#thespectacle

In a world where humans are receptive machines to the ideas fed to them, it's absurd we define ourselves as the most intelligent beings. In a consumerist society, humans are led to believe they are so to fit the “paradoxical” narrative the higher hand has created. Conformity is a lifestyle enforced on us. The narratives fed to us through media manipulation, “science”, food, etc… have further enforced the suffocating idea of the “living dead”.  Being receptive to a robotic extent, those who see through the spectacle or the hidden narrative are indifferent to those who conform. To see through the hidden narrative, one must speak its own language. This language is deceivably subtle giving one the illusion of free will. However, humans were led to believe so due to their naive nature and receptivity. The subtle nature takes form in the idea of belonging to a group (whether it be religion, politics, etc..), advertisements, media, and product placement. Humans are then programmed to live off of emotional engines; to be precise, a fear engine. Conformity is in such a matter completely sedimented and solidified. The more these lenses press down on one’s consciousness, the more they fuel the system. Being mentally, psychologically, and metaphysically paralyzed, it's extremely difficult to notice the “sedative” given to humans. As Alan Watts once stated, “We seldom realize, for example, that our most private thoughts and emotions are not actually our own. For we think in terms of languages and images which we did not invent, but which were given to us by our society”. The “spectacle” and humans become one.

Trey had moved out by the time the magazine was on the stands.

But all over America, little girls in their mothers' pearls saw the picture and thought: "That's what I want." 

As discussed in class, is spectacle gendered?

Mulvey says, ”Mainstream film neatly combines spectacle and narrative” ,but she also claims, “The presence of woman is an indispensable element of spectacle in normal narrative film, yet her visual presence tends to work against the development of a story-line, to freeze the flow of action in moments of erotic contemplation.” 

I personally disagree with this notion that the spectacle only applies to females and only works in stopping the rising plot. It’s a notion restricted in the confines created by patriarchy and social standards. 

Spectacle can be gendered, but also gender can be spectacled.