When I was at the Maryland Live Casino at Arundel Mills, I couldn't help but be taken aback by their unique women's restroom sign (figure 1). This female figure appears more mature than the traditional figure we are used to seeing (figure 2). Figure 1 is slender, wearing what appears to be a business dress, and has hair. Figure 2 looks like a little girl given the exaggerated dress shape and rounded head and limbs. It has me wondering what defines us as women? In previous eras, all women wore dresses--this is no longer a fact and most likely women who wear dresses or skirts every day are a minority. I was watching the fourth episode of Downtown Abbey the other day, and it ends with the youngest daughter donning pants much to the surprise of her family--it made me chuckle to think that women were not allowed to wear pants (don't get me started on side-saddle). Another symbol of women used to be their long hair (their crowning jewel, as my mom would say), but that is definitely not the case now. How do we define ourselves as women--through our womanly curves, our breasts? Many females have mastectomies, but that doesn't mean they are no longer women. So if not through our body shape, then what about our ability to give birth? (I don't expect anyone will rush to put that image on a restroom.) Oh, but wait, not all women are fertile.
So where does this leave us? How do we scale ourselves down to one image to represent an entire population? Alas, I argue that we are too complex to capture in a few line strokes and fill color.
PS: If you see Adam, tell him he can have his rib back.
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| Figure 1 |
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| Figure 2 |
Love the updated image. Though it may be somewhat of a 'hopeful stereotype at least it has a bit of attitude as compared with the earlier version. And maybe that would be a good way to universally define 'woman'.. with attitude! A positive, forward moving, strong attitude embodied in the female body. I wonder what that might look like in a few strokes.
ReplyDeleteLisa, I like your interpretation and would love to see it redesigned as you suggest--you are hired. :)
DeleteThat's the sexiest womens' room sign I've ever seen.
ReplyDeleteWell said! Very interesting sign. I wonder if in 50 years, the women's room sign will still be what it is today or if this is a sign of the future.
ReplyDeleteLet's check back in with each other in 50 years--this will be interesting to note indeed. Maybe by then we'll all be robots and not need to pee. ;)
DeleteThe update is nice and it's very creative. Did you get a picture of the male sign?
ReplyDeleteHi, Derek. I regretfully did not see the men's restroom sign since it wasn't located next to the women's restroom. I am interested to see how they represent the male--I bet it is contemporary. Next time I go there, I will sneak a peak!
DeleteGreat new background for your blog Stephanie! Love the colors and whimsy.
ReplyDelete