Afghanistan, Fashion, 1968
Along the Silk Route in Afghanistan by Fred Maroon
From Informed Comment: Global Affairs: Fashion shoots, Afghanistan 1968
Luke Powell another photographer who was attracted to Afghan culture, remembers the 70’s: “No motor vehicles, no power lines. Everything was homemade and everyone was happy and no one was hungry. It was the most beautiful place“. See previous post.
Forever Under Construction 
That middle photo could have been taken in Mt. Tamalpais State Park in Marin County, CA, USA. Or possibly out at Point Reyes, in the same general area, except that it’s not that green in that particular ecosystem.
To be honest, I have a problem with how advertising uses human interest that’s generated by natural/local/ethnic beauty to sell stuff.
This I believe: There is a young person out there right now somewhere on the planet who will develop an economic model that will be embraced internationally, that will be environmentally sustainable, and that will not objectify or otherwise denigrate cultures that are not benefitting from today’s international economic model. If I am wrong, then I want to come back in my next life as a martian, an alien, who introduces this very thing to humans/earthlings.
Linda there are so many studies and successful experiences regarding sustainable development. They are trumped by big money and other priorities, mainly to keep all the advantages of the present situation.
The link you mentioned earlier was a very good one. Sachs explained clearly that for instance Afghanistan’s situation won’t improve with more military, although we don’t hear the international community consider anything else.
Oh Linda … I’m with you on the use of images for advertising … But I also hate it when they show up on the National Geographic as “get your monthly fix of freaks” …………………….. So I have yet to decide how I like seeing them!
Of course, I have seen local/ethnic beauty in contexts that I have liked. But it’s been so few and far in between that I’m not sure I can develop an independent name/class for these lines of pictures.
The first picture saddens me to think of the magnificent statues which no longer exist – blown up by the Taliban.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2001/mar/03/afghanistan.lukeharding
So beautiful! Why is it always the prettiest places that have so much political trouble?
[…] you can open a door to a country described during the 70’s by photographer Luke Powell in the following words: “No motor vehicles, no power lines. Everything was homemade and everyone was happy and no […]