3/3/09

Did cameras SET THEM FREE?


I have an unproved-no-research-just-thinking-off-the-top-of-my-head theory. I think cameras set woman free to be silly. Those little box Kodak Brownies that were so popular at the beginning of the last century allowed anyone to document moments. But they did more than document a moment, they purposely created moments. And they allowed women to shimmy out of the straight laced behavior that had been forced on them for so long. Girls could be girls for a little longer than before. Yes, they had to become "women" to get along in society, but instead of just standing stiffly waiting for a professional photographer to snap a portrait of them, alone or standing solemnly with their husband, they could act silly and take pictures of each other doing it. They could laugh without feeling restrictions and when the prints were developed they could look back on those times and smile. 

I have no idea where this photo was taken, but I'm imagining a women's college. Perfectly silly and wonderful.

little teapot_tatteredandlost
Click on image to see it larger.

2 comments:

  1. I totally agree with your theory!

    Look at those girls standing behind! They are having such a fun laugh.

    Thanks for the smiles.

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  2. Anonymous3/04/2009

    Oh, we know they are putting on a show.

    d

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