Facebook users successfully got Louisiana mom Jameslanie Johnson‘s Family Christmas Card photo image yanked off the social media page of the photographer that took the photo, Hanna Hawkes.
Hawkes posted the photo along with other family holiday card sessions she had taken for the Holiday season, but in no time flat, people filed numerous complaints about the photo, Daily Dot reported.
They called it misogynistic, said it promoted the out-of-date thinking that “women should be seen not heard” and was sexist considering the father and the son didn’t have their mouths bound by tape and their hands weren’t wrapped in Christmas lights.
Others said the image promoted violence against women.
Here is what the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Ruth M. Glenn said in a statement about the pic:
Unfortunately, we live in a culture that still perpetrates violence against women as evidenced by this photo. What is equally as disturbing as the duct taping of the woman and girls’ mouths and the binding of their hands is the image of the young boy behind them giving a ‘thumbs up’. It is obvious, he is already influenced. Though we are glad the photo has been removed, that people responded so strongly against it, and the photographer asserted that the photo was taken in jest, it is no laughing matter. Violence against women is commonplace and perpetuated by apathy and ignorance, as exemplified by this photo. Once again, it gives us a glimpse into the ongoing struggle to change how our culture views and treats women and girls.
The photographer got so many violent remarks addressed to her, she said, that she finally addressed the photo after being quiet about it for a little while. A December 14 post on the Hanna Hawkes Photography Facebook Page read:
After being silent, now isn’t that ironic, I would like to speak! I have been called every name in the book, and have received some very hateful and vulgar comments and messages. I would like to say that as a female I do NOT and have never promoted violence to women! I do not support abuse, or the degradation of women. My controversial photo was taken by request by the family, and was in no way meant to promote abuse. This photo was taken with humor in mind, and was meant as a comical Christmas photo. I personally know this family, and have known them for many years. They are not abusive to their children in any shape or form. Also, I would like to add that no one was harmed during the process! So everyone have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and MAY GOD BLESS you and yours!
Not sure if anyone has interviewed the Johnson family about their photo but Jameslanie proudly uses it as her personal profile photo so there you go.
h/t The Daily Dot