Friday, February 29, 2008
Blog #3: Moving ourselves into new contexts
At this juncture, we have covered material as it relates to our developing subjectivities in different spaces. 'Apparate' or secondspace yourself into a context that has yet to exist and consider how your subjectivity would be vulnerable to either stabilizing or destabilizing in this context. In brief, invent a context you've never been in, describe based on what you know about yourself, how you might respond, and describe the visible and invisible sociopolitical messages that the given space tries to inscribe onto you. You can use each others' contexts if you like em'. Go play!
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I feel that where it comes to social politics many people don't know how to read between the lines. In addition because people are only given the big picture; leaving out important details be very dangerous and is one of the main reason why people are so ignorant today when it comes to knowing what’s the truth. I feel that when it comes to politics I am forced to go along with the majority, so because I am one of those ignorant individuals, I agree on disagree based on the partial information, not knowing the whole truth. Like myself I believe that what I don't know could cause me to make the wrong decision, for something as simple as being a name brand item to something more important such as voting.
Ex. If I don't know the actual background of the candidate but only given the information based on practiced and prepared speech, is that really good enough for me to make a decision that will last me four years of think if it was the right one or the wrong one. People need to look beyond what given, and then maybe we can give history back its meaning
Okay, so, the assignment here is to, for all intents and purposes, place ourselves in an uncomfortable position and predict our own behavior as it relates to destabilization.
The problem with this, however, is that one has great difficulty when attempting to be unbiased to oneself and one's own possible reactions to any space. People tend to SAY that they will react in one way and then proceed to have to opposite reaction.
However, for argument's sake, I will attempt to make the best self-judgment that I can.
I picture myself at an art exhibit of Andy Warhol's greatest works. All around me are people who uphold this man as one of the greatest artists of his time. I, on the other hand, find his work lacking in originality, unworthy of the praise that he has been given for so many years.
I find myself attempting to see the world from the perspective of these deluded art connoisseurs. Trying to put myself into their shoes, so to speak. They ooh and ah over different paintings...a soup can here, a commodity label there...pulling out such words as profound and insightful. I take a stab at seeing the beauty that is apparently so obvious in these works and I find myself thinking more about what makes art than about the art in front of me.
Art is supposed to SAY something, to convey some sort of deeper meaning that should stab to the heart of all those who see it. People around the world gawk at the glory of flowers shaped like vaginas, three story dogs made out of flowers, sculptures that exhibit the human body in parts, and paintings of horses going crazy in city streets (the latter portrayed in an abstract manner).
How am I, the random art observer, supposed to believe that the recreation of a soup can is profound at all? How can i be convinced to trust that there is some sort of message there?
I soon come to discover that I have been completely alienated from the group that i have thrust myself into. They chatter on about angles and representation while I sit idly by and question my own intelligence, my own ability to recognize beauty.
My conversations are short, as i do not wish to insult the other lookers-on. I make terse remarks about color and vibrancy, but divulge little else about my own opinion. I am stifled beyond words. I have become a statue without a pedestal, a speaker without a podium, a politician without a speech-writer.
These people around me all believe this to be art...but I, I cannot bring myself to label it as such. I suppose that this is the debate, though. The argument about what art is supposed to be. What it can and cannot entail. And, for the most part, it is a debate that will never be won.
I would like to place myself on a reality show like "The Real World," on MTV. 7 strangers move into this luxurious house and must learn how to live, work and accept each others differences withen this social space. Growing up watching that show, I have always said that I wouldn't never act how some of those people would act. If there was a fight, i'd always say well I would be the mediator or wouldn't get involved. Picturing msyelf on this show I always thought i'd be the perfect little angel. But now that I think about it, would i?
For those who've seen The Real World know its all about drama, often caused by the producers. We all know that the producers "instigate" fights between the cast. Different messages would be coming through like well if I dont do what they want, will I get kicked off the show, or if I do what they want how will I be portrayed to the viewing public. This show tells the world that its okay to be a slut and sleep with all the cast members, or its okay to be a bitch, or your boring if you dont cause drama, i mean it is "the real world." Different messages would be thrown at me from every direction. THey would probably subliminally tell me to cheat on my bf, talk shit on one of the cast mates, run around naked, or other shannanigans they get into on that show. I know that I am a strong enough person who is satisfied with their identity, to know that I wouldn't give in, but there are people out there who may be unsure. And i feel that those people are the ones that are effected by these type of environments and give into the messages that are being thrown at them. But you'll probably never see me on THe Real World, so no worries.
I also agree with Gary, with the Andy Warhol musuem. I am a fan of his work but I also can agree with his viewpoint. WHen your placed in a social space where even around you feels one way and you are on the complete opposite side of the spectrum you often feel destabilized. In the Andy Warhol musuem I would feel out of place because although I'm a fan, i like his work because it "pops" its different from the normal day stuff you see, and its bright and colorful. I mean who would have thought a banana would become so popular?
A secondspace I would put myself into or apperate to would have to be the situations you see in a scary movie preferably a movie like Saw. I always watch these movies because I love scary movies but I wonder how I would deal with the situation if I were put in it.
This would surly be a horrible position to be in, for example in the movie there is a situation where a man is chained to the wall by his skin he has chains linked to his chest, arms, legs, and worst of all his Achilles tendons (ugh, that makes me cringe). anyway, he only has a small amount of time to get out or a bomb will explode and kill him. this means he needs to do what it takes to walk away alive- ripping the chains out. I cant begin to imagine what it would be like to be in his shoes. Its either life by inflicting excruciating pain on yourself or death. I would have to fight to live but it would be nearly impossible to endure all that pain, considering that needles freak me out, I would probably pass out and be blown up, but I wouldn't want to have gone out without a fight.
Being in this space there is no doubt that you would be destabilized from your surroundings. You are given an ultimatum and both choices basically suck. But your instincts tell you to fight.
I guess this is a really good example but in reality I would never hope to find myself in that position.
I feel that I would too place myself on a reality TV Show. Even though reality TV shows’ are not always “real” I feel that this would test me on many different levels. As Tara stated previous, the producers would try to get you to do things that you normally wouldn’t do such as being nude, cheat, or talk negativity about others. You have to be personally very strong to withstand from peer pressure and remember that your morals are number one. This is just a television show and what happens to your reputation when the season is over. Would you want the whole world to know what a liar or cheater you are? When you go on a show like this you have to brace yourself and plan ahead of time, because a show only lasts so long. I know that I wouldn’t want people passing me on the streets in the future thinking badly of me. A reality television show should be a “real” environment, but the producers start trouble to make the show interesting. When the cameras are off I would love to see how the cast interacts with each other. The cast members could also be the one’s who start the problems in the house, because they want more camera time. If I was put in this situation, I would not change who I am to please other people. Your not unique if you don’t express yourself and stand up for what you believe in.
I've been wracking my brain over this and considering tons of situations, but for most of them I question what I "would do" compared to what would be considered "acceptable responces".
I can associate however with GaryM's blog comment about Warhol only I see it from the other side of the fence, but only I tend not to dicuss things while I'm at galleries...I just kind of look and keep my judgements to myself.
I'll use a reverse scene of being amongst Warhol's works, but instead find myself around many doubters. I'm not much of an arguer, so I know that I would not try to argue a point with anyone since that's just not me and art is open to many peoples opinions even if they don't mirror my own.
I actually enjoy Warhol's works and see more originality in one of them rather than in 1000 different paintings of flowers. If I was to try and convince people of the artistic value of Warhols works I could easily go into detail about the elements and principals of design with I could compare easily with any other painting on the planet. Do paintings of flowers or landscapes not include color, line and form? Well...so do Warhols.
Subject matter could also be argued. Warhol is infamous for using Campbells soup cans, Brillo boxes and other pop-culture brands as subject matter. Since these are common everyday items for most people, why can't they be used in art? Flowers are everyday items, as are landscapes (just look outside). Warhol is not the only one to utilize such everyday items, Ralph Goings (Google him and click on images), painted scenes of tables in diners. They almost always included salt and pepper shakers, napkins and other items on a diner table...also included in several paintings are Heinz ketchup bottles,Frenchs Yellow Mustard and A1 Steak Sauce. Why would people consider these art, but not Warhols paintings? Is it because they are painted? I hope not...since Warhol did tend to paint over top of the screen printed images he created.
I see brillance in what Warhol made because of his ability to take everyday items and turn them into art. He used various forms of printmaking to make these images (which by the way..printmaking pre-dates and was used during the renassaince that everyone so loves - ugh!) I see the originality of his work being more in the idea than in some of his works (others I find brillant all around).
Arguing these points with people would completely destabilze me as an individual, I avoid conflict at almost all costs, but do feel that I could easily argue in favor of Warhol if a weird situation would ever occur that would actually prompt me to speak up.
As Gary stated though, these are arguments that have no winner. Each side of the arguement is trying to impose it's ideas on the other and sometimes people have a difficult time seeing the other side of an argument when they are already so entrenched in their ideals. I guess my best bet in this argument would be to focus on comparing the items rather than contrasting them. Warhols items are not all that different than any other paintings. Artists use all the same tools and mediums (though sometimes they find something completely original) and usually focus on the same subject matter (people/animals, landscapes, still-lifes, religion, etc.) At best, I might be able to help people see another side of the page...I do my best to have an unbiased view of art and I'll admit there are times when I question even myself, but anything that is made and called "art" can be argued due to comparisons of what else has been created.
Whoops...that's me up above...forgot my name.
Doug Thomas :D
A situation that I would place myself in would be similar to Tara's view-to be on a reality TV show like The Amazing Race. This show involves teams of two who compete in challenges that take them around the world. The challenges are often very extreme and test the limits of the competitors in terms of both their physical abilities but their personal abilities as well-often causing many confrontations among team members.
I think I would feel destabilized on this show because many of the challenges test physical endurance and are often crazy-I don't know if I would be able to go to the extent that some of the people are able to go to. Also, would I want to risk the relationship I have with my partner-Would it be worth it to go on a show, but get in a fight and maybe ruin our bond forever? Additionally, is this the type of show, like Tara mentioned about Real World, where producers are attempting to create a character that doesn't represent your true self?
I think a lot of consideration must come into play when considering something such as this. Although it may be a great experience, you have to consider the type of person you are, how you want to be represented, and weigh the pros vs. the cons.
one place that i would be very uncomfortable is disney world. i was actually there before, once when i was a small child that i don't really remember and another time when i was in 9th grade and i remember it very well. to me, the whole idea of a living fairy tale is kind of creepy, and not that i'm hardened to the ideals that disney represents i just think that when you're there as a person who can see through the fantasy it loses alot of it's luster.
one of my biggest problems with the place is the characters. Not just the people in the big fuzzy baking suits during 100 degree weather, but even the princesses. it just makes me very uncomfortable to know that there are college aged kids inside those suits suffering, or maybe even worse to think that there are middle aged men and women trying to make a living. i guess they love their jobs, and they want to be part of the disney atmosphere, but it's just very unsettling to me to see people fawn over them like they are real. I read an article once about how when you're in costume, you can't do anything. If you have to go to the bathroom, you have to either hold it or have an accident, but you can't ever just walk into a public restroom, that would ruin the simulacra. It's insanely hot in those suits, and add the florida humidity and you can easily see how some of these people may get sick or heatstroke. you can never remove the head though obviously, imagine the kids screaming when daffy duck takes off his head to throw up in a trashcan. When i see kids and adults alike running forward to hug and cuddle with these people, it makes me wonder what's going on inside the suit.
most of the rides also creep me out. I'm not a fan of robots in any sense, it's a long story, but to see robotic children singing and holding hands and ancient pirates looking at you and talking just scares me! Not to mention the terror that the more advanced and newer rides hold, like robotic dinosaurs running at you and trying to eat you. robots=death.
if i were forced to go to disney land, i would probably smile on the outside and scream and cry on the inside. I feel like when you're in a place like that it's almost like the twilight zone, everyone is so eerily happy that you have to go along with them or be outed and massacred as an other. obviously, this is disney we're talking about, not some Orwell '84 flashback, but i'm just saying, it's a creepy place.
If I would have to put myself into a second space it would be as a professional baseball player. I have seen so many games from the stands but I would love to know first hand what it would feel like to step onto a major league field and hear thousands of people cheering and booing for me and my team. I have played in many big games before in my life but it would be a totally different experience to know that a whole city is rooting for you to do something amazing. So many young kids dream of being a pro athlete and it would be a dream come true to be in a situation like that. It would also be something out of my element because I would not know what to expect and I would not know how to react if I made a bad play or struck out. For the most part I have a strong heart but I don't know how I would feel if someone held a sign up that said I sucked or something to that extent. It takes alot of heart to constantly be on the road away from your family playing the game you love, and because I am very close with my family I think that it would be a hard adjustment to make.
On a side note I really like what Sharlmaine said about political candidates, on how people vote just from hearsay. I think that too many people will vote based off of what they see on tv and what their friends say. Too many people these days are lazy and do not research enough on the people that hold significant positions in the United States.
If I were to "apparate" into a context which I have never experienced it would be the setting in which the battles took place in "8 Mile". I know nothing about rap including what makes it good and bad. I'm from an upper middle class white town and that can be seen in the clothes that I wear. If for some reason I was found in this situation, I would more than likely talk to no one and try my best to blend in with the wall nearest to the exit. I would not choose to go to that setting because of the fear of being confronted. If I had to go I would make my stay as short as possible. As was displayed in "8 Mile", the message that would be given to me as a stranger to this setting would be that someone like me does not belong in a place like that; that I would not understand the words and emotion used in the music because I had never experienced that kind of hardship in my life.
I am sure I will be forever labeled a loser for confessing this, but I truly adore the long-lost Disney musical "Newsies." (What better way to spend an afternoon than watching a then-19-year-old Christian Bale crooning and dancing straight "Footloose" style?)
I've officially seen "Newsies" only three times (but I have almost outworn my CD soundtrack.) On that third viewing occasion - Saturday afternoon with an old friend who originally introduced me to the newsboys - I realized how fascinating it would have been to fight for our rights during the heavy days of the 1899 newsboy strike.
As Racetrack (newsie number three) begins the movie: "In 1899, the streets of New York City echoed with the voices of newsies, peddling the papers of Joseph Pulitzer, William Randolph Hearst and other giants of the newspaper world. On every corner you saw them carrying the banner. Bringing you the news for a penny a pape. Poor orphans and runaways, the newsies were a ragged army without a leader, until one day all that changed."
Picture yourself in turn-of-the-century New York City, walking the streets each day to the cries of "Extra, extra! Read all about it!" Those cries fell to mere whimpers once Pulitzer raised the distribution price one-tenth of a cent per paper. The newsboys, already poor, went on strike against the publishers.
The movie, based on factual events, exercises the general idea of banding together toward a common goal (through song and dance, if necessary). Almost sickeningly inspiring, the boys’ struggle lends a space to me that I couldn’t immediately imagine myself in, but allows me to wonder.
What if I had to dress in suspenders and a cap and try to sell newspapers to people on the streets? What if I couldn’t afford a $5 court-ordered bail?
The time period itself lends to the idea that women weren’t as respected as their counterpart: the only female roles in the film went to those of a few nuns, one mother figure and someone’s sister. Where are the women heads of publishing companies? Where are the girls dressing in trousers and a shirt, trying to make a few cents for their family?
“Newsies”’ message still stands true today, over a century later, when people still aren’t treated fairly, be it because of race, gender, social class or whatever means people try to find to discriminate.
I don’t know if I will ever have the opportunity to carry the banner, and fight for my own rights. I do realize, though, that it is impossible to ignore those who do contest the powerful few, just as hundreds of newsies did in 1899, and as many brave souls do today.
If only the newsies were still alive today: maybe they could give a little perspective to those fighting the same battles now.
(See, me standing in as a newsboy in the 1800s could serve some good, beyond getting to hang out with Jack "Cowboy" Kelly - a.k.a. Christian "Holy papes, Batman" Bale.)
It took me a while to sit here and think of a place that I have never experienced and when I really thought about it, it would have to be a foreign country. I have never been to a foreign country, not even Canada.
If I would go to a foreign country I think I would have a hard time adapting to the different cultures, because even here in the U.S when I travel to different states it’s hard to adapt to different cultures.
Some of things I think that would be hard for me to adapt to would be things like using the language, metric system, the currency, food, and just lifestyles of the people in general. I know that in some countries it is custom to have a big lunch and have a small dinner, where as over here is different. I think that would be hard for me to get use to especially since I have very small lunches. Language obviously would be another thing that I would have to get use to, I only had two years of a foreign language and that was when I was in 8th and 9th grade in middle school. Even when I travel in the states I do get uncomfortable when people are around me speaking another language I do not recognize. I think most people do, not knowing what is completely going on around you are scary and that those people do have something going that’s not under your control makes it even scarier. I believe that mostly the language and trying to understand it would be the hardest part for me and make me the most uncomfortable but after I would get the hang of it I would most likely be able to bring my guard down a bit with what’s going on.
In general I believe it is hard to get use to a foreign and it might take others a little bit longer then some to get use to the customs. Traveling around the states is good however since the U.S does have such a wide variety of cultures within it you can learn a lot just traveling within our own country.
I recently saw No Country for Old Men for my groups 2nd WIKI. I keep trying to imagine myself in the movie, as secondspace. The movie is about a drug deal gone wrong. The main character finds a lot of money and is chased by one man in particular looking for the money. He risks his life and family because he doesn't want to give up the money.
While I was watching the movie, I kept thinking the main character should have just spent the money. But then I thought, they probably would have still tried killing him if he spent it all.
So I thought about how I would have responded if I were in that situation. I feel that if I had found tons of cash I would have tried to keep it also, however, if someone began chasing me and I put my family in danger, I would give the money up. I am fascinated by serial killers and what goes on in their mind and such but, I would never want to be "hunted" by one. I'm sure I would beg and plead for my life and give the money back in a second if I knew I could keep my life.
People are so money hungry that they sometimes forget what's important. Although, maybe if I were really poor and had no family, I would risk it all to try and keep the money.
If I had the chance to place myself somewhere, it would have to be upstate New York during Woodstock. Not the recent wanna-be Woodstock, but the first 1969 three day long festival. Initially, I think I would love to be there for the music, some of the greatest bands and musicians performed there. During the three days, the people enjoyed the music and the atmosphere. This is interesting to me because the thousands of people who came had so many different identities, yet there was very little violence, crime and most of all judgments about each other (And there wasn’t too many drug busts either).
Heading back to Woodstock would be slightly destabilizing for me. I have taken road trips to specific destinations, but have always stayed in a hotel. Living outdoors for three days would definitely be different than a hotel with the luxuries of electricity and plumbing. Another aspect that would be destabilizing is the usage of illegal substances, it has never really been “my scene”, I don’t freak out about or around it, but it would just be a different “space”. In today’s music scene, they have festivals such as Bonaroo, which are most likely a great time…but there is something about Woodstock that intrigues me. Maybe the idea of running around with flowers in my hair and the free spirit of it all is the moment I find most appealing. Or maybe it’s my love for the music of that generation and the Hippie rock
musical “Hair”. It’s hard to tell exactly the way I would respond, I feel that one would have to partake in the situation to truly know their reactions.
When thinking of a place that I could "apparate" myself, several thoughts came to mind. I pondered over the thoughts of being on a reality t.v. show, as a few of you have stated previously. I also enjoyed Nicole's idea of the foreign country but I have visited a few myself. I have decided not to limit myself to one situation but to choose many. I chose to run with the idea of my favorite show on television.."The World's Most Amazing Videos." Everytime I watch the show, I put myself in the shoes of the victims and imagine how painful some of the situations can be.
I find this especially important to me because I identify myself as a "thrill seeker." With risks comes a lot of danger. For example, one thing that I always wanted to do was skydive. As many of you may know, there is usually a clip on the show of skydiving gone bad. All the time, somebody's parachute does not open and they end up breaking at least ten bones, granted they escape death. This has an impact on me because that is one of the only things holding me back from something I have been wanting to do since I was a kid.
Putting yourself in the place of victims can have a positive impact on you as well. Understanding how bad some people have it makes one appreciate the small things in life that can make a big difference. Also, it proves that nobody is invincible and everybody is proned to an accident. What you do to separate yourself and prevent that gives a reflection on character.
If I had to put myself in a place, that I would feel uncomfortable would be as a paparazzi on the street in LA. The paparazzi are stalking the "it"celebrities day and night just to get a picture of them to sell to the magazines. I would love to just, for one day be a "paparazzi" because I think their work is ridiculous. I think it would be extremely hard for me to pursue for one day this type of job because I would feel I would be invading someones personal life and space.
I am completely guilty of buying the new people magazine ever week and yes you can call me a hypocrite because if it wasn't for the paparazzi, People Magazine probably wouldn't be as successful but I def. think there is a more appropriate way to snap a shot of a celebrity then bombarding them outside of Pink Taco or Kitson.
I couldn't even imagine being in that celebrities shoes; wondering what kind of picture they are going to take of me today and then worrying about what story the paparazzi are going to develop to just to make their identity worst.
Although, I probably won't have to worry about paparazzi following me, I do think its a place I would def. feel uncomfortable and probably try and do something about it.
In trying to create a space to place myself into in order to challenge my very identity, I attempted to pick something that I could feel myself begin to get uncomfortable just thinking about the situation. I decided to place myself in a synogogue. Being of the catholic demonination, I have spoken with various people and friends of mine who have expressed feelings of discomfort and destabilization in the Catholic setting. I'm sure this is due to the fact that the ceremonial mass is steeped in tradition and traditional meanings. If you have not been raised in this setting or are not familiar with it, it can be intimidating. I wanted to try to place myself in the same situation. The Jewish religion was the first that came to mind which would also be steeped in tradition and ritual.
In this space, I am surrounded by a large crowd of people who all share the common bond of heritage and religious belief and I feel as if I'm sticking out like a sore thumb. As the service begins, the people around me begin to react as if players in a play. Each movement, each line is precisely placed and backed with purpose, meaning, and emotion. Knowing that my faith and my beliefs have grown out of this parenting religion, I am intrigued by the ritual but feel inhibited at the same time. I feel very marginilized that I don't know or understand what it going on in the service. It is almost as if a mirrow is being placed in front of me. I feel that I am forced to challenge who I am and what I believe.
The experience of trying to make the connections between the two traditions in order to understand my own makes me realize that I am to be held accountable for my own identity. It is one thing to be given an identity. My parents and my Godparents bestowed the religion and it's traditions on me. However, it is my responsibility to own that identity. It is my responsibility to learn about my identity, to understand my identity, and to own my identity.
A protest...for the sake of argument, we'll make it a political protest, something like an independence movement or anti-authoritarian government movement (I can see myself in one of these situations eventually).
I am generally non-violent, but very confrontational with words and dialogue, so to face a situation where there is the potential for violence would make me uneasy. I imagine that I'm marching in a parade, constantly looking over my shoulder (I do this in restaurants too...I'm extremely paranoid) and wondering what the crowd is thinking. Then, at some point, the adrenaline in my veins would start pumping and I would feel the surge of "protest strength" and begin my own vocalization, angrily and powerfully.
Since the situation would be one of fair sensitivity, I can see the police coming out in droves and observing the scene; I would begin to become more anxious, but this would be counteracted by my own aggressiveness toward the subject matter. At this point, my surroundings are giving me a position of power among the masses, a force, if you will, of change; the others are either police or curious onlookers.
The first, the police, are trying to impose on me some sort of restraint; their purpose is to keep me at bay and restrict my movement. I can see myself reacting in such a manner as to be provocative, but not so much that I would be immediately, if at all, arrested or asked to leave; remember, I am empowered by the masses.
If all ends well, the protest would end peacefully, but in such sensitive matters this is rarely the case outside of the US. In such a situation, one that is more chaotic and calls for more heavily armed forces, I am not quite sure what I would do. First, I would never strike a human being first...I can see that the forces before me have become more powerful and overbearing, something that is trying to enforce the initial law-keepers' jobs, but at a higher level. Second, I more than likely would not run away, but stand my ground; in such an event, I'm sure that the surroundings are doing a few things: 1) the scene is sending me the message that there is a cause worth fighting for, so, despite fear and force, I must stand my ground; 2) there would be other people around me, again the amassing people would give me a sort of "this is right" complex; 3) the violence around me, however, would make me question, in some way, the immediate worth of my actions, ultimately concluding with a quickly thought-out decision...one I cannot provide here without actually being there.
**I tried to "stream of thought" this, so as to not compromise or alter, for fear of losing face, the thought-of situation.
When first reading this assignment it was hard for me to think of a certain space to reflect on. As others had said above I also would chose a reality show as a space that challenges my identity as an individual. To be more in depth I will choose a reality dating show such as rock of love. This space would be full of uncomfortable and challenging situations. Living in a house with 15 plus girls all stabbing each other in the back to get a little closer to "true love." Knowing that millions are watching you put your heart on the line and the dramatic situations that occur along the way would really be an uncomfortable space to be in. I would imagine that I would be the "nice girl" that tried to befriend everyone and use my personality to get the guy. However, I am sure this would back fire and someone who I may think was my friend would stab me in the back as we see oh so often in these types of shows. As Tara stated previous, the producers would try to get you to do things that you normally wouldn’t do such as being nude, outrageous, and just overall doing things you normally would not do. I defiantly believe a situation such as this would destabilize me. I am a competitor but not when it is in such a potential hurtful situation. Call me childish but I still believe in true love and love at first site. I can't really believe that when one of these dating shows is over true love has been found. This also could be due to the fact that the couple never stays together and there is usually a second season, or in some cases a third season.
When trying to think of a space that does not yet exist, it took a good deal of time. I’m not sure if this place does exist, but one social space that I thought of was where the world is “normal” and I would be a cartoon. Spaces like this have been done in movies, but in my space, I’d be the only cartoon figure. This would be an atmosphere that would totally destabilize my identity at first. I can only imagine the stares, pointing and whispering that would take place. I am already someone that does not care to be in the spot light and this situation would make me feel like the center of attention all the time (and not in a good way). One message that may come across to the humans living in the “normal” world would be that the cartoon character would feel superior when it came to long life and health. Just like other cartoons on television shows and movies, they never seem to feel physical pain and never suffer from injury. Many people would want to have this characteristic. I don’t know that I’d respond well to this, knowing that others may want to have this characteristic that is part of a cartoon’s character.
In response to other students’ ideas, I think it would be a very destabilizing experience to be on the Real World. I feel as though I might have to change who I am to be a more interesting “character” on the show, or to simply fit in with the other roommates in the house. I would probably be type-cast as the “good girl,” as that is the first impression everyone seems to perceive of me. If dealing with a group of constant partiers, I don’t know that I would survive well as someone that doesn’t drink often. I would probably feel pressured (self-imposed) to drink more to feel accepted.
It was hard for me to think of a context that I have never experienced before, one that would destablilize me. It shouldn’t be hard to think of, as it happens frequently, but on the spot, I can’t seem to place one. I began to think about college, and certain experiences that I have encountered, places I’ve been, people I have met, and how those has affected my identity. Then I looked at the larger picture, and realized that if I had chosen a different school to attend, my experiences, my identity would be totally different. I mean, look at IUP kids, we have a lot of diversity on our campus, people from different areas of the country, even the world. Different backgrounds, different beliefs, but the same desire to get drunk and break things lol. Imagine if you went to a different school, not IUP, not a state school, not a large school, or a party school. I think of my best friend from home. She went to a small, private, catholic college 15 minutes away from our hometown. There isn’t much diversity, everyone is white and rich. Her schedule is planned ahead of time for her by the school, she has no say in what classes she takes. She would never have a class like this one. She would never skip a class to sleep in or party, she would never have a chaotic homecoming weekend, or hit up a frat house. I try to picture what I would be like if I went to her school, and I cringe. That type of school isn’t me. I like diversity, and options, and well, back in the day, even frat houses. That’s who I was in high school, and that’s why I am here. But if I had gone there, I would be stifled. I think I would have conformed into what that school wants to produce…mini versions of themselves. I picture lawyers and accountants, and eww, dermatologists.
As I sit here and think of a place I have not been i realized I have been around many different people in many different places. Trying to imagine myself in a place that would I would never normally go to was difficult, until I began reading the other posts. Some of them seemed to easy to predict and lacking a little originality. I read Gary M's post and instantly felt my become uncomfortable just thinking about going to an art museum. I have no concept of art and what it is supposed to mean. I have never been able to understand all that abstract stuff and deeper meaning bull&$#%. I imagined myself standing in a museum with all of these high class people around me speaking in whispers about how amazing each painter was and how the painting touch them; and there is me thinking it's just a picture, or it's just a soup can label how could it have so much meaning. Eventually I would just be stumbling around a mist the true art lovers trying to find the fastest way out of there, as I realize there is no way I could carry on a conversation with these people without them realizing I had no idea what I talking about. I would probably avoid all verbal contact with other people, and if forced to talk simply agree with that they had said.
The space that I chose to do that doesn't exist yet is the future. There have been numerous movies that have tried to create a picture of what our future might look like, yet we can't even begin to imagine what the future will be like. For all we know this will be the same as they are now, with no change.
I think that being aparated into the future would have a huge destabilizing effect on me or anyone who is put into this situation. Just as we look back into the past now we see how styles, values, and mannerisms have changed. If I were thrust into the future right now I would be very out of place. I wouldn't have the right dress or know anything about that culture and its norms. It would be very hard to blend in and figure out what to do or even where to go; it would be very destabilizing.
I think at first I would feel very awkward and that I didn't belong there; which I don't. You probably wouldn't have any money or know anyone, so it would be hard to get around and do what you would normally do. I would try and find something clothes or something that would help me to ft in better, and try and make some friends that would help me to adjust to being in that time, and I would probably try and find a way to get back to the present time. I don't think I would want to live in the future unless I got there the normal way...by living.
I'm not really sure what sociopolitical messages would be present in the future. i would assume that they are probably the same as some of the ones that we have now, dealing with class/racial strggles, womens/mens rights, etc. One of the most important things to do would be to figure out what these messages are so you are prepared, and know what to expect.
After reading some of the comments above, I find myself agreeing with the comments made by Tara, Jen and Marissa. I also find myself wondering exactly how I would act if I was ACTUALLY on the show compared to just a viewer. I would hope even though being on the show and gaining those 15 minutes of fame as they call it, I would still be able to use my morals and standards of living that I have set for my life and not be overwhelmed by the pressure to gain more viewers through dramatic outbreaks.
Anyways, a place where I would find myself feeling uncomfortable and where I have often before felt that way are at "punk" concerts or a place featuring different bands. Of course everyone is free to like whatever music they prefer, but what type of music you like may often gain you a stereotype. I tend to dress trendy along with wearing jewelry, make up and a nice tan. People can look at me and say I'm fake, but really it's just what I prefer. Being at these entertainment gatherings I've often felt like I was an outcast just because I might have not dressed in the "punk" fashion or rocked out to the music the way most of the crowd did. It's sad that no matter who you are at some point you'll feel completely below people, not even for saying a word, but for the way you look.
I would “apparate” myself to Spring Break in Cancun. This setting would be very destabilizing for me because I’m a traveler and I just can’t quite understand why people flock out of the country to awesome destinations just to black out drinking, wake up on some crowded resort hotel room, trying to figure out why they’re topless and covered in sticky whipped cream. I mean, why pay $800 on a plane ticket, you can get drunk and make bad decisions in your own living room in Indiana, PA. You’re not going to remember it anyway, so what difference does it make whether or not you’re at the beach.
I think I would be destabilized by having my experience in the culturally rich country of Mexico be so generic and contrived. These places are built to stabilize the masses. Although in another country, there is really nothing Mexican or foreign about the resorts of Cancun. I wouldn’t feel comfortable as part of the drunken chaos. From what I’ve seen on TV and what friends have told me, girls are pretty much expected to go completely wild. I wouldn’t feel comfortable using my body to contribute to the crazy image that Cancun is famous for. The space is created mainly by the unrestrained “id-based” frenzy of those who are present. Most people that go to Cancun don’t go for the beach, or the classy resort—they go because they want the most insane party they’ve ever experienced. Resorts in Mexico have high security, and just outside the opulent architecture of the buildings one can find extreme poverty. Few ever venture outside the small confines of their safe, idyllic resort. I think the message here is that if corruption and poverty are kept in the shadows, we don’t have to see it and it won’t ruin our “Disneyland” experience.
Another message is that women are merely sexualized entertainment. If I were in Cancun I think I would feel pressured to sell myself in that way. Women become puppets in the Cancun experience—part of the show so to speak. I just don’t get it. Mexico is such a fascinating country. It’s also a country with a lot of serious social and economic issues. I would feel uncomfortable being a wasted, half naked tourist nestled safely within the confines of an all-inclusive, gated, resort. I think partly this is because in my travels I have found that both men and women in the countries I’ve visited have seen “the drunken blonde from the resort” many times in their country and that is the image of American women that sticks with them. People start to think all American women are more than happy to objectify their bodies or hook-up with a guy they just met at the bar. Because American girls love to party, right? My skin would crawl to be part of that scene and it’s irritating to go out to the bar in Costa Rica and have men ogling over you, just waiting for that Cancun girl to come out and get wild. That drunken resort girl, that’s just not me and I wish these Ticos would stop trying to coax me onto the bar.
I would have to say that the most destabilizing space for me would be a fear factor situation or show. I don't have a very adventurous nature about me and I would probably die of fright if I had to jump out of a plane or helicopter. I can hardly even stand to drive a car really fast on curvy roads. I don't have that daredevil spirit that a lot of my friends did when I was growing up. I believe that I was always afraid of looking foolish if I wasn't able to do something gracefully. In truth, the biggest fear that has held me back all of my life is the fear of embarassment. I think that is another reason why going on some reality show where the contestants do crazy things would be destabilizing.
Oh, I also hate anything creepy or crawly. I would die if I had to eat some caterpillar or if I had to lay in a casket with snakes or beetles all over me. There is no freaking way I could ever do anything like that. I have to say that the only way I could ever restabilize my identity in that type of situation is if I were able to focus only on the money. Even then, my chances are slim to none. Again, I would never even allow myself into this type of space because of my fear of embarassment. I believe that I have held myself back from a lot of experiences because I was just too afraid to make an idiot of myself. I wish I could change that.
On these reality shows where there are challenges, there always seem to be the same types of characters. Much like Real World, there is always a hot guy and girl, a bitch and a jerk, and a couple of nerds that duke it out in ridiculous challenges that are chosen mainly because they involve bikinis. They prey on our fears and make the winner seem invincible because he or she is able to eat the most cow testicles. Again, I could never do these things; however, I don't wish that I could. I mean, it is not a dream of mine to be the record holder of most turkey intestines ever thrown back up on live television. It's just not my thang, baby.
It's hard to think about a space in which we would be uncomfortable because we live in such a complacent society where we are constantly avoiding the awkward or uncomfortable. I will use a recent example.
I spent most of my spring break in Washington, D.C., interviewing for internships. Even though I had the time of my life taking it all in, I felt challenged and destabilized. From having to keep up with the flow of traffic getting off the metro and up the escalators to being scrutinized in interviews, I found myself comparing myself to others.
Those who work and/or live in D.C. are so intelligent and informed. These traits can be very threatening to some. While I worried about measuring up, I was simply fascinated.
As I plan to work there this summer and ease into a job there after graduation, I know that I will rise to the occasion and settle into the fast pace, but this environment at the time is very destabilizing.
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