Judith Butler, "Imitation and Gender Subordination"
Categorization, labeling, classification, taxonomy, stereotype. Favourite past-times in which we constantly indulge to satisfy our sense of belonging and to legitimize and safeguard our existence. Do sexuality, nationality, class, race, age, taste to name but a few (and be my guest to add some more...) really matter?
8 comments:
Although they don't really matter at all, we constantly try to identify ourselves with something or against something... even the posts seek to be labeled!
Eventhough labeling and categorization has alienated individuals the paradox is that we still seek to be a member of some group as you said as we feel more secure when we are part of something.Interesting quote and I wonder if societies could be formed without labeling.Any thoughts?
speaking from personal experience, i was totally alienated when i hit 40 in NYC (me: unrepentant punk). no friends (they all got married and got boring) &c &c but that didn't stop me. the only concession i made was when back at Uni in the early 90s, they wouldn't give me my Special Ed. teaching diploma until i took the colors out of my hair; said i would be a bad influence on the children.
'think of the chiiiiildren!'
morons. this was even after i'd won awards and shit for student teaching and my grades et al.
as i've said many times, over here it's much different. i found my little niche, even though i wasn't seeking one; it just happened. :-)
totally OT to Mia: i saw 'pleasantville' again and dug it much more than the first time. :-) but i just didn't like 'dogville' (watched it 2x, trying to dig it cause i mostly love your recommendations). i was bothered by the bare sets and for once, the very irritating British narrator. but i loved the end, of course, lol.
@ dr Gonzo: Haha you are very right! Label and Category is all around blogger...!
@ Pixie: I am not sure if this would be possible. It is an integral part of our thinking (and MY thinking obviously). I am really troubled by the whole issue and I am aware of my contribution to its perpetuation....
@ Rimone: Well it is a matter of personal taste I guess...I really liked the bare Brechtian set of Dogville but that is just me (hehe) :) I am glad you liked Pleasantville :)
WELL at least it wasn't *gender trouble*! (groan)
You mean at least my quotation wasnt from there or my personal confusion??
I was merely making a half-hearted attempt at being witty. Isn't the point of wit that it is content-less? I couldn't try it on the Grecian entries, after all ;)
Might be allowed to start writing my own PhD this summer!!! (ack)
Haha I see...
Good for you! (that means no more marking??) Have you decided on the topic?
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