still wrestling...
Published Thursday, February 24, 2005 by joel | E-mail this post
Underlying both the general theme that power represses sex and the idea that the law constitutes desire, one encounters the same putative mechanics of power. It is defined in a strangely restrictive way, in that, to begin with, this power is poor in resources, sparing of its methods, incapable of invention, and seemingly doomed always to repeat itself. Further, it is a power that only has the force of the negative on its side, a power to say no; in no condition to produce, capable only of posting limits, it is basically anti-energy. This is the paradox of its effective-ness: it is incapable of doing anything, except to render what it dominates incapable of doing anything either, except what this power allows it to do. ...whose model is essentially juridical, centered on nothing more than the statement of the law and the operation of taboos. All the modes of domination, submission, and subjugation are ultimately reduced to an effect of obedience. -- Michel Foucault, The History of Sexuality: Vol. 1
Therefore, in the current power structure in which we now live, the parameters of taboo and how they are to operate, fall more inline with instituted monarchal jurisprudence than any notion of morality. And in this i wrestle. How do we continue in a system of which a nationalistic identity is established as a safeguard, which in turn, creates a sub-culture, of which the Church seemingly has attached, when He was among the fringe, and turning tables in the church.
In searching for a familial context and listening to the story of a friend about to join the ranks of those in vocational ministry, why do I cringe? More and more I am finding the church alined with the same power structure whose dictates are not for the lost, but for the already privileged; the saved if you will. I am frustrated.
I share your frustration! The all-too-common selfish motives are a subtle poison. Yet the discovery is worth the effort of wrestling.
Joel,
This might sound a little strange but....I think I know you. I used to play guitar for Sum of One. Justin(Bif).
I found your blog by clicking through links of other friends blogs. That in itself might not seem so strange. But this might. I live right up the street from you. No kidding. On Beacon St. just outside of Kenmore Sqr. in Brookline.
Oh, and I checked out your blogger profile. You forgot to include The Mars Volta under your favorite bands :)
Anyway, I just thought you might like to know you live so near someone so super kewl.
Btw, I created a friggin blogger account just to post this so you'd better friggin read it :D
Holy Shit!!!
uh yea. Of course i remember. This is so weird. I just ran into Chance the other day (actually, he ran into me...can one run into someone on here...anyway). You live in Brookline, awesome. We have to catchup. E-mail me with your number.
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I can't seem to find your email addy in your profile :/
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i'm still tripping on this...you live on beacon..
maybe it's the acid coffee i had this morning.