Bum T-shirts drive some a little kuku – City Press

Description
An article from South Africa’s City Press, “Bum T-Shirts drive some a little KuKuÀ (29 November 2009) provokes debate on fashion trends, more specifically, t-shirts with one specific message that had hit the streets of Johannesburg.

Analysis

The story discusses a series of t-shirts depicting a woman’s large behind and a man urinating in public, which had become controversial after they became a fashion hit. The t-shirts had evoked mixed responses with some stating that they were degrading to women and others arguing that controversy over the t-shirts resulted in a restriction on freedom of speech. A tempest in a tea-cup, one may ask, or blatantly negative portrayal of women?   This is the underlying question.

The author correctly navigates various arguments in highlighting an item which could be dubbed either fashion or fiasco. Multiple sources, diverse and informative, air their views. A fashion designer talks about the history of t-shirts used for protest movements and then asks whether the use of t-shirts to denounce women in the name of free speech is callous or courageous. The item is thought-provoking and hits at the very core of our values. More importantly, it contextualises gender rights which are being violated and scrutinises the negative imagery and portrayal of women.

Headline
The headline is appropriate and is a play on the mixed sentiment that the t-shirts evoke, either driving people (kuku, meaning crazy), depending on the sentiments they attach to their arguments. It is also a play on words (kuku is slang for vagina). It is relevant either way.

Sources
Four sources are used in the story, two male and two female. The sources are balanced and provide insight to what design and fashion means in this instance. A leading male designer’s take on the t-shirts is progressive and informative.

Language
The language used on the t-shirts is derogatory and as fashion commentator Deon Chang points out, such language actually legitimises the unbalanced power relations between women and men. In addition, it demonstrates lack of respect for women.

Visual images
There are two images in the story. One is of the t-shirt that is focus of the story.

Story angle and perspective
The author has found balance between an event that is being reported on and the issues it raises.   The fringe designer has latched onto an idea with no regard for gender issues. What is inscribed on the t-shirt raises eyebrows and evokes disgust. More importantly, the story contextualises gender rights being violated; the negative imagery and portrayal of women is scrutinised.

Placement or positioning
The story is on page three of the newspaper, which happens to be the entertainment page. Above the story is a picture of models from Botswana and Swaziland, which is captioned “Captivating beautyÀ.

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