from: Laura
I absolutely loved this picture and how it shows socialization. His dad was a marine before he got married, but they love to dress him in camouflage and they tell him, he is just like daddy. I loved that he is standing in a blue box, because that has so much meaning. Boys, like girls, are placed in their own separate “boxes” and are expected to act in a certain way, based on their sex. One of the standards placed on children are the colors they wear: boys wear blue and girls wear pink. This little boy is standing in a blue box, which is fitting for a boy. Boys are socialized to be tough and the way he is dressed makes him appear that way. Soldiers are supposed to be tough and he is dressed like one. He looks like he has just gotten done with physical training, because of the wet spot on his shirt that makes him look as though he is sweating. Another thing I liked about this picture is how he almost fits the Disney male image. With his shirt tucked in, his waist looks smaller and his chest looks bigger, which is what Disney tells children men should look like. Boys are told they should be tough and strong and older men tend to either not like their pictures taken or wont smile for pictures. I know he almost looks like he’s smiling, but that smile was fading as he realized the camera was on him. I ended up with a look that basically said, “Hey, why are you doing that?!” and luckily I got the picture, because he ran away. I also love how the bushes can be seen through the window behind him. Boys are supposed to like the outdoors and so it gives a more “boyish” tone to the picture. Even at the age of one, he is learning what it means to be a man. He should be tough, serious, strong, like blue, and like the outdoors.
1 comment:
The imagery and symbolism in this picture is very strong. I love how he is standing in a blue (stereotypical boys' color) box, like you said, representing the boxes they are shoved into and expected to stay in because of their sex. One of the roles boys and men are expected to fulfill is the "protector". The sweat, camouflage pants, and strong pose portray this well. I also think the way the picture is taken, "head on," his eyes looking directly into the camera shows confidence and assertiveness. Finally, he is surrounded by blue items, the outdoors, and (what appears to be) building materials, all representations of Western maleness. Although boys and girls don't differ much in appearance until puberty, you can definitely tell he is male.
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