Monday, October 5, 2009
Power Struggles
Foucault is searching for a way to examine theories and show the effects that they have on the societies which have given them power. He examines history and seems to search for center in the struggle for power. Which obviously goes back to deconstruction and Derrida. If we challenge the center, which is what seems to me the power stronghold, then we take back some of the power. In Barry last week I believe he stated that theories like Marxism and Feminism give us the lenses through which we are to read a piece of work, while structuralism gives the work itself power and deconstruction challenges the work thus challenging the power centers that have influenced the work. It's all a struggle for power.
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Good point. I think one of the reasons deconstruction appeals to many is that it enables anyone to take away that which was always perceived as stable (the center) and move the power to another source--perhaps one that is more appealing to the deconstructor (hmmm...is that a word? It is now...)
ReplyDeleteHowever, the need for a center always seems to present itself. While one may feel they are removing the center, I would dare to say they are simply moving the center...
I definitely think that Jameson would agree; in his work the ultimate center is the historical narrative that we all share, and the most easily observable effects of this history rest on struggles for power.
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