There are lots of people that believe they are not sexist because, intellectually, they understand women’s reality, however their subconscious deceives them.
Bibiana Santiso (Revista do Fútbol Feminino Galego, 2021)
In a world increasingly driven by visual content, the lines between art and exploitation can sometimes blur, especially when it comes to street photography. This was starkly illustrated in a recent incident involving a popular local Instagram account that captured and published a photo of an unsuspecting woman on the street. The image, taken in the moment a gust of wind lifted the woman’s skirt to reveal her bottom, has sparked controversy in A Coruña, highlighting deeper issues of consent, objectification, and the pervasive nature of subconscious sexism.
At the heart of this issue lies a fundamental breach of privacy and consent. The woman in the photo had no knowledge that she was being photographed, let alone that her image would be shared publicly. The fact that the photographer explicitly stated that the woman «did not know she was being photographed» adds a layer of creepiness to the situation. This isn’t just a technical oversight; it’s a violation of her autonomy and right to control how she is depicted. By choosing to publish the photo without her permission, the photographer disregarded the basic principle that individuals should have agency over their own bodies and images, especially in moments of vulnerability.
The photographer’s justification for publishing the photo—deeming it an «artful» street capture—reveals a deeper problem: the objectification of women. By focusing on the woman’s body in a sexually suggestive manner without her consent, the photo reduces her to an object for the viewer’s gaze. This act of objectification is a form of dehumanisation, where the aesthetic value of the image is placed above the woman’s dignity and autonomy.
This scenario also raises a critical question: would the photographer have considered the photo «artful» if the woman did not conform to certain societal standards of beauty? If she had been older, overweight, or had visible cellulite, would the image still have been deemed worthy of publication? The likely answer is no, which suggests that the decision to share the photo was less about artistic merit and more about the woman’s physical appearance fitting a narrow, sexualised ideal. This selective objectification underscores how women are often valued primarily for their looks, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and perpetuating sexism in subtle yet pervasive ways.
One argument that has been put forward in defense of the photographer is that the woman’s face is not visible, thus preserving her anonymity. However, anonymity does not equate to consent. The absence of a visible face does not mitigate the fact that her body is being displayed without her permission. Moreover, the suggestion that the photo’s location in another country somehow justifies this violation is deeply flawed. The principle of respecting someone’s privacy and autonomy is universal, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. It’s not about whether she is recognised; it’s about respecting her as a person with rights and dignity.
The male photographer’s failure to see anything wrong with the photo reflects a common issue: unconscious bias. He may not have intended to objectify or exploit the woman, but his actions reveal a deeper, ingrained societal problem where women’s boundaries and autonomy are often overlooked or dismissed. This is where sexism becomes evident in the eye of the beholder. The photographer’s unconscious biases led him to prioritise his artistic vision over the woman’s right to privacy and respect, showcasing how deeply sexism can be embedded in everyday actions.
The argument that different cultural norms might apply because the photo was taken in another country fails to hold up as a justification. Ethical standards regarding consent and the respect for individual dignity are not limited by geography. Just because something occurs in a different cultural context does not make it less harmful or ethically acceptable. The universal principle of respecting human dignity should apply regardless of location, ensuring that individuals are treated with the respect they deserve.
Finally, this situation highlights a troubling power dynamic where the photographer, a man, exercises control over how a woman is depicted without her input or consent. This is a classic example of how power imbalances play out in everyday situations. The photographer’s decision to publish the image without considering the woman’s perspective shows a disregard for her as an equal human being, further perpetuating gender-based inequalities.The decision to publish this photo was wrong on multiple levels—ethically, morally, and socially. It reflects a broader issue of how unconscious biases can lead to actions that perpetuate sexism, even when there is no overt intent to harm. This incident is not just about a photo; it’s about the deeper implications of how women are treated and depicted in society. It’s crucial that we recognise and challenge these biases, ensuring that respect for individual rights and dignity remains at the forefront of artistic expression.
