Gender, Gaze and Otherness

Gender, Gaze and Otherness

'Otherness' - being different from the majority and holding a sense of individuality. 

Stuart Hall - The Spectacle of the 'Other'

Within Hall's reading he explores this idea of 'otherness' and 'othering' through difference, which creates and formed this idea of stereotypes. Hall states that 'a binary form of representation', suggesting that people are often exposed for being difference and holding a sense of being the 'other'. For example, this binary is created through the simplest of forms, such as male/female, black/white. Although arguably this idea of difference is a good aspect to be surrounded by, Hall explains that there are both positive and negative aspects. It is seen as a positive aspect through the idea of allowing change and difference, allowing expression and building personal identities. Though the negative aspect comes into play as this expression and difference allows these stereotypes to be formed, causing this 'other' due to difference.

Diane Arbus

Diane Arbus was an American photographer, famously known for photographing 'marginalised people', capturing 'surreal' images. She took pleasure from capturing photographs that often held a sense of truth and exposed people's floor, creating a perfect picture in her eyes.

All three of these photographs captured by Arbus all hold this sense of a very strong gaze, with their eyes staring directly at us as a viewer, creating an uncomfortable feel, in a sense of not knowing where to look as the subjects are staring directly at their viewer. Instantly the photographs create the question of 'WHY?', wondering why the photograph has captured these particular subjects and what she is trying to achieve or portray. All of these images make the viewer feel uncomfortable, something I believe Arbus was aiming for as she wanted to present the truth within societies, showing the hidden parts.