C -50 Steps- To Foucault
I have attempted to analyse a simple everyday structure from the lense of Literature Theory. The renowned theorist, Michel Foucault worked extensively on the notions of Power and Knowledge. He talked about disciplinary power and the structures that surveil us.
The staircases we use usually on an everyday basis have hidden symbolism which the naked eye may often miss. The spatial distances between two expanses of varying elevation are contracted wherever staircases are used, thus creating a sense of proximity. In this process, however, a barrier is also constructed between the two levels of elevation, as one space is indifferent towards the conditions of the other. The structure of the staircase influences the physical setting as well. The grand straight staircase is often incorporated in residential settings to instigate a vibe of royalty. Usually, multiple huge steps covering a larger area ascribe the place a superior or serious status. On the other hand, narrow staircases ascribe a casual status to the setting. Many people use the common staircases at the same time, thus, each individual occupies the personal space of the other. While ascending the stairs, one transpires from the known atmosphere of the lower end towards the slight oblivion of the upper end. From the upper end of the staircase, however, one can fully surveil the surrounding with many conveniences, thus invoking a sense of supremacy, as one has acquired knowledge of the surrounding, as well as can ‘look down upon’ the others. Thus the two ends of the staircases become metaphoric to symbols of inferiority and superiority, along with notions of progress and decline.
Power thus becomes pervasive, existing across the staircase, the power is obscure, the barrier created between the levels becomes defining of our actions. Such structures impose upon us, code of conduct, which becomes profitable for the authorities, for without having to visibly discipline us, they are able to control our movements. This larger idea becomes the premise of panopticon surveillance. This is why schools, hospitals or colleges have different shades of colour and architecture employed in them, the CCTV, which are placed across the campus, may or may not work, but they give us boundaries within which we function. Social media in itself becomes a panopticon, wherein we are well aware of people watching us, which is precisely why there is a constant need to ‘pull up’ to any occasion. But we do not who exactly is watching over, thus building a sense of wary or adding onto anxiety in an individual. This pressure that is exerted becomes the power, which though anonymous exerts itself.
