Foucault

[Johnny Pav]

What are the implications of Foucault's understanding of the panopticon for our sense of self and subjectivity? And for our individuality?

[Johnny Pav]

The implications leave the sense of self as a mere reflection of what the omnipresent eye of the panoptic society demands of us to be through its disciplinary measures. Our subjectivity is then free only within boundaries and our individuality is negated through the discipline of our bodies and the way we interact within social and domestic environments. We perceive to be seen and thus become self censoring; always aware that we need to ‘behave’.   

[pwaterer]

I believe the Panopticon concept is very apparant in our society. When walking down the streets, we are never really able to anything we want, we must always abide by the rules of society. equally out of pride and dignity we often restrain ourselves from doing various things in order to save embarrassment. If we truely wanted to get away from power's eye, we would struggle to find a place that is entirely 'safe'.

[Victoria]

It is often see a a sytem for own best interest... however what happens to the privacy of an individuals life? I find it imposible to know or understand where the line between the two are.

[ToYz]

I think it implies that, when we imagine we are being observed, thus gaining the power and independence to observe ourselves; that we start to reveal our senses of self. We develop this know how of using our imagination and our own initiative in which we can then apply to other aspects of life. Moreover, we develop the skill to be selective and learn from our surroundings through this observation.