End of the Week Links
by Kelly
–> I discuss body image issues a fair amount on this blog, so I thought I might share this interesting link with you all. About-face is an organization that “aims to combat negative and distorted images of women.” There are a lot of useful resources on this site, but the best part is a Hall of Shame that highlights certain companies with negative or problematic ad campaigns.
–> Censorship sucks. The Chinese government has banned access to Deviantart.com. I wish there was a petition we could sign, but obviously that wouldn’t get anywhere. It’s really too bad because there are some amazing Chinese artists on Deviantart.
–> I’m a big fan of polaroids, so I am very excited that Poladroid (a software that turns your photos into polaroids) has come out with a Windows version. Also, if you want to see amazing polaroids taken by other people, Polanoid has a huge gallery (and you can submit your own!).
Hope you all had a great weekend! Sorry there aren’t that many links, I’ve had a busy week. – Dollface
The Chinese government banned DeviantArt!?! WTF could they find that threatening on DeviantArt? I personally think some porno gets posted on the site in the name of “art,” but other than that I can’t think of any anti-China propaganda that’s been rapidly spreading among users. In fact, the site actually allows Chinese artists a chance to share their view, style, and talent with a large community just like any others. As much as I’m excited about going to China this spring, that is one of the things that really bothers me about the country… human beings are entitled to the right to free speech. It seems like so many Chinese users were upset about this action too. There are 1 billion people in China. I’m always amazed at how a few leaders can control many of their actions.
(PS Hoping my Visa doesn’t get revoked because of this!)
@ Dolly — Doesn’t it piss you off!? I can’t stand censorship at all. My cousin and I were discussing it, and while it may not be on DeviantArt, there is a big movement in Chinese art that is anti-cultural revolution and/or addressing the problems of communism. It seems like the Chinese government may be preemptively acting by removing access to an art community site. You know, because they can’t let anyone find out what people really think…(rolling my eyes).
You’ll have fun in China, though…just don’t try to sign onto Deviantart :-P (i wonder what the Chinese govt would think of our sites??)