It was M's class today.
As usual, he introduced us to a new thinker and his theory. I paid attention today, and whenever it was flipping, dragged it back. Deleuze: powerful, in the way he challenges how models are constructed and forced upon us, how he criticizes the cause-effect way of thinking.
Class went well, and then a student asked a question. Out jumped Judith Butler through M. And then queer theory. Another powerful perspective.
Set me thinking. How certain concepts and thoughts can liberate us. First they challenge us, shake the very roots of our ideology. We realise there are cracks in the pillar we have built. Oh, then we realize, the damn thing was wrong all the time. Time comes for deconstruction. We pull down the pillar. The process is not as smooth as I describe. Discomfort and pain are involved, directly proportional to the strength, width and height of the pillar we had built.
But when the montrosity is pulled down, we realize, "Ah ha, it was never a pillar, but a chain that dragged me down" To be free of that chain feels so good. You are lighter and have a wider and a deeper view of the world. Then you read and research more; start building a new pillar, to take yoursef to another height of awareness, knowledge and wisdom.
And what happens when there's a high resonance between your raw thought and an argument solidly thought through and argued? Owww owww. The cuckoo inside you wakes up and starts chirping.
The presenter continues explaining, and with each new sentence you agree more with its truth. Right, you think! Right, right! Exactly, exactly, exactly!
Oh yes, yes, yesssssss! Higher and higher you are transported, so much so that it reaches a crescendo. Your intellect is writhing now, all its muscles tensed and limbs a-tangled! Your eyes are shining so much you wonder why the presenter is not blinded looking at you. S/he ends her/his talk with a succulent one-liner. You smile and exhale, slowlyyyy.
You stretch your legs, and think of the canteen. You step out of the room. Your friend asks you, "How was it?" A lazy smile creeps up your face, and you say, "Good". "Hey, where you headed now?" You don't stop to answer that. Time for some coffee and cuddling with those after-thoughts.
:)
;)
- Chandni
