Imagine seeing a naked and very pregnant woman on a cover of a fashion and/or lifestyle magazine while doing your weekly shopping. Coincidentally, the woman pictured is not only pregnant but also good looking at the same time and most likely, she is famous for something. Today, we are no longer surprised or even shocked by that cover, we are simply used to seeing beautiful, famous, naked, and pregnant women on magazine covers as the likes of Britney Spears, Natalie Portman, and Claudia Schiffer posed for them as did almost every otherwise famous woman being pregnant. Because somehow it seems to be good form in the world of celebrities to expose the growing belly. Consequently, it appears naturally as if it always had been common practice to put the pregnant body on display naked or scarcely covered, revealing more than concealing leading to "next-door women" to do just like celebrities do in social media.
But this has not always been the case. When Annie Leibovitz shot a series of photographs of Demi Moore in 1991, who at that time was seven months pregnant and had no difficulties in posing naked, covering her breasts only with her hands and even published this photograph on Vanity Fair’s August 1991 issue, the world seemed to have stopped for a minute.
In this paper I would like to discuss the abovementioned picture and its protagonists, look at the past perception of pregnancy and motherhood and illustrate the changes that evolved after the photograph was published. Thus, by illustrating the changes, the development and processes this "ground-breaking" picture enabled should become obvious underlining the paper’s thesis of the picture as being a step towards a more self-confident, physically attractive self-image of pregnant women but also becoming a trigger of pressure and excessive self-control.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Photograph and Its Protagonists
- Perception on Pregnancy and Motherhood
- History
- The Pregnant Body
- The Photograph's Impact
- Some Things Changed
- Some Things Remained Problematic
- Where Are Pregnant Women Today?
- Pregnancy and Media Today
- Having the Perfect Body - Throughout Pregnancy
- The Pressure of the Perfect After-Baby- Body
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to analyze the iconic photograph of Demi Moore by Annie Leibovitz, published in Vanity Fair in 1991, and explore its impact on the perception of pregnancy and motherhood. It examines how the photograph challenged societal norms surrounding the representation of pregnant women and discusses the ongoing implications for the way pregnancy and motherhood are viewed in contemporary culture.
- The photograph's historical context and its impact on the portrayal of pregnant women in media
- The evolving perceptions of pregnancy and motherhood, particularly with regard to body image and self-identity
- The role of the photograph in shaping public discourse and contributing to a more self-confident image of pregnant women
- The potential downsides of the photograph's impact, including the increased pressure on women to maintain a "perfect" body during and after pregnancy
- The current landscape of pregnancy representation in media and its influence on contemporary societal expectations
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: The introduction sets the stage by contrasting the current norm of seeing pregnant celebrities on magazine covers with the shock and controversy that surrounded the publication of Annie Leibovitz's photograph of Demi Moore in 1991. It highlights the photograph's significance in challenging existing taboos and initiating a shift in the public's perception of pregnancy.
- The Photograph and Its Protagonists: This chapter focuses on a detailed analysis of the photograph itself, highlighting its technical aspects and its significance as a cultural phenomenon. It delves into the personalities of Demi Moore and Annie Leibovitz, exploring their motivations and roles in the creation and reception of the image. The chapter also examines the public's diverse reactions to the photograph, encompassing both criticism and appreciation.
- Perception on Pregnancy and Motherhood: This chapter delves into the historical context of pregnancy representation, exploring the prevailing norms and societal expectations surrounding pregnant women. It examines the changes that occurred in the wake of the photograph's publication, particularly in terms of the changing perceptions of the pregnant body and its role in society.
- The Photograph's Impact: This chapter examines the lasting impact of the photograph on the way pregnancy is viewed in society. It analyzes how the photograph contributed to a more positive and self-confident image of pregnant women while also shedding light on potential drawbacks, such as the heightened pressure to maintain a "perfect" body during and after pregnancy. It also examines how the photograph initiated a broader cultural conversation about pregnancy and motherhood, ultimately leading to a more nuanced understanding of these experiences.
- Where Are Pregnant Women Today?: This chapter explores the current landscape of pregnancy representation in media and its influence on societal expectations. It discusses how the pressures to maintain a "perfect" body have intensified in the age of social media and highlights the complexities of navigating pregnancy and motherhood in a visually driven and increasingly demanding culture.
Keywords
The text focuses on the themes of pregnancy, motherhood, body image, media representation, societal norms, and the impact of a single iconic photograph on the cultural conversation surrounding these issues. Key concepts explored include the history of pregnancy representation, the evolving perceptions of pregnant women, the intersection of art and social change, and the role of the media in shaping public discourse.
- Quote paper
- Sarah Wunderlich (Author), 2017, The Spark That Started a Fire. Annie Leibovitz’s Iconic Image of Pregnant Demi Moore and Its Impact Until Today, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/426226
