This analysis utilizes Ronald Jackson's (2002) theoretical framework, Cultural Contracts of Identity, to explore the negotiation process of black identity, via Malcolm X, the central character in Spike Lee's cinematic production of X. Jackson's theory punctuates three socio-communicative constraints, otherwise known as cultural contracts, with which one can examine black identity-ready-to-sign, quasi-completed, and cocreated. Jackson used the term cultural contracts to refer to "the end product of identity negotiation; hence every 'signed' or agreed-upon cultural contract has a direct impact on one's identity" (p. 49). As such, the study underscores the fluid dialectical tension echoing between one's contract and one's identity. The focus here, then, is on explaining how one's identity is contingent upon the present and ensuing contracts. Select passages from the film X clearly articulating a compromise in Malcolm's identity to establish a change in worldview, where possible, serve as the impetus for this analysis.
The evolution and survival of humankind from the Homohabillis to the Homo-faber would not be so if it were not for technology. We are technological beings and cannot be otherwise, so it is only natural that we are seduced by the orgasmic, rhythmic current of technology. I first explore the idolatry and euphoric metaphysical entanglements associated with technological determinism but also consider if there is reason to throw caution to the wind. Realizing the benefit of technology, Martin Heidegger (The Question Concerning Technology) et al., were optimistically cautious about technological enframing that (de-)worlds humankind from his habitat (fleshiness of being-in-the-world). Resolved to find a solution, Heidegger's project was to avoid Cartesian pitfalls and metaphysical jargon by clarifying Dasein's relationship to transcendence, reinstituting Dasein concretely in the world. Bemused, Heidegger himself said this project remains a puzzlement. This essay considers Henri Lefebvre's Métaphilosophie (Métaphilosophie: Promolegomenas) (Festival, Rhythmnalysis, La Quotidenne, Moments) as a non-philosophical means to dèpasser our technological commonplace and re-habiter the "total man" in the world. What I am proposing here is that if Heidegger's Faustian-like bargain is correct, then Lefebvre's method and possibly others of the same spirit are critical to first locate and account for moments of alienation in one's everyday commonplace and to find or create concrete ways of making do by realizing the potentiality of those moments.
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