unherd

Being a Palestinian–Finnish design project, and growing up with a Palestinian cultural background, we understand the many traditions in some Arab cultures can limit autonomy, exploration, and freedom, especially for women and other marginalized genders and identities.

It can be difficult to challenge traditions that have been part of a culture for decades or centuries, especially when those who follow them are celebrated for it, while those who are harmed by these traditions, and who speak out against them, may be ignored, silenced, or in other ways harmed.

We would like to confront these damaging traditions openly to heal wounds, fight back, and build a culture that allows everyone to live as their true selves without fear or shame. We must seek beauty in individuality instead of trying to find comfort in sameness, especially when that sameness is not nurturing the individuals.

Sometimes, it is needed to show “the finger” to those who hinder our growth, even if they can’t see it. “khudh” (خُذ) means “take” in Arabic and in this design it is accompanied with the position of the middle finger, where it is lowered towards the palm of the hand. It has the same meaning as the raised middle finger in other cultures.

This graphic design was inspired by the traditional ancient depiction of pharaohs with Egyptian hieroglyphs.