From Wing Young Huie's album University Avenue Project (2007-2010),
accessed 9.6.14
In this case, comparatively, the woman would not be considered an "other" in Gileadean society because of the fact that she had a child. She would be seen as a contributing factor, furthering the population. The sign is important, stating the idea that fears, whatever they may be, can't determine what you do in life. Offred could be compared (except minus the child) to the woman in the picture. In "The Handmaid's Tale," all of the Handmaids are conservative, doing specifically what they are told to do. Initially, Offred fears breaking the rules because being caught would result in large consequences. Language is used to specifically describe her fears, through flashbacks to Moira escaping and being beaten, to seeing the dead people hanging on the wall, as well as people being taken away by the Eyes. But throughout the book, with the help of the Commander and others, she overcomes her fears of being caught in a relationship or at Jezebel's or talking about Mayday. Her decisions then become more focused on what she wants (freedom to do as she pleases) and less on her fears of being caught.
Everyone fears something. Could be snakes, flying, losing someone, or not knowing where your next meal is coming from. But if your fears are so strong that they skew your decision-making, then it's time to reevaluate your fears. See if you can do something that will change them.
This woman is brave. Taking care of a child, whether completely on her own or not, can be tough. (Not that I would specifically know, though, since I don't have a child of my own.) Someone may see this woman and think that she's probably looking for money, to be helped out with getting things for her baby. They may think she's an "other" because she's not wearing the best of clothes. But one thing she doesn't seem to have is fear. That's one thing that she DOESN'T have that some people do have. Way to go, girl.
I think this is a really important issue facing us today. How can we better support single parents and help them with all the various obstacles? Also, how can we combat the stereotypes that may be deterring people from wanting to help them? I think that there are a large amount of stereotypes about single parents, especially if they are a minority, that prevents much progress to be made. I know that in New York City Bill de Blasio is trying to make daycare free for everyone. Would that help these single parents and is that a practical solution?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Margaret in that single parenthood is something that needs to be faced in modern America. I liked the contrast you pointed out in comparison between real life and Gilead, concerning the social stigma (or lack thereof) a single mother would face. What can be done to specifically aid single parents in our nation? Perhaps, as Margaret mentioned, make daycare free? Or perhaps non-profit organizations dedicated to childcare that would act as a sitting service with comparatively low costs? There are many things that could be done to combat this issue and I'm glad that you highlighted it in your blog post. Have a fantabulistic day.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting idea! I never even thought of single parents as "others" before reading this, but I think they are a great example. Single parents, especially single mothers, are looked upon with pity and empathy, yet not much aid is provided to them. I also think that within the realm of single parents, single dads could be considered "others". It is unfathomable to most people that a mother would leave her child, so single dads tend to receive more compassion and sympathy, as though they are not qualified for the task of raising a child (Ever notice how we refer to single mothers as single "mothers" and single fathers as single "dads"?). This can also be seen in Gilead when the Wives are given the children that the Handmaids produce, and the Commanders are not even present for the birth. The Commanders have no role in the children's lives rather than to produce them. Is this because they think they are above raising a child or because they do not believe they are cut out for the job? In a way, the Wives can be considered single mothers because they bear the responsibility of raising their children. Are the Wives "others"? Do the age and sex of the single parent affect our perception of them? Just some food for thought! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat image to choose, especially when comparing it to THT. This image is one of power, and your examples from the novel connect well.
ReplyDeleteI do wish you had looked beyond the 'plot' of the photograph and thought about composition of the text- how is it structured, and how does it structure contributed to your understanding and interpretation of the photograph's meaning? Of the photographer's intention?
However, the social questions you pose are provocative and astute (as evident by the comments from your peers!).