Essexism
DESCRIPTION
The Collins Concise Dictionary in my local library defines an ‘Essex Girl’ as “a young working-class woman from the Essex area, typically considered as being unintelligent, materialistic, devoid of taste, and sexually promiscuous.” Other dictionaries there have similar definitions. It’s a stereotype based on a mixed bias of gender, social class, and geography, dating from the early 90s and more recently perpetuated by the TV series ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ (TOWIE).
As a lifelong Essex resident with a working-class background, I am challenging this pejorative, stereotypical portrayal with this series of portraits of real ‘Essex Girls’. I’m father to two young daughters, and wonder whether the stereotype will still persist by the time they become adults.
Each portrait is a collaboration and I encouraged suggestions on location, themes, pose and dress etc, so that every person is projected in the way that they would like to be portrayed.
All participants have a connection to Essex, and cover a diverse range of backgrounds, age, abilities, class, ethnicity, body shape, sexuality, geographical locations etc.
Hello, World!