Theories of subjectivity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Theories of subjectivity - Essay Example Foucault rejected centuries-old assumptions concerning subjectivity. Rather than starting with the Enlightenment ideal of full self-knowledge and self-aware agency, Foucault shifts the critical focus onto â€Å"discourse,† a broad concept that he uses to refer to language and other forms of representation – indeed, all human mechanisms for the conveyance of meaning and value. (Hall 2004, p. 91) In an attempt to illustrate some analogies regarding Foucault’s concept of discourse, Tony Davies (1997) compared his notions with other theorists. According to him, discourse for Foucault is what the relations of productions are for Marx, the unconscious for Freud, the impersonal laws of language for Saussure, ideology for Althusser: the capillary structure of social cohesion and conformity. (p. 70) This paper is about Judith Butler’s response to Foucault’s theory of subjectivity. Particularly our discussion will revolve around the premise of gender identity, which is Butler’s own response to Foucault’s â€Å"body† as the main driver behind subjectivity. Butler used Foucault’s notions extensively, either as a basis for her own notions or to criticize its weak assumptions. Michel Foucault, is one with eminent philosophers such as Nietzsche and Freud in his insight that the body has a key role in determining subjectivity. For Foucault, a living body is a constellation of powerful and often conflicting urges and impulses that give rise to different forms of subjectivity according to the organism’s internal organization and the â€Å"disciplinary† effects of socially regulated practices and norms. (Atkins 2005, p. 3) Foucault regards the body as having a pivotal role in the structuring of our subjectivities, our perceptions and our understanding. And so, Foucault’s â€Å"subject† is neither entire autonomous nor enslaved, neither the originator of the discourses and practices

Immigration Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Immigration - Research Paper Example The border which separates the United States and Mexico is an important ground which has led to speeding the process of this illegal immigration (Bowden 2007). It is a process which lays many impacts on the lives of the people who live in Mexico as well as the United States. Many questions have been raised on this issue as to whether what needs to be done to cope up with this issue and whether this border has led to provide any benefits. A balanced solution to this problem should be found out and the illegal immigrants from Mexico who come to the United States for a better future should be considered and legalization for them should be an option. Not only this, they should be given due rights but regulation of this immigration should also be done so that the influx of the number of people does not overshadow the opportunities of the people who already reside in the United States. This paper further provides an in depth analysis on pros and cons of illegal immigration and supports the presence and benefits of illegal immigrants for the country (America) and the nation. Illegal immigration is an act as the name implies of breaking the law and entering another state. But a question arises that is this law above the life of a person and his right to secure his future and work for a better life and earning. The Mexican border has been considered as a right choice by many people living in the United States because for them it has actually restricted the number of people entering their country illegally but for the people living there, this border has actually served to obstruct their opportunities of earning a living and raising their families. Illegal immigration along this border has been showing inclining rates and it has even been seen that this influx has been raised after this border was actually created (Bowden 2007). The illegal immigrants work in farms and do not enjoy the privileges and rights that their American counterparts do. They work on lower pays and do not receive good working conditions. This is because their employers know that these workers will not be able to raise their voices due to fear of being deported (Lilly 2008 & Welch 2007). Illegal Immigrants are not welcomed by the governments for any other reason than the economic benefits they bring to them and the jobs they fill including the lower level and lower wage high effort jobs like cleaning, serving in the pubs and clubs and clearing off the streets. The unavailability of rights and equality measures for these illegal immigrants who are, certainly, helping the country in one way or the other is questionable (Mailonline, 2006). Groff (2010) also points towards the unethical practice of using illegal immigrants without giving them equal rights or incentives within the boundaries of the country. â€Å"It's like taking someone and making them without a nation† (Groff, 2010). These issues need to be addressed and a solution needs to be considered for this problem. It is not economically favorable for the United States to deport all these workers because it will lead to a loss of valuable employees and a considerable reduction in workforce. At the same time, it will also not be economically feasible to arrange for transport for the evacuation of the millions of immigrants (Lilly, 2008). Hence, a better solution would be to actually legalize the workers who are already working in the country. The Mexicans who come in search of job opportunities should be