Frida Kahlo
Ariel Simien; English III-H-7
About Frida
Frida Kahlo served as a feminist icon, political outcast and artist during the early 20th century. Her 'movement' was a series of traits that she carried with her throughout her life, as well as measures taken from the good of her heart. Whether it was denying the standard of beauty in Mexico at the time or housing political refugees or supporting the communist-based art of her husband, Frida's rebellion ran deeper than just a single protest.
Kahlo was unashamed and proud in her hair, skin and structure, despite it's lack of feminine asthetic
Frida standing with Leo Trotsky, famous political refugee whom she housed while he hid from punishment from Russia.
Controversial mural by Frida's husband, Diego Rivera, featuring a noticeable picture of Lenin.
Frida's Disobedience
Frida's political and social rebellion was not done only through marches and protests and boycotts, but through the sudden inspiration to bring change and discomfort where it was needed. She agreed with Thoreau, in the since that "..the State has provided for remedying the evil, I know not of such ways. They take too much time, and a man's life will be gone.." To propose bills and petition lawfully even in Mexico would take the majority of one's life, and there is never time to waste in the context of revolution. Had she agreed to serve her country and live without protest to the unfairness and corruption of the government, Kahlo would have had "the same set of worth only as horses and dogs... such as these are commonly esteemed good citizens."
Frida's disobedience was almost entirely centered around her hatred of the government placed all around her, as well as the standards Mexico adopted that contradicted her way of life. Due to her decision to live as a 'rebel,' Frida faced jail time, social ostracizing and discomfort in her own country. Thoreau faced the same, due to similar circumstances, and because of this, both Thoreau and Kahlo are engraved in history as well as my list of phenomenal rebels.
The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo
Fridocha's Life and Rebellion
This cite contains a brief biography, references to her art as well as rebellious activities.