Panopticon

"The observing gaze of the technician became institutionalized."(Foucault)

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Panopticon, I had never heard of that word before this specific reading assignment. The concept of always being watched is terrifying but also motivating at the same time. Intimidating in the sense that you have know privacy and motivating in the sense that you want to escape the gaze so you push yourself to become someone that does not have to be observed. What really surprised me in this article is how this type of architecture was applied to various structures: castles, prisons, government buildings, hospitals, ect. Within each of those structures resides the matriarch or patriarch. The one who is the leader of operations within the structure ultimately has the most power. This connection between the leader and the architecture is simply in observation, sight, looking.

Foucault introduces the psychological effects of such a structure. This element seemed the most fascinating to me! There is a power transfer that occurs, within the structure. If you are subject to being watched 24/7, then you feel the eyes of those watching you at all times. As a prisoner within a cell, your visibility is isolated. This feeling alone can exaggerate the feeling of being observed, causing the subject to internalize that feeling to the point that he becomes his own overseer. Which is worst? Having someone observe you 24/7 or you unknowingly becoming the overseer? In general who should be entrusted with this power to observe?

This concept has never ceased to exist. Panopticon in present day, comes through our computers, phone, surveillance cameras, credit/debit cards, transportation, ect. We are being watched 24/7. Whistleblowers like Edward Snowden are risking their lives and well being to let the world know. That in itself is worth listening to.

Looks kind of like the eye of a camera, huh.

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