Choose an example of one aspect of contemporary culture that is, in your opinion, panoptic. Write an explanation of this, in approximately 200-300 words, employing key Foucauldian language, such as 'Docile Bodies' or 'self-regulation, and using not less than 5 quotes from the text 'Panopticism' in Thomas, J. (2000) 'Reading Images', NY, Palgrave McMillan.
Panopticism is a theory developed by the philosopher Michael Foucault which focuses on the the relationship between body power and knowledge. Panoptissum is a lot to do withe environment and the situation the suspect or suspects are put in. An example of panoptissum within our modern society is the use of speed cameras on our roads, mechanisms that we are told are their to protect us at the same time massively effect our behaviour on the causing us to self regulate and become perfect docile drivers. As we approach the camera we are constantly informed of its presence by a succession of signs, positioned to remind us we are being monitored. These initial signs as well as the speed camera itself are all part of a disciplinary project (Foucault in Thomas, J, 2000:62), just like the plague that Foucault discussed this is no different we are reminded and warned to slow down through the fear of the consequences. As soon as we enter the gaze of the camera we self discipline lowering our speed, to the driver visibility become a trap (Foucault in Thomas, J, 2000:64) this continues till the car leaves its white lines. This process from entering to leaving the cameras gaze is the transition between the normal and the abnormal (Foucault in Thomas, J, 2000:66) the fact the suspect might speed causes them to feel abnormal this feeling of abnormal disciplines the driver to become normal by keeping their speed down. This change in our behaviour occurs because we become aware that we are being watched. By reducing our speed we become the perfect docile bodies obedient and easily controlled by the authority of the camera (Foucault in Thomas, J, 2000:61).
In conclusion the panoptic gaze of the camera achieves a perpetual victory (Foucault in Thomas, J, 2000:66) as no physical confrontation is required by an authoritative figure, simply;y because of of a camera with a florescent backboard.
No comments:
Post a Comment