DwB general Flashcards
What does the white ribbon symbolise:
a) on the surface
b) when it’s worn
On the surface, the white ribbon symbolises purity and innocence.
But in its context of only being worn when the children have done something wrong, it’s a symbol of guilt and sin, a widely visible humiliation for the children.
Every second the children wear the ribbon, they’re reminded of their lost or endangered innocence.
What is the authoritarian system?
What does Haneke explore in regards to authoritarian system and power?
> shows a closed authoritarian system based on the permanent threat of punishment
> authority and power relationships are clearly defined
> in this rigid authoritarian structure, everyone has something to hide, which is why all investigations into the perpetrators remain half-hearted
> explores the power relations, and the power gap between parents and children
> Haneke looks behind the facades of schools, churches and homes
- women and children and abused and humiliated
- disabilities are looked down upon
- purification can only be achieved through punishment
What are the parenting methods used?
> interrogations
idealisation of purity
continually explaining to a child that the humiliation/torment being experienced is for their own good and is even more severe for the parent themself
Schwarze Pädagogik
> includes all negative educational methods that are strongly manipulative or violent
> this form of education uses:
- initiation rites (like the removal of the white ribbon)
- mental and physical pain (Klara being put in a corner and the abuse we see)
- denial of basic needs (children sent to bed without food)
How were male and female gender roles shown?
— where did women work?
— how were they treated?
> women shown in various roles: working in fields, kitchen help, nanny
> women were second-class citizens who weren’t allowed to vote until 1918; very rarely had access to education
> patriarchal society
- men like the pastor are clearly portrayed as the sole decision-makers and moral leaders of their families
- only the gentle, communicative teacher offers an alternative male role model and points to more modern times
How is the children’s rebellion shown?
> there’s a lot to suggest the children are taking revenge on their masters and are looking for outlets for the violence they’ve experienced
> traces of rebellion can be found in the dialogue as well — Anna is the only one to use her father’s first name, an indication that she must be his substitute partner at all levels
> others choose open rebellion — Theo denies knowing anything about the whereabouts of Sigi’s flute but then begins to whistle using it
How did Haneke depict the violent acts and what effect does this have on the spectator?
> Haneke portrayed violence in a specific way where traces of violence are shown rather than the entire acts themselves and so viewers have to use their own perception
> the horror of what the viewers experience isn’t what can be seen on screen, but in their imagination
> the violent act is happening outside the camera frame, but the impact is reflected on the faces of the victims
- the audience is put in the position of a secret observer
