Hierarchical Observation Case Study

The first aspect for correct Training is Hierarchical Observation. Hierarchical observation “is mechanism that coerces by the means of observation. (D&P 170)” When we are under constant supervision we tend to act differently. Not only is this an important aspect of discipline, but a clear illustration of power. Foucault professes that the physics of power in observation occurs without the need for force or violence. That is what power ought to do, it must coerce us while remaining silent. This also exemplifies how digital technology observes us incandescently; phones can observe our locations through GPS or radio waves, our internet browsing is catalogued, and closed-circuit television camera have become ubiquitous. Bentham Panopticon is the epitome of hierarchical observation. Jeremy

The theory was that the guards would be able to view all the cells, but the inmates wouldn't know if the guard was observing them. Foucault realized that there could be no guards and the inmates wouldn't be any wiser. Since inmates are incapable of knowing whether they are being watched, they must act as if they are being perpetually watched, which results in the inmate's self-monitoring their own behavior. Phase two of correct training incorporates normalizing judgement. Normalizing judgement is to have the capacity to judge individuals against certain standards, then being able to rank them, to homogenize them, and then eliminate certain traits that have been deemed undesirable through punishment. Participants of social media are implicitly engaging in normalizing judgment by appraising and admonishing deviant behavior and affirming positive behavior. A notable example normalizing judgement is what is commonly known in internet culture as a lurker. A lurker is described as an individual who view content in an online community, but rarely posts content. The number of lurkers is based on specific community, for example 82% of software support communities are