In bygone days, every “revolutionary” act, every reaction to a situation, every protest or claim, was filled with anger, even violence. Raised fists, loud voices, running, and destruction were common.
Protesters, in the minds of many, had a specific profile. They were labelled “unwashed” by those who would never take to the streets to demand anything, and women were called “hippies.”
And then, suddenly, an image travels around the world. One of the most talented actresses of our time, with immense success in cinema, elegant and proud, walks the red carpet at Cannes in a dress perfectly suited for the occasion, designed by the famous fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier. Black in the front, white in the back, with slits on both sides. Up to this point, the story would have been a typical lifestyle piece, with fashion critics analyzing Cate Blanchett’s impeccable style.
However, as the cameras focus on her, she casually lifts the back of her dress, revealing the green lining inside. The three colours, black, white, and green, combined with the red of the carpet, form the colours of the Palestinian flag.
Blanchett says nothing. She continues her role as a graceful blonde, smiling and waving. The message is clear, without a single word.
Many may consider lifting a dress a gimmick, an act of “white privilege,” as Blanchett herself described in another context. But such acts, occurring unexpectedly and with global reach, create cracks in the system. And those in power know this very well.
The students who called for peace were labelled as marginal, even though they attended the best universities in America. The professors who supported them were dismissed because they did not side with the “right” side. Any criticism of the bombing of Gaza is branded as anti-Semitism, as hatred towards Jews.
However, the seed of doubt about whether such barbarism by the Israelis is justified is not limited to what is considered the periphery.
Three European countries – Spain, Norway, and Ireland – have announced their recognition of the State of Palestine, the Hague Court has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and the leaders of Hamas, and Biden’s popularity just months before the elections has sunk to its lowest levels.
Lifting a dress is not a revolutionary act as we knew it or imagined it. Yet, it carries the same potency. And with a silent elegance, it conveys a powerful message without uttering a word.
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