Written Assignment
Important to know for this course:
Systems of Representation
1. According to a “social constructionist” perspective, we only make meaning of the material world through specific cultural contexts. This takes place in part through the language systems (be they writing, speech, or images) that we use. Hence, the material world only has meaning, and only can be “seen” by us, through these systems of representation. This means that the world is not simply reflected back to us through systems of representation, but that we actually construct the meaning of the material world through these systems (p.12-13).
Sturken, Marita, and Lisa Cartwright. “Practices of Looking:Images, Power, and Politics” in
Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture. New York: Oxford University Press,
2009. Print.
2. Class Discussion
DIVERSITY: cultures, opinions identities, genders, educational levels,
ideologies/religions, values/social practices, socio-economic levels, family
structure, able-bodiedness, mental health, language usage
EQUITY: same opportunities, educational accommodations, gender
expectations, ageism
INCLUSION: acceptance, recognition of diversity, tolerance, validation,
empathy
Readings:
1. (We will solve any submission problems you’re having at the beginning of class.)
1. “Techniques of the Body” Marcel Mauss (1934) – p. 1-5 (Numbered 70-74)
Mauss_Marcel_1935_1973_Techniques_of_the_Body.pdfVideo:
Stonewall Uprising : Chapter One
Shown in class
Paris is Burning- the remastered version is available on Netflix
Click to load this video in a new window.
Madonna – Vogue
Click to load this video in a new window.
Written Assignment:
Answer the following questions:
1. Please write a brief description of your first impression of Mauss’s concept of body
techniques. Do you consider it to be flawed in any way?
2. Consider the Stonewall content we viewed about life for the LGBTQ community
during the 1950s in the United States, what were the key mechanisms of control
and authority represented in the documentary? In what way did they echo ideas
about connections between techniques of the body and the social identity?
3. There are continuities between lifestyle issues for the LGBTQ community in New
York that were represented in both the Stonewall Uprising and Paris Is Burning
documentaries. Continuing with a consideration of the concept of body
techniques, how did each work situate the challenges and/or benefits of the
representation of identity in public spaces?
4. How would you describe the politics of inclusion in terms of the ability to move
through spaces in particular ways or to be excluded from spaces in particular
ways?
Solution Preview
Written Assignment
Question 1
My first impression of Mauss’s explanation of body techniques made me question if his ideas apply in the present times (Mauss, 1973). This is because his theory dates back in the 1930s. According to Mauss, the human’s body is composed of different techniques.
(678 words)