Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge
13
Chapters
165
Notes
Chapter 1 - Knowledge & The Knower(Core)
Chapter 1 - Knowledge & The Knower(Core)
Chapter 2 - Knowledge & Technology(Optional)
Chapter 2 - Knowledge & Technology(Optional)
Chapter 3 - Knowledge & Language(Optional)
Chapter 3 - Knowledge & Language(Optional)
Chapter 4 - Knowledge & Politics(Optional)
Chapter 4 - Knowledge & Politics(Optional)
Chapter 5 - Knowledge & Religion(Optional)
Chapter 5 - Knowledge & Religion(Optional)
Chapter 6 - Knowledge & Indigenous Societies(Optional)
Chapter 6 - Knowledge & Indigenous Societies(Optional)
Chapter 7 - History(AoK)
Chapter 7 - History(AoK)
Chapter 8 - The Human Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 8 - The Human Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 9 - The Natural Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 9 - The Natural Sciences(AoK)
Chapter 10 - The Arts(AoK)
Chapter 10 - The Arts(AoK)
Chapter 11 - Mathematics(AoK)
Chapter 11 - Mathematics(AoK)
Chapter 12 - ToK Exhibition
Chapter 12 - ToK Exhibition
Chapter 13 - ToK Essay
Chapter 13 - ToK Essay
IB Resources
Chapter 6 - Knowledge & Indigenous Societies(Optional)
Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge

Chapter 6 - Knowledge & Indigenous Societies(Optional)

Jimmy Nelson’s Contested Portraits: Truth or Aesthetic?

Word Count Emoji
734 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Representation and its politics

  • Concept: The representation of marginalized and indigenous communities by non-indigenous individuals.

    • Real-world example: Jimmy Nelson's project "Before They Pass Away," where he photographs indigenous communities. He aims to present them as beautiful and unspoiled, deviating from the "impoverished" image usually portrayed by NGOs.
  • Question to ponder: Are Nelson's pictures accurate representations or are they romanticized portraits, disconnected from the realities of modern life?

Authenticity and cultural expectations

  • Concept: The problem with defining "authenticity" of a different culture from an outsider's perspective.

    • Real-world example: Nelson photographs "the most beautiful people on the planet," excluding indigenous people that don't meet his authenticity criteria.
  • Point to remember: The aesthetics of an outsider can perpetuate stereotypes and exoticize the culture, obscuring the reality that these communities are also part of the modern world. Like watching Netflix, wearing jeans, and using social media!

Narratives and assumptions

  • Concept: The influence of narrative and language on our beliefs, attitudes, and assumptions.

    • Real-world example: The title "Before They Pass Away" can suggest inevitability, implying these cultures will disappear due to progress, rather than acknowledging potential external causes or injustices.
  • Key question: Is the "passing away" inevitable, or is there a different story to tell?

Criticisms and counter-narratives

  • Concept: Understanding the role of counter-narratives and criticisms in deconstructing dominant narratives.

    • Real-world example: Survival International's critique of Nelson's project, stating it presents a romanticized version of indigenous cultures, disconnected from their struggles and reality.
  • Interesting fact: Prominent figures from indigenous communities around the world have criticized Nelson's work.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Theory of Knowledge. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟

Nail IB's App Icon
IB Resources
Chapter 6 - Knowledge & Indigenous Societies(Optional)
Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge

Chapter 6 - Knowledge & Indigenous Societies(Optional)

Jimmy Nelson’s Contested Portraits: Truth or Aesthetic?

Word Count Emoji
734 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Representation and its politics

  • Concept: The representation of marginalized and indigenous communities by non-indigenous individuals.

    • Real-world example: Jimmy Nelson's project "Before They Pass Away," where he photographs indigenous communities. He aims to present them as beautiful and unspoiled, deviating from the "impoverished" image usually portrayed by NGOs.
  • Question to ponder: Are Nelson's pictures accurate representations or are they romanticized portraits, disconnected from the realities of modern life?

Authenticity and cultural expectations

  • Concept: The problem with defining "authenticity" of a different culture from an outsider's perspective.

    • Real-world example: Nelson photographs "the most beautiful people on the planet," excluding indigenous people that don't meet his authenticity criteria.
  • Point to remember: The aesthetics of an outsider can perpetuate stereotypes and exoticize the culture, obscuring the reality that these communities are also part of the modern world. Like watching Netflix, wearing jeans, and using social media!

Narratives and assumptions

  • Concept: The influence of narrative and language on our beliefs, attitudes, and assumptions.

    • Real-world example: The title "Before They Pass Away" can suggest inevitability, implying these cultures will disappear due to progress, rather than acknowledging potential external causes or injustices.
  • Key question: Is the "passing away" inevitable, or is there a different story to tell?

Criticisms and counter-narratives

  • Concept: Understanding the role of counter-narratives and criticisms in deconstructing dominant narratives.

    • Real-world example: Survival International's critique of Nelson's project, stating it presents a romanticized version of indigenous cultures, disconnected from their struggles and reality.
  • Interesting fact: Prominent figures from indigenous communities around the world have criticized Nelson's work.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Theory of Knowledge. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟