In class we have talked a lot about
how we are manipulated by objects, whether it be by the visual appeal, the
labeling, who else has it, etc. These
discussions suggest the object holds the power.
However, often, I think I am manipulated by the meaning I impose on an
object, placing some control back with me.
Thus in a way, I am manipulating myself.
Objects become symbolic of certain things with which I associate them.
For example, my swim bag. It is a plain, navy blue, Speedo, with a
yellow scarf-like cloth as a make-shift strap.
Nothing special. But to me, it is
the bag I’ve used since I was eight years old.
It has been to every practice, meet, and water polo game I’ve ever
played. Along with all the memories, I
associate it with (among other things) hard work. When I see it and carry it I am automatically
in a certain mindset—excited, focused, prepared.
Another example is food. In class we talked about how we, as
consumers, are easily manipulated by labeling and the people who design the
labels. However, I am also manipulated
by what the particular foods make me think of.
For instance, my family never buys the dried snap pea snack because my
sister got sick after eating too many of them—so that is what comes to mind
when I see that green and white bag. I
always get toffee at Christmas time because it reminds me of my grandma and how
we make it from scratch every year.
Is manipulation from within oneself
still manipulation? I think it is
because we do not have any control over it.
I cannot help what memories and/or characteristics I associate with what
object, nor do I wish I could help it.
These connections each person creates makes the pieces that make up the
world more significant to each individual.
Hannah I think you make a good point here--if, at any point, we ourselves are unaware of why we form specific associations with objects then we are falling victim to our own manipulation. I think more frequently than that discrete self-manipulation, however, are the times that we knowingly manipulate ourselves, like when you force yourself to smile when you're sad. The simple action of smiling actually innervates a neural loop that releases a neurotransmitter and makes you feel happier--you can actually succeed in manipulating your own emotions despite being aware of the fact that you were trying to manipulate them in the first place!
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ReplyDeleteSorry, Hannah! The comment I posted before was intended for a different post! But I completely agree with your point about objects not holding the real power of manipulation. People do project their own unique emotions and experiences on everything, and everyone perceives the world differently due to this subjectivity. So I think you're right in saying that most manipulation is internal and doesn't stem from objects.
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