Object

In our daily experiences we observe, interpret and construct meaning around objects. They may be as mundane as rocks or cars. An object may even manifest as a person, a situation or a feeling. It can be any ‘thing’ to which one attributes meaning and can desire or reject as abject. So here are a few facets to consider when considering the implications of the ‘object’

It Is Subject To Personal Perspective

· Its discursive position

· Cultural interpretation

· Relation to concept of abject

· Place in personal narrative

· Value to personal construct

o Validate

o Strengthen

o Negate

o Oppose

· Ornamental attributes

o Contribution to aesthetics

o Economic implications

o Peer appraisal

o Correlation to personal construct of value

Negotiating Implication of Value

· What fears of possible attributes will it negate

· What constructs of self will be validated or dismissed if the object is not attained/ avoided

· What actions/choices/sacrifices are needed to attain the object

o Weight of attempt VS degree of possible gain

· Which desire(s) does it relate to

· Who in one’s life is affected by the object

o Degree of affect and value of individual are to be noted

· To whom and to what degree is it valued

· What has been express by other regarding the object

· What cultural/sub-cultural implications does the object have

· Has this object, or a simular one, already been in one’s possession

o If so:

§ For how long

§ Why did one loose possession

§ How did one attain it

§ What was the initial motivation for attaining it

§ How did it affect one’s life/relations/perspective/behaviour

Possible Reasons for Perceiving It As Abject

· Cultural norms/morays/taboos

· Cost too great, therefore reject instead of experiencing loss

· Associated with dystopic elements of self

· Fear of confronting its unattainability

· Tied to negative schema/ invokes a negative construct

o Linked to traumatic experience

o Discursive constitution of self/object results in tension/anxiety