The two faces of Afghan women: Oppressed and exotic

SynopsisFocusing on the story of Bibi Aisha as articulated by Time Magazine in 2010, this discussion examines the oppressed and mutilated Afghan woman, who generates spectacle through imagery and accompanying narrative and, in the process, invites rescue attempts. Her image stands in contrast to another Orientalist image, exemplified by the sexualized and exotic young Afghan girl, Sharbat Gula, whose 1985 image graced the cover of National Geographic. Although it continues to fascinate the reader/viewer, I argue that this stereotype has receded into the background. I examine the politics surrounding such narrative construction of the Muslim exposed in WikiLeaks documents and the Taliban response to Aisha's mutilation. I conclude that few pay attention to the many invisible Afghan women who live and struggle in first world countries, including in Canada.