Lessig's 4 Modalities of Regulation- They're Everywhere!
So as we learn about Lessig's 4 Modalities of Regulation, I am beginning to see them everywhere I look. Of course, I already mentioned some of the events that took place at the open mic this past Monday and some of the social cues that were apparent.
The one that struck me the most (and I mentioned in class) was one of the performers, a comedian, and his lack of understanding of social cues. Over 50% of his jokes received no reaction at all and ones that did were quiet chuckles. On top of that, the kid forgot all of his jokes and instead of stepping down and handing over the mic to the next impatient performer, he stood up there and stalled in front of the audience until he could remember a few of them. By stalling, I mean looking into the crowd, laughing awkwardly and telling one of the audience members he looked like Chris Pratt. It was clear that he should have left the stage long before any of this; everyone in the crowd looked at each other as if to say "why is he still up there?". It was as if everyone else in the room understood this concept that seemed so blatantly obvious but he did not. This was just a prime example of how these subtle rules can dictate so much in our society and how people can disobey them completely obliviously.
Obviously, the law aspect of Lessig's modalities is pertinent in our government-controlled country. Breaking a law receives a consequence as a means of control.
I find this all especially interesting because so many people abide these rules without ever being aware of it: some even their entire lives without understanding it. It is a bit bizarre to step back and observe some of these behaviors that seem so second nature to us. These observations are even more interesting, and apparent, when in a foreign country. Not understanding small social cues can really make one an outsider in a society.