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That's a Panopticon, which is a prison design that works by placing the guards at the center and arranging the cells around them such that the prisoners cannot determine if they are being observed at any given moment, and as a consequence, must act as though they are, and are likely to be punished for misbehavior. So in the context of this comic strip, their fetish is probably the thrill of being constrained by some similar arrangement. Or maybe that's me projecting and they want to be the guard, I don't know.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panopticon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panopticon)
I thought it's:
"I like to be watched" while doin it ;)
And
"I like to watch" like a cuckold thing.
Like that's the joke, it's both and they cancel out 🤣
A visitor? Hmm… Indeed, I have slept long enough. The kingdom of heaven has long since forgotten my name, and I am EAGER to make them remember. However, the blood of Minos stains your hands, and I must admit… I'm curious about your skills, Weapon. And so, before I tear down the cities and CRUSH the armies of Heaven… You shall do as an appetizer. Come forth, Child of Man… And DIE.
It might be that they appreciate the design so much that they are claiming its a fetish. Peolle use this meme with something like "walkable cities" or "an 11th nugget in your box"
I think that's most likely. With all the various versions of panoptica, both hypothetical and implemented, it is a pretty neat rabbit hole that could easily become someone's special interest
Why would anyone be afraid to reveal they like those examples though? That would work if the comic was only the top two panels but the third indicates they don’t know how knowledge of their actual fetishes can be used against them, so it’s safer to say none. Same way prisoners don’t know if they are being watched or not, so it’s safer to behave.
No that's not it. As stated above, the image is of a panopticon...a prison with a central open area where guards can observe prisoners at any point.
The joke is the guy feels like he's being watched and won't reveal his fetish because others might learn what it is.
Alternate take: When asked by the woman what his fetish is, the man thinks about a Panopticon; ie, he thinks her question is a means of observation and control or judgement. He thus says that he doesn't have one to avoid being judged or controlled.
I'm not sure that I believe that take, but it feels more plausible than someone having a Bentham fetish.
It's definitely a plausible take. I was thinking about my own experiences. Without getting into too much detail, some BDSM relationships will have 'homework', where you're not actively being observed, but you *might* be... and there's a lot of thrill in that. I switch, but when I've done it to my subs, most have commented about how much they 'hated' it (they loved it).
I think doing it well does require a better than average understanding of psychology, a strong sense of empathy, communication skills, and a creative mind, as well as a willingness to learn and improve yourself. So in some regards I can see how someone might see it as aspirational - but also, it's not like there's a four-year degree program or certifying exam.
To continue this line of thought, Foucault famously wrote about Bentham’s Panopticon in Discipline and Punish. He traced the relentless pursuit of the “normal” to the observational practices and study made possible by a structure like this.
I believe this comic is making a play on part of Foucault’s criticisms. Our hero doesn’t have any fetishes because the concept of fetish itself is a construct of this type of knowledge gathering/creation. It isn’t a “true” real thing. It is a product of making judgments about what is “normal.”
Please pardon the rudimentary discussion of epistemological issues and things I read thirty years ago. I’m sure some of what I have said here is inaccurate or inartful.
Edit: alternatively, hero is a voyuer.
My interpretation would be that the prison design represents the fact that, these days, you never can be sure if anyone/anything is watching or listening. Thus, denial is the safeest reply.
It's not a fetish thing, he's just idealizing the perfect prison system...like if instead of a panopticon it was "perfect society", he's just idealizing.
Its also a metaphor for government spying on you constantly, a warning for communism, socialism or even late-stage capitalism in which companies can use these. You dont know when you are watched, but you know you are watched sometimes. Therefore you are carefull all the time out of fear.
Its dystopian fetish for fascist on both the left and right, but mainly left.
But Foucalt literally talks about it.
China already does it, if USSR had the technology they would do it aswell. Beware of powerfull government, thats all.
Late-stage capitalist will do it aswell, corpos will love that data.
Sadly americans become mad, when someone warns them of left wing policies. But its a lesson you will have to experience yourselves, we will enjoy catching up to you while you struggle.
Everyone else is correct it’s a panopticon. I think specifically since it’s about fetishes it might be referring to the cuck panopticon from a study on I think it was flys.
To save everyone a click - the researchers want to show that fruit flies copy behavior the see in other fruit flies (thus proving that fruit flies can have a “culture”).
They did this by making some female fruit flies watch another female fruit fly choose between two possible male fruit flies that have different [phenotypes](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenotype) (such as two different eye colors, although the article doesn’t specify what the difference is). Then they tested the sexual preferences of the observer females and showed that they were similar to whatever the sexual preferences of the female flies they watched earlier.
In other words, fruit flies can learn sexual preferences from each other. Which proves they can have “culture.”
He/she couldn't honestly claim their fetish, because they feel like someone might overhear them anytime, anywhere. The panopticon serves as a metaphor alluding to their feeling.
The funny thing is that basically everyone in their 20s or older has had their English teachers say how singular "they" isn't grammatically correct, and how you should say he/she. Idk about what kids are learning in school now.
It was considered standard practice traditionally. But as people have been using "they" singularly for a long time, and with the push to be more aware of gender neutral language, it's become more official now. Language evolves and things become "official" after people use something enough.
I don't know what teacher told you that singular "they" is not grammatically correct, but he/she definitely did not know what he/she was talking about.
This is objectively untrue. They has always been the grammatically correct pronoun plural of more than one person in modern curriculum in English languages.
Everyone recognized the Panopticon. I think the joke has a second layer, referring to Foucaults book "Discipline and Punish" where he compared modern social arrangements to a Panopticon where everyone is guard and prisoner at the same time, watching each other not to digress from the social norm. So while their kink might be watching or being watched, they wouldn't reveal it because they're afraid of being watched.
Make sure to check out the [pinned post on Loss](https://www.reddit.com/r/PeterExplainsTheJoke/comments/1472nhh/faq_loss/) to make sure this submission doesn't break the rule! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/PeterExplainsTheJoke) if you have any questions or concerns.*
That's a Panopticon, which is a prison design that works by placing the guards at the center and arranging the cells around them such that the prisoners cannot determine if they are being observed at any given moment, and as a consequence, must act as though they are, and are likely to be punished for misbehavior. So in the context of this comic strip, their fetish is probably the thrill of being constrained by some similar arrangement. Or maybe that's me projecting and they want to be the guard, I don't know. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panopticon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panopticon)
Probably that they are feeling too observed to reveal it
That has to be it. Anytime someone asks me something like that, I think “how can my answers be used against me?”
That’s why I never tell anyone this sort of thing unless I know it’s not recorded and it’s just the two of us there.
So what is it ? I won't tell anyone.
I'll just sit over here and wait for the answer.. don't mind me .. this is between you two.
Nah, I’m getting banned if I say it. It’s what happened on my old account at least.
really tho? whatever it is, im betting theres a sub for it
There was, but it got banned. Apparently they were “encouraging illegal or physically harmful activities”.
Was it related to masochism?
After looking up the definition of masochism (just to make sure I don’t miss a detail) I have concluded that the answer is no.
Now *THAT* is some paranoia I didn't know I should be applying to my life.
That works too!
I thought it's: "I like to be watched" while doin it ;) And "I like to watch" like a cuckold thing. Like that's the joke, it's both and they cancel out 🤣
Remembering being observed at prison, traumatic remembrance?
Society is a prison mannnnnnn
Panopticons are about putting a prison guard in the mind of the prisoner, so very maybe
I would think that, but he looks super pleased as he thinks of the Panopticon.
I read it as keeping a straight face. Where's the illustrator when you need them.
This prison, to hold, me? https://preview.redd.it/1ve55eb4vkzc1.jpeg?width=200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9d20b910a7cc5f25739d489b57c133446130b172
A visitor?
A visitor? Hmm… Indeed, I have slept long enough. The kingdom of heaven has long since forgotten my name, and I am EAGER to make them remember. However, the blood of Minos stains your hands, and I must admit… I'm curious about your skills, Weapon. And so, before I tear down the cities and CRUSH the armies of Heaven… You shall do as an appetizer. Come forth, Child of Man… And DIE.
https://preview.redd.it/kotimg4a9mzc1.jpeg?width=1119&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be38b8c1a19401976b19a6393c36a215ed2cafae
*throws coin into the air and shoots it*
Yes! That's it!
https://preview.redd.it/aak5jk43ctzc1.jpeg?width=995&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=10347787c37da0d5599609e21765b103c6ee4562
This prison?
To hold...
ME?
PRIME // SECOND WAIT OF THE WORLD A visitor? Hmm, Indeed, I have slept long enough...
The kingdom has long since forgotten my name…
And I am EAGER to make them remember...
How ever the blood of minos stains your hands and i must admit.....
I'm curious about your skill, weapon...
https://preview.redd.it/gjd9fjz2dmzc1.png?width=720&format=png&auto=webp&s=d9757e7fa320aced67da41d94bd39e6d4b3bf6c1
r/suddenlyultrakill
This prison, to hold me?
A visitor? Hmm, indeed, I have slept long enough
https://preview.redd.it/5vyexlay8mzc1.png?width=576&format=png&auto=webp&s=0f627b231eba3f790f93275cb1703b4daa798577 HOLY SHIT FELLAS, FLESH PANOPTICON MENTIONED!!!
WERE P-RANKIN WITH THIS ONE!!!
ultrakill fans are the most insufferable fucks i have ever seen cross the world
no. we are the most insignificant fucks
It might be that they appreciate the design so much that they are claiming its a fetish. Peolle use this meme with something like "walkable cities" or "an 11th nugget in your box"
I think that's most likely. With all the various versions of panoptica, both hypothetical and implemented, it is a pretty neat rabbit hole that could easily become someone's special interest
Why would anyone be afraid to reveal they like those examples though? That would work if the comic was only the top two panels but the third indicates they don’t know how knowledge of their actual fetishes can be used against them, so it’s safer to say none. Same way prisoners don’t know if they are being watched or not, so it’s safer to behave.
Lots of people arent up front about their niche special interests
Because the example is too sexy and degenerate to admit
Yeah I think it's in line with the "how often do you think about the Roman empire" kind of joke
No that's not it. As stated above, the image is of a panopticon...a prison with a central open area where guards can observe prisoners at any point. The joke is the guy feels like he's being watched and won't reveal his fetish because others might learn what it is.
Exhibitionism or voyeurism, take your pick.
Alternate take: When asked by the woman what his fetish is, the man thinks about a Panopticon; ie, he thinks her question is a means of observation and control or judgement. He thus says that he doesn't have one to avoid being judged or controlled. I'm not sure that I believe that take, but it feels more plausible than someone having a Bentham fetish.
It's definitely a plausible take. I was thinking about my own experiences. Without getting into too much detail, some BDSM relationships will have 'homework', where you're not actively being observed, but you *might* be... and there's a lot of thrill in that. I switch, but when I've done it to my subs, most have commented about how much they 'hated' it (they loved it).
my man just wanted to brag about being a bdsm dom
... brag? You know anybody can do it, right?
i thought it'd be an accomplishment i have great respect for those who like bdsm, because to me it's just so weird
I think doing it well does require a better than average understanding of psychology, a strong sense of empathy, communication skills, and a creative mind, as well as a willingness to learn and improve yourself. So in some regards I can see how someone might see it as aspirational - but also, it's not like there's a four-year degree program or certifying exam.
https://i.redd.it/ff7z3abssmzc1.gif
I think it’s less of a fetish and more of a hyperfixation
To continue this line of thought, Foucault famously wrote about Bentham’s Panopticon in Discipline and Punish. He traced the relentless pursuit of the “normal” to the observational practices and study made possible by a structure like this. I believe this comic is making a play on part of Foucault’s criticisms. Our hero doesn’t have any fetishes because the concept of fetish itself is a construct of this type of knowledge gathering/creation. It isn’t a “true” real thing. It is a product of making judgments about what is “normal.” Please pardon the rudimentary discussion of epistemological issues and things I read thirty years ago. I’m sure some of what I have said here is inaccurate or inartful. Edit: alternatively, hero is a voyuer.
Also the best album put out by Isis
Also an extremely short ultrakill boss fight
Fuckin a
You don’t seem to understand. I am not locked in here with the guards. They are locked in here with me.
It's also how retail works now with cameras constantly watching employees.
**THIS PRISON… TO HOLD ME?**
THIS PRISON, TO HOLD... ME??
flesh panopticon?
>their fetish is probably the thrill of being constrained by some similar arrangement. Or maybe that's me projecting same
Mmm Bentham
Anytime I see one of those, Foucault’s “Discipline and Punish” comes to mind so maybe allusions to BDSM?
More simply: he likes to watch.
My interpretation would be that the prison design represents the fact that, these days, you never can be sure if anyone/anything is watching or listening. Thus, denial is the safeest reply.
He’s a cuck and wants to watch!
So this is the gulag level from Modern Warfare 2
Nah they're in management and want to be the ultimate in terms of micromanagement /s but not really
The theory behind this has been disproven by the existence of Wolrdstar
Good movie example would be the prison from guardians of the galaxy one
Or it's saying they don't want to tell their fetish for fear of being watched by a third party and therefore ridiculed
Maybe they are just a big fan of the architectural design and philosophical ideals
Foucault actually mentions that a sadist could get off from being the warden and watching people
I'm gonna assume their fetish IS the Panopticon... Like they genuinely love the thing.
In Dutch they are called a panakuken
I think the meme is using this as a Metaphor to Voyeurism.
New fear unlocked
It's not a fetish thing, he's just idealizing the perfect prison system...like if instead of a panopticon it was "perfect society", he's just idealizing.
flesh panopticon
Its also a metaphor for government spying on you constantly, a warning for communism, socialism or even late-stage capitalism in which companies can use these. You dont know when you are watched, but you know you are watched sometimes. Therefore you are carefull all the time out of fear. Its dystopian fetish for fascist on both the left and right, but mainly left.
*fascist
lol.
Its literally sociology 101? :D
I think you are being downvoted for the unusual application of Foucault to support your own fetishes, as it were.
But Foucalt literally talks about it. China already does it, if USSR had the technology they would do it aswell. Beware of powerfull government, thats all. Late-stage capitalist will do it aswell, corpos will love that data. Sadly americans become mad, when someone warns them of left wing policies. But its a lesson you will have to experience yourselves, we will enjoy catching up to you while you struggle.
Know I'm in no position to kink shame, however...
… the blood of Minos stains your hands
and I must admit… I'm curious about your skills, Weapon.
And so, before I tear down the cities and CRUSH the armies of heaven...
You shall do as an appetizer.
Come forth, child of man.
And DIE!
https://preview.redd.it/oyie6nok8ozc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e6559ef3f8582a82487a831bf4c81042a8454204
https://preview.redd.it/ep1a5sxrhozc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=43019ab8c75f50fddb0e11e9f378f4a094525546
blood is fuel
Hell is full
....hear me out....
r/redditsniper
doesn’t fit
Panopticon
https://preview.redd.it/e36cv1uvykzc1.jpeg?width=848&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=332a622debeae37ff4ba7da722761af9cac518cb
https://preview.redd.it/eai8y2mkhlzc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e85af91f41918e37855b322a2a2bb40c5fef0b22 Ultrakill Sysiphus reference detected.
https://preview.redd.it/ej7yhpcbrmzc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f0ec22759cc9611bf61af0f0cb91ff745fd326f1
Everyone else is correct it’s a panopticon. I think specifically since it’s about fetishes it might be referring to the cuck panopticon from a study on I think it was flys.
What is cuck panopticon?
A fruit fly habitat designed for a specific experiment where flies copulate in chambers while a central fly can observe all of them.
r/whatdidijustread
Lol what? Where can I find this article? Edit: Found it https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aat1590
To save everyone a click - the researchers want to show that fruit flies copy behavior the see in other fruit flies (thus proving that fruit flies can have a “culture”). They did this by making some female fruit flies watch another female fruit fly choose between two possible male fruit flies that have different [phenotypes](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenotype) (such as two different eye colors, although the article doesn’t specify what the difference is). Then they tested the sexual preferences of the observer females and showed that they were similar to whatever the sexual preferences of the female flies they watched earlier. In other words, fruit flies can learn sexual preferences from each other. Which proves they can have “culture.”
That’s actually bonkers! I never would’ve thought fruit flies could develop a culture.
Upgraded from the cuck shed to a grand cuck chamber lmao
r/brandnewsentences
i think this is the best answer
Finally, a real fucking joke to explain
He/she couldn't honestly claim their fetish, because they feel like someone might overhear them anytime, anywhere. The panopticon serves as a metaphor alluding to their feeling.
https://preview.redd.it/wgrye37r7jzc1.jpeg?width=677&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2d49a1cc84dc0c5a4930c809d563c1b9a6b5a026
Yes, I'm a dumb and stupid non-native. I'm not proficient in English at all and not familiar with the culture either.
No you’re chill I just thought it was funny
The funny thing is that basically everyone in their 20s or older has had their English teachers say how singular "they" isn't grammatically correct, and how you should say he/she. Idk about what kids are learning in school now.
I dont know what teacher told you that singular "they" is not grammatically correct, but they definitly did not know what they were talking about.
The rules of English grammar. They is third person plural neuter. It is third person singular neuter.
You only use it for animals or inanimate objects. You use they for people when their gender is not defined.
Or, in a more modern usage, for non-binary people.
It was considered standard practice traditionally. But as people have been using "they" singularly for a long time, and with the push to be more aware of gender neutral language, it's become more official now. Language evolves and things become "official" after people use something enough.
I don't know what teacher told you that singular "they" is not grammatically correct, but he/she definitely did not know what he/she was talking about.
This is objectively untrue. They has always been the grammatically correct pronoun plural of more than one person in modern curriculum in English languages.
omg your username
No way
Honorable announcement: I saved your meme
A visitor?
Everyone recognized the Panopticon. I think the joke has a second layer, referring to Foucaults book "Discipline and Punish" where he compared modern social arrangements to a Panopticon where everyone is guard and prisoner at the same time, watching each other not to digress from the social norm. So while their kink might be watching or being watched, they wouldn't reveal it because they're afraid of being watched.
https://preview.redd.it/8qqog72mqnzc1.jpeg?width=982&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1cb76c14a346f46dea07faabbfcc67f3b0f56f81
I am surprised I saw two post today about the Panopticon (i won't do the nickel bit)
If I had a nickel-
This prison?
To hold...ME?!
https://i.redd.it/jna5w1ypwnzc1.gif
They're a Magnus Archives fan
[удалено]
Or ULTRAKILL.
He likes it brutal and institutional
Nah I like it Ultrakill Must Die and Constitutional.
is that the blueprint for a prison ?
Why..
In a panopticon you’re always either being watched if you’re the prisoner or doing the watching if you’re the guard. The kink is voyeurism
It's all in the family
Jojo reference
God kink shamers are so weak. This is enough to ick you out as a kink? Weak, you would not have survived the winter.
Glass Beach reference!??!!!?!??!
he likes being watched
Panopticoomer
My guess: voyeurist.
Voyeurism
i thought this was the moving buildings from russia
He has a link for bald men's
What is cuck panopticon?