Meaning: Diane Arbus, an influential American photographer known for her unconventional and often controversial portraits, expressed a thought-provoking perspective on the transition from childhood to adulthood in her quote, "When you grow up your mother says, 'Wear rubbers or you'll catch cold.' When you become an adult you discover that you have the right not to wear rubbers and to see if you catch cold or not. It's something like that." This quote encapsulates the shift in autonomy and personal agency that occurs as individuals mature and assume greater responsibility for their own choices and actions.

Arbus' quote resonates with the universal experience of coming of age and the accompanying realization of newfound freedoms and responsibilities. The metaphor of wearing rubbers to prevent catching a cold serves as a symbol of the protective guidance provided by parents during childhood. As children, we are often instructed by our parents to take certain precautions to safeguard our well-being, such as wearing appropriate clothing to protect against the elements. This guidance is rooted in a desire to shield children from harm and ensure their health and safety.

However, as individuals reach adulthood, they are confronted with the realization that they have the autonomy to make their own decisions, including the choice to disregard the advice or directives of their parents. Arbus' reference to the "right not to wear rubbers" underscores the newfound agency and freedom that come with adulthood. It highlights the shift from being a recipient of parental guidance to becoming a self-directed individual capable of making independent choices and accepting the potential consequences.

The quote also touches on the concept of risk-taking and personal experimentation. The decision not to wear rubbers and "to see if you catch cold or not" symbolizes the willingness to test boundaries, challenge conventional wisdom, and explore the consequences of one's actions. This aspect of the quote speaks to the process of self-discovery and learning that accompanies the transition to adulthood. It reflects the idea that individuals must experience and learn from their own choices, even if it means facing the possibility of adverse outcomes.

In the context of Diane Arbus' work as a photographer, this quote also offers insight into her artistic philosophy and approach to capturing human subjects. Arbus was known for her unflinching and often confrontational portraits of individuals on the margins of society. Her work delved into the complexities of human identity, vulnerability, and the often unconventional aspects of the human experience. Through her photography, Arbus sought to peel back the layers of social conventions and norms to reveal the raw, unvarnished truths about her subjects.

In many ways, Arbus' quote can be seen as a reflection of her own willingness to challenge norms and conventions in her artistic practice. Much like the individuals she photographed, Arbus embraced the freedom to defy expectations, push boundaries, and explore the uncharted territories of human experience. Her quote encapsulates the spirit of individual agency and the pursuit of personal truth, themes that are deeply intertwined with her body of work.

Overall, Diane Arbus' quote serves as a thought-provoking meditation on the evolution from childhood to adulthood, the acquisition of personal agency, and the willingness to confront risk and uncertainty. It captures the essence of the transition from being guided by parental authority to assuming responsibility for one's own choices and experiences. Additionally, it offers insight into the artist's own perspective on autonomy, experimentation, and the unrelenting pursuit of personal truth.