A magazine called ‘Reporter’ has an advertising campaign that is all about changing your perspective. The magazine takes major topics and illustrates them, depicting the “changed” or different person holding a magazine and walking in the opposite direction.
For instance, this one’s about war.
…and this one’s on questioning neo-Nazism.
Very interesting concepts with equally interesting illustrations, to be honest. Simple and impactful. However, there’s also an image on questioning “radicalism” and…well…
It’s got a woman “going against the tide” by being different in a sea of burqa-clad women.
Clearly, you can see the fully covered women moving forward in one direction, and the woman without the hijab walking in the opposite direction with the magazine in her hands.
Undoubtedly, such images are highly controversial and hold heavy implications. When you have a look at the zoomed-in version of this picture, you can see that it says “disruptive women” on the magazine and a fully covered woman glaring back at this lady who’s walking in the opposite direction!
The campaign’s definitely receiving a mixed response. A lot of people have tweeted about this image, but the difference lies in perspective.
Some people find it super positive.
Haven’t seen such powerful imagery in a while.
This picture has me stumped. pic.twitter.com/a0P3RNzQkD
— Asma Ali Zain (@asmaalizain) January 1, 2019
However, some people are also angry at this stereotypical image…
What is this? Promo for the next season of homeland?
Sends an awfully reductive message. pic.twitter.com/0o0heMKZP4— oxy (@buuddyy99) January 3, 2019
Some people feel that the picture is sending out the wrong message and encouraging stereotypes that people already believe.
So much anger at this. Sending all the wrong, regressive messages and encouraging stereotypes that people are so ready to believe, and that women who cover themselves have to work to prove wrong every time they meet someone. https://t.co/N4Oz5dEAQF
— h.i. (@lolusername172) January 4, 2019
Some people the image aims to show different levels of intellect based on wearing or not wearing a burqa.
One's dressing, whether a burka or shorts has no bearing on intellect, cognition or a varied perception. I've known brilliant girls in burka and dull girls without. This picture is a lot of generalisation. https://t.co/xH9feGnjFR
— Nadia (@nadiajqureshi) January 3, 2019
People are decoding all the implied messages
This imagery is directly implying that being outspoken, critical, or unique in thought is contingent on the way a woman is dressed. Interesting🧐 https://t.co/ntt5AB9S6E
— sara (@damuskus_) January 3, 2019
However, people mostly agree that it is problematic
Haven’t seen such problematic conclusions drawn in a while.
A woman’s choice of dress is not indicative of her intellect. #EducateYourself https://t.co/UuUuakqogt
— Laya Behbahani (@LayaBehbahani) January 4, 2019
Even though different meanings can be attached to this image, most people agree that it’s incorrect to consider burqa-clad women any lesser in any way.
This is what I thought. Why does she have to be "burka-less" for her to be educated and have her own opinion. Seems there is an underlying islamophobic and misogynistic message : women who cover up (even by their own choice) cannot think for themselves.
— IateyourChild (@AmelBenCassie) January 3, 2019
In fact, people pointed out how it undermines some of the most powerful women who do choose to be fully covered in this manner.
Not powerful enough. Removing the hijab and walking on the opposite with a book, funny. My sister in law who is a niqabi and who holds a honours at a leading university in UK would laugh at this. I accept there are barriers in most places but this illustration is stupid.
— Sahad (@ShahadRismy) January 4, 2019
An image that would offend someone’s choice should definitely not be put out there in the first place
This image is wrong on so many levels
I order to get ur rights dont depic that the women who wear hijab are sheeps and dont have a mind of thier own
Dont disrepect them— M Salman Saqib (@EngrMSSQ) January 4, 2019
What do you think about this image? Do you think it shows a repressive interpretation of Muslim women? Or do you see something completely different here? Let us know in the comments section!
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