Gramsci / Foucault

In the article “The Prison Notebooks,” it mentions that “all men are philosopher” because philosophy is contained in language, common sense and popular religion.  Taking these into consideration, when individuals come into conclusion of their conception of the world, they question their level of awareness and criticism.  The article stated that they are two types of people who perceive their conception of themselves and the world.  There are people who live passively through life and people who actively participate in creating their conception of the world.  For those who live passively through life, they take part in a conception imposed by the external environment. It seems that this idea reflects the discussion about ‘popular culture’ mentioned by Stuart Hall.  He deconstructs the idea of popular culture in differentiating authenticity and manipulation.  Even though popular culture is massively consumed, it doesn’t guarantee that the consumption is authentic.  The participation can stem from the manipulation of the cultural industries who has the power to reshape and reorganization the system. 
                  In the article “Truth and Power,” it mentions that truth should be understood as a system of ordered procedures for “production, regulation, distribution, circulation and operation of statements.”  In this case, truth does not occur outside of power.  When it comes to power, the dominant society determines the meaning of truth and the meaning of truth is not organically form.  Putting it into perspective, we live in a society that formulates it truth based on experiences that the dominant society build.  For instance, when it comes to the U.S. History that is taught in high school, the books only mention about white leaders who lead to country to victory.  It does not acknowledge other racial groups that helped built United States that it is today. 

Both article seems to point out the deconstructive conception that is embedded in the society.  Power is a crucial factor in determining what information is exposed to the people.  For instance, this idea is reflected heavily in the United States.  Referring back to the U.S. History that is taught to high school students, the system construct the idea that white people are always going to be the true American, or hero.  It does not leave room for other race to take those position.  They want this country to purely be white.  With this said, the dominant society maintain their powers in order to make society convenient for them.

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