Foucault's Perspective on Repression and Rebellion

Foucault and Repression The Source of Rebellion

Ben: What Did Foucault Say? The crux of Foucault s argument regarding how and why attitudes towards sex and sexuality became somewhat sanitised and controlled, lies in the fact that various aspects of it were categorised, and given existence as concepts and ideas that could be analysed, dissected and maybe even put on trial. In naming a practise, or thing , this brings the possibility to reject the process whereby it is attempted to be placed into a discourse, and essentially free it. By making it different than it was previously, a desire for it to return to its natural state of anarchy is unwittingly created; it might be said that the catalyst of the next revolution are the seeds which are planted when ideas are grown sections, depending on their thoughts and feelings, had access to the very thoughts being discussed; in attempting to intellectually and scientifically compartmentalise sexuality, the mistake was to fail to realise the instinctive side to human nature. It is this which shows a failure, and perhaps even an arrogance in understanding the very mechanics of what is it is to be human; it gave rise to the repression, which, in turn, would emerge as something that not be controlled; it is as if, in Freudian terms, the id is a box that has been so loaded with springs, that eventually they burst free from captivity and those that forced them into the box are surprised when they pop out randomly and in a disorganised fashion; the organisation of thought, by others, for others, is an attempt to own the very foundation of an idea, and want to apply it, as and when; people simply don t work that way. What is vital to bear in mind is that everyone being discussed and placed into

Hara: Scientia Hara: Scientia Sexualis Sexualis Western civilization developed a science that claimed to speak the truth of sex, creating a medicalnorm . How? Well, it is concerned with whatever is considered to be outside of that norm, proclaiming the dangers of not belonging in that norm (which was usually death) and the physical and moral cleanliness that it ensures to all the docilesubjects . Thus, it gained the power to rationalize and legitimize the prejudice in society, to regulate and classify subjects, as it was concerned with power, law and order and not with the production of truth. It was a discourse who s aim was mainly to prevent than reveal the truth. Activity: Docile Subjects . Using the words highlighted in red as a guide, what do you take this term to mean, and is it applicable to other theorists writing about this in another aspect (Clue, it s one we have studied!)

Henrys Definitions Definition of avatar: (1) a manifestation of a deity or released soul in bodily form on earth; an incarnate divine teacher. An incarnation, embodiment, or manifestation of a person or idea. [from Hinduism] (2) an icon or figure representing a particular person in a computer game, Internet forum, etc. from Sanskrit avat ra descent , from ava down + tar- to cross . Things I found interesting in Avatar: Heavy reliance by all (human) characters on skeletons that aren t theirs, but some characters are hypocritical in terms of admitting it. For example, Stephen Lang s character Colonel Quatrich talks about how if you get soft, pandora will shit you out and about how the avatar program is a joke , yet climbs into a huge exoskeleton robot. Similar with everyone in the avatar program, either seeking further knowledge or the need for the ability to walk unaided, all require the avatars to accomplish them. The typical gender roles in the film are hypocritical throughout. Throughout the film Jake is reliant on Neytiri to teach him about the world of the Na vi, and she defies traditional feminine cinematic roles of the damsel in distress, yet still relies on white guy as something he s not to save the race.

Repressive government suits dont understand the connections of the environment and shout down the scientists who have been studying it. Possible link to Foucault s ideas of the powers that be creating the discourse in society? -Another interesting thing of note; main suit who seems to be in charge is influenced by the military leader

Quotes that could be useful: From the opening section of the film, narrated by Jake; Talks about dreams of flying and the problem with the world s economy and marine vets pay hammered on the anvil of life i don t want your pity the strong prey on the weak. that s just the way things are. and nobody does a damn thing. there s no such thing as an ex-marine out there everything wants to kill you and eat your eyes strong mental attitude. you ve got to obey the rules. pandora rules. Colonel Quatrich when talking about Pandora you get soft, pandora will shit you out Colonel Quatrich bunch of limp-dicked science majors (feel like this could be useful, i also just find it funny)

hard to fill a cup that is already full clan leader about Jake (possibly useful???) all energy is borrowed, and one day you have to give it back i don t know who i am anymore Jake questioning himself after time with the Na vi, i feel like this could be very important in terms of breaking away from repressive governments what have you been smoking out there? they re fly-bitten savages that live in a tree i see a lot of trees, they can move! dr selfridge providing an example of the oppressive defining the discourse (maybe????)