No, Megan, no! Uh-oh, Kirsten! (I am addressing model Megan Fox and actress Kirsten Dunst, see pics.) That is not the way to pose for a photograph in our rapidly economically globalising world! These particular photos were splashed in the 9 June and 15 June 'People' page of the Kathmandu Post. I have no doubt that print media in large parts of the world would likewise have used these images to spice up stories about the boyfriend troubles, acting assignments, etc of the two ladies.
Many of Megan's and Kirsten's compatriots in the Western glamour world of film, video, music and fashion do pose similarly, in what you would call the squat position. Design and layout people are quite keen on this posture because it provides a square frame within which to display a lady, making it possible to show the legs, torso and upper limbs without always having to show the full stand-up length. But what may be very good for the page designer may no longer be good for the audience, or the star/starlet seeking attention by exhibiting her capacity to knee-bend. The world of glamour consumption is changing, after all, with a huge demographic category joining in that represents two-thirds of the world, at least. I refer to the consuming classes of India and China, which the fashion-linked multinationals seek to reach.
You, Megan and Kirsten, may not know why this pose is problematic. You have grown up in the Occident and did not have missionary parents who worked in the hinterland of East Asia, Southasia or Africa. You should be aware that pictures such as these are no longer grist only for the Western tabloids. Editors from Guangzhou to Bangalore – and Kathmandu – will print these images. And these editors may themselves not be sufficiently alert to the challenging body position. But, believe me, they will before much water has flowed.
As the markets in Southasia/India and China become targets for Western products and services, from executive jets to Beaujolais wine, one can expect a turnaround on the glamour photography front. For now, the West holds such charm for Asia's elite masses that it will be actor Bruce Willis sporting Brietling timepieces, and Sean Connery sporting Louis Vuitton for some time to come. As yet, the market is not large enough for differentiated advertising, and a one-size-fits-all use of celebrities is still the norm when it comes to globalised campaigns. At best, a completely 'European' face of Aishwarya Rai can represent a line of cosmetics; otherwise, cricketers and soccer stars are only targeted at niche national audiences.