take my kids with me. The idea that "women's rights" could be so used and trivialized in order to subjectify women...serriously. I just need to drop out. I can't take it!
I don't know what makes me happy right now. I'm having too much PMS. Heh. ;)
:)
Posted by: amber | 29 March 2008 at 06:58
I agree with Christine, we can hope for the future...I'm smiling because I made it through another very left brain week and tomorrow will enjoy my last day with my daughter home...bike ride, breakfast and new Contemporary Art Museum visit.
have a happy one!
Posted by: stephanie | 29 March 2008 at 04:22
The thought of spring always makes me happy - the fact that I'm laid up with a broken foot isn't, however.
The article you referenced was quite interesting. I don't see movies often, but in thinking about the new crop of young actresses who are garnering attention, it's true that they seem to play off their ingenuity and not their strength.
The young girl who starred in the movie Juno seems an exception, and I look forward to seeing more of her in the future.
And the hanging doll - awful! (shudders)
Posted by: Becca | 29 March 2008 at 04:22
creepy, very creepy
Posted by: Just Jen | 29 March 2008 at 00:27
Well that picture up above isn't making me smile.
What's making me smile is the idea of spending my weekend organizing this house and studio. I hate cleaning but I love organization of my things and life and so I look forward to the outcome. Maybe taking in a foreign film this weekend, during our off and on again snowy weather..those little things make me happy at this moment.
The music recommendation is beautiful..her music reminds me a little of Mazzy Star.
I love Mae West..when ever I see her I just crack up. Her wit and sass just make her shine. I cant think of any female in the film industry who is like that today. I agree with the writer about highly paid, sought after actresses of today taking parts of dumb women or victims and such. I cant think of any film lately where women are strong in body and mind, smart and not beautiful according to western society. In fact when I was reading that article I thought it sad that the only strong female characters lately that come to mind are that of two or three awesome girls who stood up for what they believed in despite their circumstances (Whale Rider, Little Miss Sunshine, Pan's Labyrinth). So maybe there's some hope in the future of film. Maybe these actresses will grow up to demand such roles!
Posted by: Christine | 28 March 2008 at 23:50
What's making me smile today? Believe it or not, a very determined snowfall that put 3 or 4 centimeters of very wet snow (gone by tomorrow, I'm sure) on the ground. It made me smile Only because it convinced me to cancel an appointment with the physio and stay home -- Friday's usually my only opportunity to stay home all day and once the appointment was canceled, I took a lovely long afternoon nap. Sometimes that's what a strong woman needs to do! Have a great weekend, Tara.
Posted by: materfamilias | 28 March 2008 at 23:24
Not happy about that doll!! Goodness...it isn't even just a strike against women -- it's a strike against young girls ... who grow into women. Strong women? We seem to be falling by the wayside, yet we are still HERE. What doesn't help is the image of Hillary Clinton -- that's not a role model I would want for a daughter as a "strong woman".
Spring has sprung - a leak in Paris from the sound of it!! It's sunny here today..not enough warmth yet to melt the snow and ice but it's a start!
What made me smile today? Having lunch with my BFF Barb for her birthday and finding the "perfect" apron as her gift at Williams-Sonoma! And that's only two things..there were more I'm sure!
Posted by: sherry | 28 March 2008 at 23:09
What a sick statement indeed, despite intentions. Who knows why this person found it acceptable.
As for women in film, I'd like to see beautiful women aging gracefully and strongly on screen. I've had enough of bimbo's and seventeen year olds pretending to be older than they are.
Posted by: Gillian | 28 March 2008 at 21:05
This post is something that is very close to my heart as an avid cinemaphile. Those actresses mentioned in Christine's comment are but a drop in the bucket compared to the wealth of female talent that was available to moviegoers before the inception of the Hays Code in the 30s. I am convinced that the momentum and energy of women's progress from the Jazz Age onward was heightened in the movies but then slowed and diminished in power when the movie industry changed itself due to fear and pressure from the government and religious influences on Hollywood.
Precode films showed women that they could live in a man's world and still live on their own terms. They could be as tough as a guy but still be as feminine as they wished. There were so many great actresses than I can list here (a few of my favorites are Miriam Hopkins, Norma Shearer, Kay Francis, and especially Barbara Stanwyck), but a great book to read is Complicated Women by movie critic Mick LaSalle.
Also a fantastic blog to read is the Self-Styled Siren.
Posted by: tangobaby | 28 March 2008 at 18:42
I read the full article and am baffled, but agree wholeheartedly. What thing he wrote that I have been sensing is the roles iconic older actresses have been relegated to. Candace Bergen and Diane Keaton come to mind. The only current strong actress I can think of is Meryl Streep. Hollywood sets a tone for the image of women and it is dismal.
What will it take for women of strength to emerge not only in Hollywood, but in politics, business, etc.? The coverage of the new first lady of France is an awful standard of the trophy wife even if she is accomplished in her own right. Sorry, that was a little off topic.
Posted by: Christine | 28 March 2008 at 18:27
Terrible! And to think that this was someone who is trying to sell something! I hope no woman ever buys anything from him. Hmmpf.
Posted by: Bhavna | 28 March 2008 at 17:38