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mind selects, screens and filters information; consequently, our
perceptions depend not only on what happens in daily life but also on
how we interpret and internalise those events.’ 3
Therefore, when we are confronted with an image (in this case literally) that
horrifies, the concern is not whether it should horrify or who is horrified, but
rather why it horrifies — which of our values are challenged by the image?
In terms of the Victor etchings, I believe the images evoke the
genuineness of rape, similar sexual crimes and other crimes against
humanity. From the perspective of an individual who has never been directly
subject to any of the above, the basic pre-existent connotations thereto are
vague and a mere formless figment of imagination. The moment that the
brutish nature of such events is unmasked, some are shocked by the fact that
this is what happens on a daily basis in our country and/or by fact that they
have been so detached from reality and that seemingly, the minimum has
been done to address these issues. Such an attitude is carried through by Cary
as quoted above. 4 The less we know about social issues, the less we seem to
care. Thus, the little value which was attached to this far-away concept of
rape is challenged.
The response from individuals exposed to the realities portrayed in these
images could then, in my opinion, be twofold. They either start taking action
in personal capacity to address these issues where possible, or they further
dissociate themselves from the harshness of reality in an attempt to suppress
the conscience which would under normal circumstances conjure guilt.
To refuse the existence of things which fall outside the ambit of our
understanding is much akin to the poorly thought Malemanic argument which
denies reality simply because it does not exist in one’s culture (in this case,
‘rape’ and ‘family violence’ and not ‘intersexed persons’). 5
3 Modern society
Virtually every person who has access to a television, film and advertisement
of any kind is exposed to a certain extent of vulgarity. One of the best
marketing tools of our age is encouraging covetousness and appealing to
conformation to the raunch-culture, which a large part of our world is
3 As above.
4 Cary (n 1 above).
5 See Sunday Times (26 December 2009) Mampara of the year: Julius Malema.
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