In this 100th episode, the hosts discuss the concept of masks and its significance in Žižek's work. They explore the idea that masks reveal inner truths, using examples from the movie 'The Mask'. They also delve into the symbolism of masks in relation to subjectivity, power dynamics, and social construction criticism. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the role of repetition in shaping thoughts and ideas.
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Quick takeaways
Masks can represent individuals' innermost desires and true identities, challenging the notion that they hide the true self.
Masks have symbolic power and can transcend the individual to become universal symbols, expressing shared identities and ideals.
Deep dives
The Mask as an Expression of the True Self
The podcast explores the idea that masks, rather than hiding the true self, actually allow individuals to express their innermost desires and true identities. It challenges the notion that one's true self is hidden beneath a mask and suggests that masks can represent a person's authentic desires and impulses. The film 'The Mask' is used as an example, where the protagonist's masked persona enables him to express his repressed desires and become his true self. The podcast delves into the concept of symbolic castration and the role of masks in representing the gap between the self and its symbolic identity.
The Symbolic Power of Masks
The podcast discusses the symbolic power of masks in different contexts, highlighting their significance in art, literature, and cultural rituals. Masks are not mere coverings, but rather act as symbols that represent larger concepts or meanings. They can transcend the individual to become universal symbols, allowing for the expression of shared identities and ideals. The example of the film 'V for Vendetta' is mentioned, where the mask worn by the protagonist not only hides his identity, but also becomes a symbol of rebellion and resistance against a totalitarian regime.
The Illusion of Face and the Gap of Subjectivity
The podcast explores the illusion of face and how it relates to the gap of subjectivity. It challenges the notion that one's face represents their true identity, highlighting how face coverings and masks can reveal deeper truths about a person. It discusses the concept of face negation theory, emphasizing that those who believe they can see through illusions are often in error. The symbolic power of faces and the role of cultural norms in constructing perception are also touched upon.
The Paradox of Social Construction and Indifference
The podcast delves into the paradox of social construction and its effects on society. It highlights how the concept of everything being socially constructed can lead to indifference and a flattening of antagonistic tensions. It discusses how conflicting viewpoints and contradictions are often neutralized and reduced to an indifferent plurality. The example of postmodernism and its globalized permissiveness is used to illustrate this indifference to inconsistency. It emphasizes that the display of antagonism can mask its true effects and meanings.
Alright, it's our 100th episode and we're talking masks. From Jim Carrey's The Mask to the Kardashians it's an important concept that crops up throughout Žižek's work where he emphasises that the truth is in your mask, the truth is in what you are doing. The intimate stories we tell ourselves, about ourselves, are usually a fake...
We're running the official book launch with Bloomsbury Publishing for Žižek's new book Freedom: A Disease Without A Cure in early October with an interview, events...and some special guests over the following few weeks!
Thankyou to everyone for listening over the last 100 episodes, support us on Patreon to keep the Žižek & So On Podcast going!
Enjoy!
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