Without using overly contrived language, the specular economy is a concept of how we as a collective society seem to be far more aware of our outward appearance and how others perceive us.
There is a commonly held assumption that everyone is being watched or monitored on how they’re dressing when in reality, nobody cares. Even if somebody does care, you have to ask yourself does it really make any difference in the slightest? Yes, it does.
We are all constantly trying to portray ourselves in the way that we want to be seen. At the risk of generalising; we all do this. Even people who say the do not care about how they are perceived are guilty.
If these people that supposedly don’t care about how they are presented actually don’t care then they wouldn’t even bother telling people. By making it known to people that they don’t care how they are perceived, they are essentially telling people that they do care. In saying so, they are presenting themselves in the way the obviously want to be seen, as a slovenly, possibly rebellious and most likely unemployed lay-about.
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| Brits doesn't look to comfortable here |
I understand he is referring to the concept of social media and whatnot acting as a surveillance tool but even that is rubbish. People can actively manage what goes on their sites and who can view them etc. If you don’t like what people are saying, leave. Listen carefully, Charlotte Dawson.
That being said, without surveillance we wouldn't have found Kim Kardashian. She is the prime example of this. If someone can please enlighten me as to why we should care about her that would be great. As far as i can work out, the media tells us to care, so we do.
Lets not forget what made her famous though.....
References:
Marshall, D 2010, ‘The Specular Economy’, Society, vol. 47, no. 6, p. 498-502, retrieved 28 August, Ebsco database.
ALC215 Week 8 Lecture 2012, iLecture, Deakin University, 28 August, retrieved 5 September 2012, <https://d2l.deakin.edu.au/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=31220&tId=1637655>
I really enjoyed your blog post. You articulated your argument clearly. It was easy to read because of its simplicity. Your references were relevant to your argument and didn’t over power your own opinion. Perhaps you could have utilised the option to add videos and pictures better. I think there could have been a more relevant image, or not even relevant, perhaps more clear and straight forward image that supported what you had stated throughout your blog. However, overall it was a well written blog. Well done.
ReplyDeleteAn enjoyable and easy to read blog post. Your argument was supported by relevant reference to the guest lecture, without wasting words on (often jamming)text citations. I couldn't agree more with this statement: "By making it known to people that they don’t care how they are perceived, they are essentially telling people that they do care." This sort of media mockery is daily news. Anyone can be a celebrity in today's media scope, they just have to be genuinely annoying enough to become noticed. It's often short lived though. Your post could have linked to other relevant topics or articles (i.e. the Kardashians), as opposed to the single image at the end. It was well written though and summed the lecture up well.
ReplyDeleteI found this blog quite entertaining, you have shared your opinion in a simple manner, and it was very easy to read. You have used great referencing that has set in so well with your arguments. I would have enjoyed more links, images or videos instead of just one image at the end. Even though it is a great and slightly humorous way to end your blog, it would have been good to have some throughout the blog as well. Apart from that I thoroughly enjoyed your blog :)
ReplyDeleteVery funny! Your cheeky little touch on the end was the icing on a very delicious cake. You blog has been written very well and you have made reference to the guest lecturer in great detail. It is a very opinionated blog but you have argued your view in a very sophisticated and scholarly manner. Every statement you make is backed up with a substantial reason as to why you said it. All in all, you have great referencing, your layout is great, it is written with humour and your own personal touch. One of the best blogs I have read regarding this topic. (I don't agree with the Kim Kardashian comment though, I love her)
ReplyDeleteThis blog is good, the use of referencing allows for the tutors and academics to be happy and furthermore engages in a credible and believable discussion. The graphic of all the cameramen, really describes how the celebrities are perceived within the media and furthermore where the world is leading to.
ReplyDeleteI like the way in which you take a personal approach to appeal to the readers of your blog and talking about Kim Kardashian, proves just how celebrities can pop up over night and have their fifteen minutes of fame. It takes a light hearted look, that addresses all of the criteria provided by the teaching staff of this subject and is an engaging read for me.
This is a good post, it's articulate and a witty, as well as being articulate. That picture of Brit really emphasizes your point that no one really wants a camera in their face
ReplyDeleteThe media does tell us to care, and you're right we do. In this electronic world, as well as the real world, we - you - I always have the option to walk away from judgement or disregard it. But we seek this weird 'wanting to be judged or noticed' for what we wear and such - surveillance from this stand point is quite interesting.
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