Foucault Commentary

“Part Three: Discipline 3. Panopticism”

            After reading this article I found that I was extremely bothered by this idea of the all seeing eye that can see us at all times even though we can’t see it.  I felt a bit like a hobbit from the Lord of the Rings in the scene where he realizes that the eye of Sarumon is upon him.  It isn’t that I didn’t realize our actions were thus regulated but rather, I don’t like to think about how our actions are regulated.

            How does this relate to what we do when we are observing?  According to the text the Panoptic device “does the work of a naturalist.  It makes it possible to draw up the differences: among patients, to observe the symptoms of each individual…” (5).  So, if one were to be at the center of the Panopticon then they would have an unfettered view of all subjects at the same time without them knowing that they were being observed.  This sounds like the ideal type of situation for observation that I described in my earlier postings–except for one thing.  The subject is aware that they might be observed at any moment without their knowledge so, the subject is never at ease or completely natural.  If this is indeed the case, then all my qualms about affecting the subjects actions with my presence is moot because they are not in a natural state anyway.

            After reading this article I began to think about the basic structure of my high school which was built in the mid 90’s.  Our administration office sat at one end of an area called “the quad.”  It was a solid wall of windows that were smoked so that whomever was inside could see out but no one could see in.  Lockers surrounded all sides of the quad and classrooms were organized in straight rows radiating out from the edges of the quad.  The classes also had smoked windows.  The only place a person could go that was out of sight was the restroom.  At anytime there was a chance that someone who could uphold the law was watching.  For most students this was enough to keep our actions regulated.  However, again there are those that don’t care about possible regulation.  Their filters are broken or their training is incomplete.

            In society today, with the incredible technology available, the world has become a Panopticon.  There are very few places that one can go where there is no chance at observation.  Most moments of our lives are spent under the regulating gaze of the Panopticon.  I know that my actions have been restrained by the thought that “someone might see”  many times.  It works as a regulator in my life and for most members of society.