After reading about JenniCAM, here are a few thoughts…
The JenniCAM website can be seen as an extension of women’s magazines. Some theorists have seen these as blurring the public/private dichotomy by bringing traditionally domestic areas (cooking, fashion, family) into the public sphere. Some feminists argued that this was empowering by giving the feminine sphere legitimacy. Others, however, felt that these magazines simply reinforced stereotypical gender constructions, making it harder for women to break into the traditional public spheres of politics, law and “hard” issues.
To me, the JenniCAM site reflects the same dilemmas. In criticising the site, are we maintaining that the feminine, domestic and physical bodies belong only in the private sphere? Or in endorsing the site, are we accepting that the major role for women is related to the domestic and sexualised embodiment? The reality is that each user will bring their own meaning to the site; if users intend it to be, then it can be seen as surveillance or pornography. Others might read it as artistic or empowering. To me, the fact that Jenni is in control is important. Thus while it might be banal, I’m still reluctant to criticise the site.
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