Power at the Oakland Ice Rink

Hierarchical observation(HO) represents one of the three mechanisms of disciplinary power(DP), in which power affects the soul and trains individuals(170). According to Foucault, discipline operates through surveillance so that one is being coerced through constant observation, without the need for physical violence(170-171). While the observer is invisible, the subjects are visible. This emphasis on the subjects, exemplifies descending individualism, compared to the emphasis on the rulers in sovereign power. Since one never knows when one is being watched, fear and control become internalized, so that appropriate conduct is constantly maintained. Moreover, this constant observation is conducted by “relays” of surveyors that are hierarchically organized through reciprocal power relations induced both from lower to higher ranks, and from higher to lower ranks(174,176).

In addition to the consequence of paranoia and appropriate conduct, HO allows DP to be permanently infused in all micro-elements of society(177). This power is also “silent” in that people are not even consciously aware of their complete subjection to its power. The pyramidal structure of HO also “increases [an institution’s] efficiency” as specialized procedures are incorporated and work together(176).

The increased efficiency in DP, through HO, is also evident in Durkheim’s theory of organic solidarity(OS). Durkheim’s emphasis on the individualism within collective conscious in OS, parallels Foucault’s concept of descending individualism. However, while for Foucault, DP rehabilitates and trains individuals, restitutive laws in OS restores order. Furthermore, for Foucault, HO represents a mechanism of coercion. In comparison, forced DL is absent in Durkheim’s theory, as individuals are happy to fulfill their natural talents.

The architecture of the Oakland Ice Center represents a means of HO. Foucault describes the architecture of HO to “render[s] visible those who are inside it” so that rules are obeyed and power is internalized(172). Similarly, the oval shaped rink is enclosed by plexiglass, allowing all skaters to be made visible. The bleachers that surround the rink also allow the onlookers at the top of the bleachers to be able to “see everything”(173). This visibility enforces skaters to follow the rule of skating counter clockwise. HO is also present, as the managers supervise the guards on the ice, who observe the skaters.

Although Foucault analyzes power through visibility, he does not recognize that power is heightened when one is aware of being consistently watched. Although in practice, figure skaters may be observed, they are not afraid to make mistakes, redo their program, and experiment with choreography. However, in competition, skaters are being officially judged must perform their best. Instead of all skaters practicing at the same time, in competition, judges and audience members’ attention are fixed on one skater. Visibility is further heightened as judges are able to rewind, slow down, and pause every body position in recorded videos. The skater’s awareness of being consistently observed in competition is exemplified through elaborate dresses and costumes, compared to the simple apparel worn in practice. Therefore, Foucault does not acknowledge the degrees of visibility and the increase in power as one becomes more paranoid of being observed.