Life as we know it can be understood as a return on investment, just as the new shoes you bought at Nordstrom are. This idea turned reality called neoliberalism has been the forerunner of political economic power dating back to the 1970’s. Barring no one, the United States have ultimately been consumed by this subliminal force, disregarding if citizens are aware of its power, or even existence for that matter. In the readings analyzed throughout this course, we have seen neoliberalism in a negative light; characterized by individuality, competition and the importance of quantifying over valuing quality. This hidden power influences everyday life – economics, politics, personal relationships. Political philosopher Todd May argues that friendship
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He proposes that homosexuality is disturbing not because the sex act in itself does not abide by law and rule, but because “individuals are beginning to love one another” (Foucault 137). This simple yet profound proposition is wildly accurate because “our rather sanitized society can’t allow a place for [homosexuality] without fearing the formation of new alliances and the tying together of unforeseen lines of force” (136). To induce fear on a society that has strict societal norms is to challenge those exact norms and create worry and unsettlement; for lack of a better term, to make things messy. Foucault’s ultimate call to action is an implementation of “a homosexual culture, that is to say, the instruments for polymorphic, varied and individually modulated relationships. …there ought to be an inventiveness special to a situation like ours…we must dig deeply to show how things have been historically contingent…We must think that what exists is far from filling all possible spaces” (139). Foucault’s main idea in this plan of action is to show how capable a collective of human beings can be, and that the beauty of life is these intensities can go places. By provoking an emotional intensity, it ensures a spill over to unaffected groups. Calling for a homosexual culture goes far beyond the act of sex, rather focusing on anyone can love whoever they want, regardless of law and norms. Not to suggest this is the only route that is capable to face neoliberalism, Foucault does provide a theory and an actual movement using said theory. If we can have the mindset of a homosexual ideal – to see power in numbers, look past norms, have a desire to shake up the institution, and know that true change is possible, we will be one step closer in the fight for political
He proposes that homosexuality is disturbing not because the sex act in itself does not abide by law and rule, but because “individuals are beginning to love one another” (Foucault 137). This simple yet profound proposition is wildly accurate because “our rather sanitized society can’t allow a place for [homosexuality] without fearing the formation of new alliances and the tying together of unforeseen lines of force” (136). To induce fear on a society that has strict societal norms is to challenge those exact norms and create worry and unsettlement; for lack of a better term, to make things messy. Foucault’s ultimate call to action is an implementation of “a homosexual culture, that is to say, the instruments for polymorphic, varied and individually modulated relationships. …there ought to be an inventiveness special to a situation like ours…we must dig deeply to show how things have been historically contingent…We must think that what exists is far from filling all possible spaces” (139). Foucault’s main idea in this plan of action is to show how capable a collective of human beings can be, and that the beauty of life is these intensities can go places. By provoking an emotional intensity, it ensures a spill over to unaffected groups. Calling for a homosexual culture goes far beyond the act of sex, rather focusing on anyone can love whoever they want, regardless of law and norms. Not to suggest this is the only route that is capable to face neoliberalism, Foucault does provide a theory and an actual movement using said theory. If we can have the mindset of a homosexual ideal – to see power in numbers, look past norms, have a desire to shake up the institution, and know that true change is possible, we will be one step closer in the fight for political