WORDS OF CAUTION

This series explores advice that is passed down matrilineally (woman to woman). These cautions and rules are interwoven with other more general advice. They are slipped into conversations as we are driving, cooking, walking, and working together. They become normative. 

To break these rules is to put yourself in danger, to be punished. Not punished legally but, physically harassed, assaulted, and abused. Punished because as a woman, you have taken up too much space, claimed too much power, or owe something to the system. 

With this series I ask; by cautioning the next generation of women are we enforcing the idea that world is not theirs? That it is a "mans world" and that women are guests who must behave. How do we change these narratives to empower women while simultaneously informing them of the dangers that still exist?

These portraits were collaborations: Each individual wrote their story and we planned their portrait together. After an image was chosen they then rewrote their story as it appears here.

If you are interested in sharing your story of caution please email me at alannastyer(at)gmail.com