This time I want to share about the panoptic mechanism. Panoptic mechanism is profoundly symptomatic of a historical shift, from the eighteenth century onwards, in methods of social control. This is a movement from punishment (enforcing norms of behaviour through spectacular displays of power: public hangings and torture, etc.) to discipline (enforcing norms of behaviour through surveillance); a shift from ‘exceptional discipline to one of generalized surveillance the formation of what might be called in general the disciplinary society’ (Foucault, 1979).
Panoptic mechanism appears and exists everywhere and every time. It also applies to everyone. Due to that, we have to obey both written and unwritten rules and values in daily life. Society has an important role of this. To prove whether it works or not (for me), I have done a small experiment.
Usually people who are attending wedding party or ceremony will dress up. At least they will wear shirt, shoes and non-jeans pant (for men). Last month I have received a wedding invitation. The invitation was on May. I used that moment to try and prove whether the “panoptic mechanism” still exists or not. I had decided to wear t-shirt, jeans and slipper when I attended. I have many reasons why were I so “brave” to do that. First, it was not my first individually invitation. I hope that I could act very well. Second, she was my workmate then I will meet many same people in the party like a usual. Third, I did not close to and know her parents so much. In order not to disappoint her, I have called her also told her about my planning. I explained why I would do this. Fortunately she could understand and let me to do this.
The day came. I did not ask my girlfriend to accompany me this time because I worried she will be very shy. I came by myself. When I went out from the car I was really nervous. I have never did (like) this before. I took many deep breathes. I was walking calmly from my car into the building. I wore sunglasses just to increase my confident. I arrived at the first stop, the place where I should write my name in the guest book. People there were looking at me with glance. I did not care; I still put my sunglasses on. After I put my gift, I directly moved inside. I walked slowly and many pager bagus and pager ayu were watching at me with the ruthless in their eyes. Before I went to the altar, the bride had already known my arrival. She was looking at me with a smile in her face. After greeting the groom and bride and their parents, I went down from the altar. I saw my friends were looking at me seriously. They wanted to stop me. But I went back to my car and changed my clothes. Then i went back to the building to meet and greet my friends.
Many of them were asking “what the **** did you do?” They were scolding me. I was laughing and ignored them for a while because I was hungry. While eating, I explained them clearly. Fortunately they understood even they still thought that I was crazy. I was not crazy; I just want to be a “cynosure”. At the end of the wedding party, the bride’s parents came to me and asked about the same question. They felt that I did not respect them because of my outfit. Then they accepted my reasons. I did apologize to them if I was annoying but they have forgiven.
According to my experience, I can conclude that the panoptic mechanism works well. In my society, it is impolite if attending a wedding party with the outfit like that. At least we should wear shirt, pant and shoes. Even it is not compulsory, we have to follow it. An outfit will effect the first impression. And outfit can show how we respect the host of the wedding party (or someone who invited us).
