Brainwashed 07/03/2010
 Assalam o Alaikum, My name is Fizza and I am currently a Grade 11 student attending Gordon Graydon MSS. The title of my piece is called "BRAINWASHED", and this was a submission for the 2010 MIST Digital Art competition. The reason I am submitting this is because I want people to really take the time to understand the underlying message of this picture, and reflect on whether they have been brainwashed by the ill effects of media (whether it is television or the computer...the same fithna is available everywhere now). Modesty is one of the most prevalent concepts embraced and emphasized in Islam. It can be defined as a composure of an individual's choice of actions, words and the presentation of their overall character within religious boundaries. However, in today's society, the media constantly dictates a corrupted, ill-conceived portrayal that contradicts the character and role of a modest individual. Theoretically, the male gaze has much influenced the visual pleasures and narrative cinemas of what is majorly viewed on television. Women are relegated to the status of an object, and portrayed as a provocative symbol to lure and intoxicate with her lust. As a result, the practice of lowering the gaze is becoming increasingly difficult for Muslims who want to save themselves from committing haraam with the eyes. Without realizing, the vast exposure to media that possess an underlying message is infiltrating our minds into accepting that the evil is good, and that the good is evil. In my piece, I tried to demonstrate the message of how media articulates subtle messages to brainwash your mind to a certain mindset, little by little. The hands hovering over the T.V. screen have puppet strings attached to them, with some strings connecting to the two brains on the screen. This is to indicate that greater masterminds of the show biz are taking control of our values and morals by bombarding us with worldly and forbidden pleasures that deteriorate our modesty. It is important that one should remain safeguarded from the prolongations of this world, and protect the eyes and ears from Shaytaan's temptations. Certain parts of the brain are highlighted in pink to demonstrate that those specific parts are already infected by the ill effects of television, and will eventually be completely brainwashed as long as the hands are in control. May Allah SWT provide us resistance and protection from the evil temptations of this Dunya. Ameen. |