photoBLOGS: Social Reproduction

"the mirror stage is a phenomenon to which I assign a twofold value. In the first place, it has historical value as it marks a decisive turning-point in the mental development of the child. In the second place, it typifies an essential libidinal relationship with the body image" ~Lacan

Photoblogs idealize the self. To experience, and to regain a record of that experience, a record shared by other participants, legitimates us within that experience. We are rearticulated in a specific place and time, re-presented in a narrative that is not the experience, but is a mere fraction of it. We need to feel real. We need to be witnessed. To be seen, or to be part of a scene.

In our desparate drive for neo-tribalism, we have taken up a technologcal path which brings us closer together. Not for the sake of a global populous, but for the desire to connect with those who share social tendencies. But how do we understand these tendencies, and what brings us together? Take fashion, for example. People who share taste, share social space, or vice versa. The point is, fashion is a language, a representation of one's imagined presentation of self. The fact that there are sub-cultural, class, race, geder based diversities, homogenous in their respective groupings, shows they speak the same language. Our clothes say look at me, this is who i want you to think i am.

Back to the photoblog. It speaks the language of look at me, I'm just like you, and does so somewhat permanently. Your simulation persists, constantly being witnessed, even when you're asleep, or physically absent. It is easy to allow representations act as filler for the large gaps in our lives. Urbanism has torn the trbe apart.... and communication brings it back together.

More thoughts later... need sleep. Dreams of a rarebit fiend....