Arts & International Affairs: Volume 2, Issue 1 | Page 90

moment the French were engaged in a heated debate about the role of both
women and men in the new political system. Revolutionary politicians argued
that their skillful deployment of beauty and fashion might distract men from
the important work of politics, and allow women to insert themselves into
the debate. It is not surprising that Napoleon eventually took steps to limit
the influence of women. Against a highly politicized backdrop, all public—
and even private—actions have political resonance.
The same is true today. Young women have more opportunities than ever
to put themselves on display and to use their physical presence to shape
political and social discourse in ways that can make the guardians of tradition
unhappy. Performance itself, whether authentic-seeming or highly stylized,
is a political and often empowering act for women—and certainly, it can
challenge gender boundaries in a way that makes many uncomfortable at
a time when those boundaries are under attack as never before. Qandeel
Baloch probably recognized this, but continued to assert her right to be
seen and heard. It can be dangerous to claim the right to perform, to occupy
space, to influence public discourse, and to show a more “authentic” self
than others are ready to accept.
89