Contextual & Theoretical Studies Portfolio (Vis Com Year 2 Task 1)

Choose an example of one aspect of contemporary culture that is, in your opinion, panoptic. Write an explanation of this, in approximately 100-200 words, employing key Foucauldian language, such as 'Docile Bodies' or 'self-regulation, and using not less than 5 quotes from the text'Panopticism' in Thomas, J. (2000) 'Reading Images', NY, Palgrave McMillan.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones are a modern day example of Bentham’s Panopticon. The Panopticon was a circular prison where the prisoners in cells around the building were constantly observed by guards in the central tower, which is a complete opposite of the dungeons, which were “to enclose, to deprive of light and to hide” (Foucault in Thomas, 2000, p64). The prison was based on the theory of Panopticism founded by Michael Foucault.

Mobile phones are a perfect example of this, as we know that they can be tracked by the battery and sim card also that certain words that we say or type can be flagged up and recorded. The trackers e.g. satellites are “visible and unverifiable” (Foucault in Thomas, 2000, p65), meaning that we can see the satellites in spaces in photos or the Internet, yet you never know for sure if your being looked at or not.

Because we never know if we are being watched or not, we, ourselves, monitor what we say, and what words we use and therefore the person becomes “the principle of his own subjection” (Foucault in Thomas, 2000, p66). Instead of, for example people being punished for committing terrorism acts, the acts can be prevented as the satellite or the police can “..act even before the offences, mistakes or crimes have been committed.” (Foucault in Thomas, 2000, p68)

“Visibility is a trap” (Foucault in Thomas, 2000, p64), which creates a fear of being watched, this produces docile bodies, making people easy to control.

Bibliography

-'Panopticism' in Thomas, J. (2000) 'Reading Images', NY, Palgrave McMillan.