Elizabeth Whitworth

Senior SEO Writer

Elizabeth has a lifelong love of books. She devours nonfiction, especially in the areas of history, theology, and philosophy. A switch to audiobooks has kindled her enjoyment of well-narrated fiction, particularly Victorian and early 20th-century works. She appreciates idea-driven books—and a classic murder mystery now and then. Elizabeth has a Substack and is writing a book about what the Bible says about death and hell.

Expertise

History, Theology, Government

Awards

Contributions to joint task force efforts (FBI), Contributions to Special Operations Division (DOJ & DEA), Efforts to fight the war on drugs (NSA), Contributions to Operation Storm Front (US Customs Service)

John Berger: Ways of Seeing Quotes to Consider

What is John Berger’s Ways of Seeing about? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? Ways of Seeing is a collection of seven essays published in 1972. Art critic John Berger argues that the way we see art has been manipulated by a privileged few to maintain their dominance, socially and economically. He believes this has happened throughout history and asserts that it’s time for things to change. Here’s a selection of John Berger’s Ways of Seeing quotes with explanations.

The Meaning of Mystification: Ways of Seeing Art

What is “mystification” in the context of art? How did the dominant class use art to mystify their privilege? According to John Berger, the author of Ways of Seeing, “mystification is the process of explaining away what might otherwise be evident.” He argues that the dominant class has used art as a medium to “mystify” the disparities in wealth and ensure that the rich get richer and the poor remain poor. Keep reading to learn about the wider meaning of mystification and how it was used in art.

The Male Gaze in Art & the Objectification of Women

What is the male gaze? How are women objectified in art? The male gaze is the practice of portraying women in the visual arts from a perspective of a male viewer. According to art critic John Berger, through the assumed male gaze, the depicted women are perceived as objects of sexual desire owned by the spectator. Continue reading to better understand the male gaze in art.

How the Reproduction of Art Changes Its Meaning

What are the implications of reproducing original works of art? How does reproduction alter the art’s original meaning? For several hundred years, fine works of art were segregated from the working class, to be enjoyed and understood only by the wealthy elite. Now, for the first time in history, art is widely accessible thanks to its reproduction. But reproducing original works of art distorts their meaning. Here’s how the reproduction of art changes its meaning.

Shortform Reads: It Started Once Upon a Time

What’s so great about reading kids’ books as an adult? What’s a must-read for nature lovers? Libby can tell you. Based near Manchester, England, she manages Shortform’s social media. We interviewed her recently to learn a bit about her relationship with books.

What Is the Purpose of Marketing? A Marxist View

What is the purpose of marketing? What does it accomplish? Whom does it serve? According to John Berger, the author of Ways of Seeing, the purpose of marketing is to keep the machines of capitalism moving: to keep the rich rich and the poor poor. It is accomplished by evoking envy and giving a promise of a better life. Continue reading to learn more about Berger’s view.

Art as Social Commentary: The Power of a Painting

What makes art an effective form of social commentary? How has art been used to assert social status? Sometimes art reflects the views of the artist and those who buy the art. That can make art a rather powerful medium. According to John Berger, the author of Ways of Seeing, the way we see art has historically been manipulated by a privileged minority to preserve their social and economic dominance. Keep reading to learn Berger’s view on how art has been co-opted for social purposes.

Interpreting Art: Why Do We See What We See?

What factors are at play when we’re interpreting art? Why do different people see art in different ways? Images are inherently subjective—our experiences and beliefs influence what we see. When we look at visual art, we often place ourselves within images, which influences how we interpret their meaning. Keep reading to learn more about the factors that influence the way we interpret art.

Your Mind Is a Battlefield—Here’s How to Win the War

In your mind, do positive thoughts or negative thoughts usually win? How can you give positivity the advantage? Positive thoughts are the key to a happy life because they lead to positive words and actions. When you think positively, you treat yourself and other people better, enjoy healthier relationships, make better choices, and are resilient in the face of adversity. Joyce Meyer asserts that positivity is difficult because the devil attacks your mind with negativity. But there’s something you can do about. Keep reading to learn how your mind is a battlefield—and how to win the war.

Doubts About God on the Battlefield of the Mind

Where does spiritual doubt come from, and where can it lead? What’s the difference between doubt and unbelief? When Jesus called Peter to walk on water, Peter did it—for a moment. According to Joyce Meyer, doubt caused Peter to sink. In Battlefield of the Mind, Meyer discusses what doubt is, how it differs from unbelief, and how we can fight both doubt and unbelief. Read more for a concise discussion of doubts about God.