Pop sensation Dua Lipa delighted her Instagram followers with snapshots from her vacation in India, particularly in the state of Rajasthan. While fans were thrilled to catch a glimpse of the singer’s holiday escapades against the backdrop of majestic forts and palaces, one particular photo has sparked a heated debate on cultural sensitivity and the fine line between appreciation and voyeurism.
The contentious image captures a group of local Rajasthani women near a temple on a street, with some appearing to smile for the singer’s camera. However, as the photo circulated on various platforms, criticism emerged, accusing Lipa of perpetuating a colonialist mindset and treating the locals as subjects in a zoo.
Online commentary quickly escalated, with users expressing their concerns about the seemingly invasive nature of such photographs. A critic questioned the trend of “white women coming to Indian villages and taking pictures of locals like it’s a zoo.”
What’s up with white women coming to Indian villages and taking pictures of locals like it’s a zoo? https://t.co/MvIZ1h0HZy— SV (@DonBerbatov) December 24, 2023
Another highlighted the lack of consent, framing it as an act in the name of “culture.”
Those random aunties were just having their regular meet ups then there’s a white woman clicking their picture without their consent, in the name of “culture” https://t.co/4JY68wRdQ9— alia brainrot (@hoefor97s) December 24, 2023
An X user delved into the broader issue of the West’s voyeuristic and borderline dehumanising gaze towards other cultures. The critique extended beyond Lipa’s actions, reflecting on a persistent problem even 75 years after India gained independence. The user questioned why prominent personalities continue to capture locals as if they were exotic creatures.
The voyeuristic and borderline-dehumanising gaze of the West is a case study in itself. Even 75 years after independence, it continues to persist. What’s with such prominent personalities capturing locals as if they’re some wild creatures? https://t.co/AbjLWlTlUf— Shiven (@shivennnnnnn) December 25, 2023
A user said, “White people that travel to India post pictures of brown people like we’re exhibits in a zoo actually.”
white people that travel to india post pictures of brown people like we’re exhibits in a zoo actually https://t.co/WxE5ckwSVZ— ak (@arjunality) December 25, 2023
Dua Lipa is currently in India, for Christmas and New Year celebrations. On December 24, the renowned pop singer shared a collection of photos capturing her holiday experience in Rajasthan, India. The images showcase Dua enjoying the picturesque landscapes of the state alongside her friends.
A post shared by DUA LIPA (@dualipa)
Subsequently, on December 26, Dua Lipa’s father shared another set of photos on Instagram, providing a glimpse into the Lipa family’s vacation in New Delhi. The pictures feature iconic landmarks such as the Humayun Tomb and Bangla Sahib, offering a visual diary of their exploration in the capital.
A post shared by Dukagjin Lipa (@dukagjinlipa)
The three-time Grammy Award winner known for the song Levitating is no stranger to India. Her most recent visit to the country was in November 2019 when she graced the stage at the OnePlus Music Festival in Mumbai.
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