Summary

The events I chose can aid in contextualizing Judy Dater's 1975 photograph, "Female figure with a torpedo," by connecting the themes present throughout each to Dater's work. Firstly, for some background context on Dater herself. Judy Dater was born June 21st, 1941, in Hollywood, California, though she grew up in Los Angeles. Because her father owned a movie theater, she viewed the world through a cinematic lens, something that greatly influenced her photography. The glitz and glam of Hollywood is mimicked in many of Dater's works, but others, such as Female figure with a torpedo and The Gun Next Door series, capture the more outlandish side of fiction and reality.

Dater's photograph can be seen as a visual commentary on the devastating consequences of war and the resistance against military aggression. It aligns with the anti-war sentiment of the era and serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for peace. The depiction of the female figure emphasizes strength and power rather than focusing solely on conventional notions of sexuality. The woman appears to be effortlessly carrying the torpedo, showcasing her physical capabilities and resilience. This portrayal challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes by presenting a woman engaged in an activity typically associated with strength and warfare. The nudity of the female figure may also be seen as a symbol of vulnerability or rawness, rather than a straightforward representation of sexuality. It highlights the intimate and exposed nature of the woman's strength and the burdens she carries. The absence of clothing can serve to strip away societal constructs and expectations, allowing for a more authentic expression of femininity and power.

Dater's "The Gun Next Door" exhibit examines the power of photography to convey complex messages beyond simple documentation. Dater's photograph goes beyond a literal representation of a female figure with a torpedo; in a similar vein, "The Gun Next Door" shows, in many cases, the juxtaposition between the stereotypical gun owner and those who do, actually, own firearms, such as the man with the Disney princess backback or the young woman in a pretty dress. These shocking contrasts are a staple of Dater's works and challenge her audience to think beyond what is presented in front of them.

Drawing a connection to "DC Bombshells," the photograph resonates with the themes explored in the comic series, particularly how it highlights the experiences and resilience of women during wartime, while simultaneously exploring female sexuality. As the heroines are all displayed in outfits and poses that resemble pinup girls, they are, quite obviously, made to look sexy, despite a worldwide war happening in the background. However, the storyline itself focuses on far more than that, touching on prominent issues still seen today.

Meanwhile, the "Pacific NW Antiwar History" article provides historical context for understanding the anti-war sentiment prevalent during the time the photograph was taken. The 1970s marked a period of heightened awareness and activism against the Vietnam War. This is also, arguably, the time where the Women's Rights/Feminist Movement was at its peak, with groups such as Women Strike for Peace demonstrating the intersectionality of women's issues and societal issues as a whole.