Society Archives

The Meaning of Mystification: Ways of Seeing Art

What is “mystification” in the context of art? How did the dominant class use art to mystify their privilege? According to John Berger, the author of Ways of Seeing, “mystification is the process of explaining away what might otherwise be evident.” He argues that the dominant class has used art as a medium to “mystify” the disparities in wealth and ensure that the rich get richer and the poor remain poor. Keep reading to learn about the wider meaning of mystification and how it was used in art.

Is Capitalism Ethical or Is It Corrupting Society?

Is capitalism ethical? In what ways can economic-based incentives become dangerous? Philosopher Michael Sandel believes that free-market societies cause corruption. In his book What Money Can’t Buy, Sandel argues that capitalist societies are unethical because they replace intrinsic motivations with economic incentives and cause the degradation of human virtue. Here’s why capitalism is inherently unethical, according to Sandel.

Implicit Racial Bias: Can It Be Overcome?

What is implicit racial bias? How can implicit racial bias be challenged if, by definition, it “lives” in the unconscious? Implicit racial bias refers to racist beliefs, attitudes, and stereotypes that people harbor without their awareness. In other words, implicit bias is unconscious. Because our unconscious minds are extremely suggestible, we can address our unconscious biases through priming. Keep reading to learn about implicit racial bias, how it’s detected, and how it can be overcome.

The Male Gaze in Art & the Objectification of Women

What is the male gaze? How are women objectified in art? The male gaze is the practice of portraying women in the visual arts from a perspective of a male viewer. According to art critic John Berger, through the assumed male gaze, the depicted women are perceived as objects of sexual desire owned by the spectator. Continue reading to better understand the male gaze in art.

How the Reproduction of Art Changes Its Meaning

What are the implications of reproducing original works of art? How does reproduction alter the art’s original meaning? For several hundred years, fine works of art were segregated from the working class, to be enjoyed and understood only by the wealthy elite. Now, for the first time in history, art is widely accessible thanks to its reproduction. But reproducing original works of art distorts their meaning. Here’s how the reproduction of art changes its meaning.

Interpreting Art: Why Do We See What We See?

What factors are at play when we’re interpreting art? Why do different people see art in different ways? Images are inherently subjective—our experiences and beliefs influence what we see. When we look at visual art, we often place ourselves within images, which influences how we interpret their meaning. Keep reading to learn more about the factors that influence the way we interpret art.

What Is the Difference Between Nude and Naked in Art?

What is the difference between nude and naked when it comes to art? What deeper meanings do nudity and nakedness symbolize? Not all naked paintings are nudes. According to art critic John Berger, to be naked is to be yourself and to be seen by others for who you are—it’s vulnerability and honesty. To be nude, on the other hand, is to hide oneself and be seen by others as an object—usually for sexual fantasy. Keep reading to learn about three key distinctions between nude and naked.

European Art History: Uncomfortable Revelations

What can we learn from European art history? How has art shaped social order? According to art critic John Berger, throughout history, the way we see art has been manipulated by a privileged minority to preserve their social and economic dominance. He argues that understanding the dominant form of art from this period in Europe is key to understanding Western history and social order. Keep reading to learn more about Berger’s ideas.

How to Stop Being Envious of Others (Joyce Meyer)

Do you constantly compare yourselves to others? Do you wish you had what they have? Many of us live in a culture of competition. We feel that our value is measured by our success. Christian author Joyce Meyer asserts that this culture is not the way God’s kingdom operates, and we can free ourselves from the trap of envy if we adopt God’s values and perspective. Keep reading for insights on how to stop being envious of others.

Why TikTok Is Bad for Mental Health, Society, and Teens

Is TikTok really as bad as some people claim it is? How does the social media app affect mental health? What makes TikTok more dangerous than its social media predecessors? In the past few years, TikTok became the most popular website in the world—It grew to unprecedented numbers. However, the rise in these short-form videos also brought about the rise in mental health issues, addiction, bullying, and more. Here’s why you might want to think about deleting the TikTok app from your phone.