How do we, as human beings, become addicted? How do our bodies play into our social behaviors? A cigarette, for example, has nicotine, which our bodies will physically crave. Opium, whether it is in the form of painkillers or heroin can have addictive qualities as well, but marijuana doesn’t have the physical component that makes it addictive. So, why do potheads exist? Repeat pot smokers, according to Becker, need to be introduced not only to the drug, but the proper social circumstances when they initially try it. There is a certain expectation already set up when a person tries pot, especially in a social situation. The experience is social construction, it is the atmosphere around you that really gives you the good feeling and the act of smoking the marijuana is just a vehicle to get to that good feeling.
One of the main points that Becker seems to be getting to is that the body and mind are somehow connected. (Imagine that!) So, if your mind is having a good time, for instance, you are chilling with your pals, shooting the shit, and just having a good time, your body is going to react to that. As a subject, it is always a possibility to be shaped by the object, in this case marijuana is the object (whether it is a bong, a joint, or however else you use it) and it is shaping how your body reacts in that situation. To take another example, going out to the bar for the first time with your friends can determine whether you will come back. (Being under the influence of alcohol can be really fun or downright terrifying, it all depends on your surroundings.) If you go to the bar with your friends and you drink and have a good time you are far more likely to go back and do it all again than if you went out, got trashed, had a miserable time, and woke up with a nasty hangover, you might think twice before coming back. Your body practices are shaped by your social practices to the point where you can have physical reactions (pleasurable or painful) to the circumstances or an object. It is entirely logical for your body to make associations with what it finds pleasurable or painful so the next time you encounter something associated with a pleasurable experience your body knows what to expect.
I think you have really understood the essence of Becker's article, and how he is referring to being molded into a pot user rather than just becoming one overnight. I especially like how you stated, "As a subject, it is always possible to be shaped by the object." You tied in the marijuana being the object in the pot smoking situation, but I think the social construction of others indulging in the smoking with a subjected smoker could be another as well. Also mentioned in class, the idea of smoking with friends, or a 'ritual' of smoking could be shaping the subject too. Again, I think you have completely understood the aspects presented by Becker; these are just a few other examples I would think of as well when talking about shaping a subject. I believe multiple factors will ultimately round the subject as a whole, rather than a single aspect.
ReplyDeleteyou seem like you have a really good understanding about the article, i was just wondering though if you've ever thought of the act of smoking pot as another sort of social gathering. Something away from the typical party scene there may be drinking in a generally tense, high pressure social situation. I kind of thought of this when i was reading the Becker article. That maybe its something that can be an ice breaker (just as a beer may be in the bar) for someone who is not into high pressure social situations. I guess in this context Pot may be something that can calm you down. Even beyond social situations, i've known people who smoke after a stressful day to calm down. just a thought. really good post though.
ReplyDeleteI like where you ended that first paragraph, sure you still get high if you smoke by yourself and play videogames or something but if you're in a social situation that's where the effect really hits you. It's about the people and surroundings that make the experience that much more impactful on one's decision to smoke again or to not. Yes, lots of people just hang out and watch tv but if there's a unifying experience like smoking with those people you're with it's like you're all on a different playing field, that anyone coming in late wouldn't know, but with that original group, one can form a social construction out of how they're feeling and what they're going through together. A truly bonding experience.
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