” Yet my status as insider in practice, outsider in theory was what earned me a secure- if not always comfortable- place among others at the Smokhouse. In fact, one might say that my position as insider depended on my willingness to perform the role of outsider, to present a challenge to cultural logics. As an egghead with middle- class aspirations, I became a catalyst for public performance, and in particular, for performances in arguments about politics”.
Lindquist describes herself as insider in practice, outsider in theory, meaning that she was part of this social interaction because she worked at the Smokehouse but in the eyes of her customers and herself she was really part of a different social class. She goes on to say that her position as an insider, her acceptance by these people, was dependant on the fact that she was going to present opposition to the logic that her customers adhered to. Her customers recognized the difference between her and them and because of this they used Lindquist as a target for there public performances, being there arguments about certain social and political ideas. The people who frequented the Smokehouse bar, being this particular group of working- class individuals used Jack as there spokesperson, there voice of reason. Lindquist recongized Jack’s role as spokesperson, and Jack recognized Lindquists ability to provide opposition to his ideas. Therefore Jack used this opposition as a means to put on a display of ideology, a performance of sorts during which he passionately yet vaguely depicts his ideas about social issues and therefore the stance of the larger working class.
Art Said:
on November 2, 2006 at 11:28 pm
I agree with most of what you said, I just picture Jack a little different. I don’t the people using him as their spokesperson, I see Jack being so loud and voistrous that he demands attention. I would guess most of the people at the bar think he is a jerk.