Van Zoonen's Feminism theory facilitates the idea that women's bodies are objects to be looked at, which is rooted deeply into western patriarchal culture. The article titled 'Letter to my younger self' follows Grayson Perry's story of their identity as a transvestite, in which it is stated that Perry was 'acting upon an instinctual desire'. As a male at birth who later transitioned into a woman, Liesbet Van Zoonen's theory would argue that even at the late age of sixteen, Perry was conforming to the patriarchal view of women by purposefully dressing up to be looked at on the high streets. Even in the cover image for Perry's article directly addresses the idea of this being a 'sexual fetish', conforming to Van Zoonen's theory.
However, Perry's story arguably goes against Van Zoonen's theory as their identity is not for the sexual gratification of others but rather for their own sense of mind; Grayson Perry is not a transvestite for others. In the cover image for Perry's article, they are wearing a dress that is not skin tight and does not show off their body, their shoes are not modern heels, and the pattern on their outfit resembles that of a tie. This can be viewed as satirical, with Perry poking fun at the idea of men having to work corporate jobs or it can be viewed as a stab against modern roles.
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