Sunday, March 29, 2015
Recognition?
In chapter 7, the ideas of person-hood and subjectivity are addressed with regard to the social and cultural foundation of recognition. Who is recognized throughout our society? The concept of "identity", yet again, is drawn to question. Are you an interdependent subject or an independent subject (is it possible to be independent of others, of the society)? It is near impossible to rid oneself of the patriarchal societal norms -- most institution throughout the world are built through these foundations (patriarchal foundations). Thus, how does one attain recognition? By going against the societal norms? This makes me think of Pussy Riot -- attempting to draw attention to the atrocities occurring within their home country. Yes, I do believe that they gained recognition but from who? The Anti-Homosexuality law remains intact (even after the winter Olympics...a rather frightening month for athletes...).
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Recognition is an essential aspect of Butler's text. How society determines intelligible life as opposed to unintelligible life remains a foundational issue addressed by Butler. By drawing Pussy Riot into the conversation, you bring up questions of intelligibility and oppression in the context of contemporary Russia. The Sochi Olympics also displayed a general disregard for life in Russia. The forced removal and violent acts perpetrated by the Russian government in order to make space for the Olympics displayed a disregard for the humanity of particular Russian civilians. By engaging in a conversation on recognition, the exploitation and oppression of those most vulnerable in society comes to the forefront.
ReplyDeleteMalaika,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your assertion that one is inherently affected by societal institutions, whether or not we are aware of this fact or not. I think in that sense, our personhood and identity are consistently being defined by our relationships with others and our social standing. Because of this, I also think that it is absolutely impossible to separate ourselves from the way our identities are perceived by others. Internalized misogyny and internalized racism are two ways in which this idea manifests itself. Though your post opened up more of a dialogue, I do think that your brief interpretation of Dispossession is accurate and concise.