I’ve been thinking a lot about masculinity and systems of power. I think it’s interesting how society views men in the military as very masculine and strong, both strong minded and strong physically. In class we talked a little bit about how systems of power create docile bodies. I think its interesting how such strictly disciplined and hierarchical environments really reinforce rule following. They often have humiliation and subordination as a punishment for not adhering to conduct. All of this creates a very docile person. Docility = ease of control.

Another topic that the reading docile bodies talks about is the concert of a panopticon, where people act as if they are always being watched because theres a possibility that they are. I feel like we are all personally feeling… watched. As students, faculty, in our jobs, schools, by the current administration. A couple times we have seen in class where Dr. Kate stops herself and adjusts her wording. This is also called the ‘chilling effect’ where individuals or groups refrain from engaging in expression because of targeted laws and punishment.

These are just a couple ways that existing systems and current events create docile bodies.