feminism

Ahou Daryaei: Say Her Name!

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Mandatory Hijab Laws – Iran isn’t a Country for Women


Ahou Daryaei: Say Her Name! Say the name of Ahou Daryaei. Say it aloud. Her name joins a list of brave women fighting for their rights in a country where expressing freedom means risking one’s life. We remember Mahsa Amini, who died after being arrested for not properly wearing her hijab. And now, yet another appalling incident confronts us with a painful truth: Iran isn’t a safe place for women.

Ahou Daryaei is a 30-year-old student at Tehran’s Azad University. Her “crime”? Allegedly violating hijab laws. During a confrontation with university security, Daryaei was harassed by members of the Basij, a volunteer paramilitary group, who reportedly tore off her headscarf and clothes. So, in a defiant act of protest, Daryaei chose to remove her clothes, challenging an unjust system from within the very grounds of her university. In response, she was brutally beaten and detained by the “Morality Police,” who publicly declared that she is mentally unstable. The university’s public relations director claimed she suffers from mental health issues, an accusation frequently levelled against women who defy Iran’s strict moral codes. (CNN)

Image of a mural of Ahou Daryaei by aleXsandro Palombo in front of the Iranian consulate in Milan
Mural of Ahou Daryaei by aleXsandro Palombo in front of the Iranian consulate in Milan.

International outcry for Ahou Daryaei

News of Daryaei’s courageous stand spread rapidly, igniting widespread anger and sparking calls for justice from human rights advocates across the globe. In fact, Amnesty International has demanded her immediate release, while the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran has confirmed that her case is under close observation. Also, Iranian actresses, activists, and students have shown solidarity, underscoring the urgency of protecting personal freedoms and dignity.

The reality behind the “mental disorder” label

But how many times have we heard that a woman challenging injustice is “mentally unstable”? In the Islamic Republic, there is a profound gender apartheid. Specifically, under Iran’s rigid interpretation of Islamic law, the hijab is mandatory for all women in public spaces, enforced by the country’s morality police. But even minor infractions can lead to severe punishment. So, labelling these women as “insane” is a tactic to discredit their courage and silence their voices.

Conclusion

If patriarchy is entrenched across much of the world, in Iran, it’s institutionalised. So, say her name: Ahou Daryaei. She isn’t insane. She is a fighter for freedom, an emblem of resistance in a land that refuses to let women live freely. Amnesty International demands her release, and we echo that call. Stand with her – demand her release.

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Levi’s Commercial and Contemporary Feminism

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Women, Are We Really Progressing?


Levi’s latest commercial prompts reflection on contemporary feminism. In it, Beyoncé walks into a laundromat, strips off her jeans, and tosses them into a machine, remaining in a white culotte before sitting down to read a newspaper. This strange flashback raises questions about how commercial narratives align with modern feminist ideals and the broader cultural discourse on gender equality.

1985: Levi’s and the iconic spot


For those who grew up in the ’80s, this scene instantly brings to mind another iconic Levi’s commercial from 1985. Do you remember it? Set to Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” a strikingly handsome boy with dark, Elvis-like features walks into a laundromat. He calmly strips off his Levi’s 501 jeans and T-shirt, staying in nothing but his boxers, and reads a newspaper, unfazed by the people around him.

1985 Levi’s 501 commercial – Nick Kamen

This commercial didn’t just sell jeans; it catapulted the model, Nick Kamen, into the spotlight. He caught the eye of Madonna, who produced his 1986 single, “Each Time You Break My Heart.” The song became a hit. Tragically, on May 4th, 2021, Nick Kamen passed away at 59 after battling a long illness, leaving behind a legacy tied to an era of advertising that shaped cultural perceptions.

However, 1985 was Nick Kamen’s year. But that Levi’s commercial became iconic because it subverted expectations.Instead of the tired stereotype of a woman undressing, we finally saw a man. And what a man! Now, fast forward to 2024, and what do we see? Once again, the same old stereotype: women stripping off their clothes. Some evolution, right?

The new commercial and modern feminism


Apparently, Levi’s latest commercial embodies the contemporary version of feminism: a vision where naked women symbolize freedom, liberation, and empowerment. But is this really progress? Women’s portrayal feels more stereotyped than ever. When it comes to dressing – or undressing – this so-called freedom seems suspiciously aligned with what pleases the male gaze.

So, what are we really talking about here? Liberation and empowerment? Or is something more insidious at play? Does a woman’s worth still hinge on her nudity? Or are we still boxed in by cages of hair, makeup, plastic faces, and impossible body standards? If so, it hardly feels new. It’s the same old story, revealing more about patriarchy than it does about fashion or modern feminism.

Yet, the reality is so cleverly manipulated that we’ve been convinced this is about women’s power. But is it?

In fact, contemporary feminism, as reflected in the latest Levi’s commercial, offers little that’s new or empowering for women. Instead, it’s a step backwards. Perhaps we should revisit the ’80s, when it was a sexy man, not a woman, taking off his jeans.

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More on modern feminism

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Is it true liberation and women’s empowerment?

Modern feminism mainly corresponds to exposing almost naked women’s bodies. From red carpets and fashion shows to music events, that seems to be the most visible trace of female affirmation.

As a demonstration of emancipation, women want to express themselves as they like. And, of course, that makes sense. Hence, dressing, or we better say, undressing, is part of this liberation. But look at music and movie stars, influencers, TV entertainment, and professionals. Followed by all the women who flooded social media with parts of their bodies as the only thing they can convey. Unfortunately, women’s image is more stereotyped than ever. So, we were happy to read about Chinese women who are challenging “beauty-duty” and traditional standards.

When it comes to dressing or undressing, the women’s so-called gained freedom strangely unveils traits that win the favour of men. Doesn’t any light bulb switch on in your head? Don’t we even question why our supposed freedom corresponds to men’s preferences?

Perhaps there is something we’re missing. But let’s take as a fundamental detail the liberty of showing our body as a reflection of our power. Take red carpets, for instance. Or any other event, since there’s no difference in terms of outfits, which are mainly inelegant. Women show up almost naked, as it seems that’s the only way to reveal all their femininity. But have you ever seen men show up naked on red carpets?

Indeed, this is the crux of the matter: Have you ever seen men show up semi-naked to promote their masculinity?

Are we talking about liberation and women’s empowerment, or is there something else behind it? As women, is our worth expressed only by nudity? Or by cages and standards – hair, make-up, plastic faces and bodies – we must fit in in order to satisfy societal expectations? If so, it doesn’t sound really new. In fact, it’s the same old story, which tells more about patriarchy than fashion or modern feminism.

But the reality is so well manipulated that they made us believe it’s about women’s power and modern feminism.

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New beauty standards in China

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Empowering women vs societal expectations

Whether for feminism or practical reasons, women are redefining beauty standards in China. By challenging the traditional ideal of femininity, some young Chinese women want to be free to express their individuality. And we couldn’t be more proud of such a brave choice.

Women, buzz cut & beauty duty

Patriarchal society shaped the rules which subdued women over time. Long hair has always represented the image women have to conform to, not only in China. However, a new trend reports a step towards empowering women against societal expectations. Specifically, Chinese women started breaking the rule by switching the classic haircut with a bold buzz cut.

The buzz cut is easier to manage, low-maintenance and high-impact. It is not just a matter of fashion, it goes beyond that. Indeed, it represents a powerful statement: freedom and self-determination. The buzzcut is a synonym for self-confidence and independence. And so the trend is rising in China, and more women are opting for it.

Along with it, another trend is growing: “embrace beauty without makeup.” It’s a way to defy the “beauty duty” that forces women to maintain their appearance, imprisoning them in oppressive standards.

Beauty standards: western vs Chinese

We live in a man’s world. By analysing historical and cultural context, we can see that beauty standards are the embodiment of a male perspective and a market demand. In fact, everywhere in the world, society brainwashes women to conform to a specific image. And to stick to those precise features that women – of course – believe are the fruit of their personal reasoning or independent thought. On the Western side of the world, we witness this distorted idea of feminism: women conform to contemporary stereotypes that (just by chance?) perfectly reflect a man’s viewpoint. And women call it freedom!

So, what happens in China surprises us positively. In a society where social norms and traditions are so deeply rooted, Chinese women’s choice against “beauty duty” represents a brave move.

Indeed, by rejecting traditional ideas of feminine beauty, new beauty standards in China are an inspiration to nonconformism and women’s empowerment. Most importantly, it should make us reflect on what beauty standards really hide.

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Uncompromising, Sinéad O’Connor

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The sad post-mortem recognition as a feminist icon

The passing of Sinéad O’Connor, uncompromising woman and beautiful soul, left us speechless. Not to mention celebrities’ tributes posted on the web.

Modern society, which is basically (and sadly) a big market, is not the place for uncompromising women. A rebellious attitude does not play well with patriarchy and market requests.
What sells, marketing, who sells more – are the only things that count in a money-driven society. In this context, the female aesthetic is strictly linked to what sells. In fact, there are specific norms, rules or standards to which every woman needs to conform in order to be accepted.

Inimitable talent and uncompromising style

Around the end of the 80s, we saw a face of rare beauty with a bald head and a voice of unique intensity, and we fell in love with her. When interviewed, the Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor explained that the music industry wanted her long-haired and revealing clothes. Instead, she showed up bald and in combat boots.

Her shaved head became a trademark, a symbol of protest against traditional views of femininity. Although she tried to hide her beauty, the result was exactly the opposite. Indeed, very few women can cut their hair that way and still look so very beautiful!

Conformism & contemporary feminism

If a woman wants to be considered beautiful or accepted as an artist, or whatever she wants to do in her life, the standards are long hair and tight-fitting clothes. So we have some problems understanding the contemporary idea of feminism. For instance, look at all the celebrities who call themselves feminists; celebrated by the mainstream culture, they look as the system wants them to be, calling it freedom of expression. Is that real feminism? We don’t think so. For sure, hitting the number one charts thanks to an immense voice and a clean face and piercing eyes, was different. So, follow what the system wants, conform if you feel ok, but don’t call it feminism.

We have always searched for news from her social media accounts because we appreciated her outspoken personality, anti-establishment position and political activism. Most celebrities, though having platforms, do not say a word on crucial matters.
In fact, she was so brave to speak in support of child abuse, human rights, women’s rights, and against wars and racism. Most importantly, being a victim of abuse, she showed her vulnerability by disclosing her struggles with mental health and fibromyalgia. But she got hate and disregard in return.

On July 26, the uncompromising Sinéad O’Connor was found dead. And, all of a sudden, she becomes a feminist icon, understood only after her death. Insulted when alive, celebrated after death!

One comment really made sense:

“You praise her now ONLY because it is too late. You hadn’t the guts to support her when she was alive and she was looking for you.”

Morrissey

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