focault

“He who is subjected to a field of visibility, and who knows it, assumes responsibility for the constraints of power; he makes them play spontaneously upon himself; he inscribes in himself the power relation in which he simultaneously plays both roles; he becomes the principle of his own subject” (99). I think Brian offers an interesting insight to religion and its configuration of hierarchal relationships, which implements an always watching higher being. God, always watching, keeps individuals true. There is always the thought of being gazed upon. So, the traditional rules are always adhered to for fear of being condemned.

Walgreens tries to do this same thing. In Walgreen’s stores, the upper walls are trimmed with mirrors. He or she shopping in Walgreens starts to think he or she is being watched simply because he or she sees themselves. When, in actuality, I’m sure the security at Walgreens is much more lax than that. The individual is subjected to visibility and assumes responsibility for the constraints of power. He or she recognizes they can be seen and act accordingly.

But then we go to Disney. The whole park is meant to look like there is no security, except for the “Disney security” officers in their very rugged, yet adorable costumes. Hardly the look of law enforcement. Anyways, individuals don’t see themselves in the lines of visibility. He or she goes about their day as if they aren’t being monitored by higher beings. They see themselves as part of the crowd.

Besides at Disney, where your life for that day is shrouded in fantasy where monitoring seemingly can’t touch you, people have come to understand they are always being watched. I remember seeing this news report where they monitored how many times a person was picked up on surveillance throughout a day. Since then, (the number was shockingly high), I’ve been over-aware of my surroundings. Sometimes I try to find the cameras. I always want to know who is watching me and always stop short of behaving “out of line” when I see one. How can this allusive power have any control over my being?

Kelsey. Focault.