Sarah Hussey
Critical Frameworks Post-Class Blog on 10/27
Dear Blog,
Thursday’s class we discussed one of the more challenging theorists for me personally Dick Hebidge on his work “From Culture to Hegemony; Subculture: The Unnatural Break”. Hebidge refers a lot back to previous theorists such as Althusser, William, Barthes and Arnold. Hebidge explains more on ideology and it’s connection to our way of life—particularly that of Myths.
For example, the following quote is by Roland Barthes however is mentioned and discussed by Hebdige:
“Myth is a type of speech” (Barthes)
The discussion of this quote stumped me quite a bit. I cannot really understand too well to this day, honestly. However, from what I understand now a myth is a narrative which is a widley held but false idea or belief. Often, myths are heavily perpetuated by society.
Moreover, Hebidge also talks about Althusser and his concept behind ideology. For example, the following quote states:
“Ideology…is profoundly unconscious” (Althusser)
The idea that ideology is subconscious is very believable. Technically speaking, everything we do is idealistic—we give meaning to life. In other words, everything that surrounds us in this world is a man-made ideology. With our brains, we conjure meanings towards everything from furniture to emotions to the understanding of science. I find that concept INCREDIBLY interesting and mind-boggling. I do not think we as humans will ever truly grasp this concept. But then, again—isn’t the concept of ideology an ideology? With the theorists we study it is not about finding answers, but asking questions. I feel like as a society we never just sit down for a minute and question what surrounds us—we are ALWAYS chasing answers and solutions.
With Hedbige particularly, the fact that he brings in so many different theorists into forming his own take and concept just further pushes the idea that everything we say and do is based off of something or someone else. There are no original ideas—everything is an ideology in the sense that we create these ideas based off our own beliefs.
Signing off,
SarahSlays
Comments
Post a Comment