This image portends our iniquitous dependency on child labour to selfishly sustain our own prosperity and good humor.
One may be quick to presume that this image has something to do with male femininity or homosexuality. To understand the meaning behind the image, one must also consider the symbolism behind the other not-so-apparent present in the image.
Considering the objective, one must summate the individual symbols and question the reason for its being. Let us start with the flower. To extract the symbolism from the flower, one must first take into consideration the colour and type of flower. Based on the assumption that the photographer is European-American of possible British descent, simply because no other ethnicity would waste their time with such crap, it can perhaps be said that the meaning behind the image manifested itself from a purely subconscious level grounded in the ethnocultural perspective. Perhaps the photographer and others who share a similar background may be able to readily extricate the true significance of the image, whereas it may not be as apparent to the rest of us. Though far from universally acknowledged, and when put into context where flowers are concerned, yellow usually tends to signify rejection and heartbreak. However, according to the 'The Language of Flowers', the common daisy signifies, ' Innocence, loyal love, purity, faith, cheer, simplicity'. The symbolism is deeply-rooted in the Victorian British perception of things, and then again, any era that produced three-year-old coal-bearers and experienced a notoriety for the increase in child labour might bear an iota of relevance. Only 20% of children received schooling in those days. Obviously, the people of the Victorian era had nothing better to do than to painstakingly personify flowers.
On a a random note, the majority of prostitutes of the time were between 15-22 years of age.
The idea of purity is shown to be emphasized by the light blue background and attire. Over the years, there has been been a shift of significance, leading the vast majority of people to believe that white is the colour of purity. This, however, is a misconception - which is appropriate, considering that the majority of modern-day brides should not make such a claim, anyway. In fact, the white wedding dress came about in order to signify opulence (I has it). Little is it known that light blue has always been the true colour of purity and virginity prior to this misconception. Our fellow appears blissfully unfazed and content - unaware of the plight that he is indirectly inflicting upon the youth that fuels his contentedness. This is where the idea of 'innocence' applies. Furthermore, since the fellow wears a light blue shirt upon a light blue background, he is blending into a sort of obscurity to prove his uninvolvement in the filthy task of manual labour. The pillow/child within him signifies confinement to a treacherous life of such back-breaking labour brought about by an unyielding fate. He is not a bad fellow, he is simply ignorant of it all. He doesn't mean to do it, and neither do you when you buy your Nikes infused with the blood, sweat and tears of those poor, little Cambodian five-year olds.
-Rose Lee
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