Our
isolation as, what is supposedly the most dramatically advancing and intelligent species on
earth, is staggering. While we strive for superiority, we partake in a religious compliance with what we
consider the norm, even fearing possible consequences if these conventions are not adhered to.
Coined
from Hans Christian Anderson’s well-known tale, The
Emperor’s New Clothes, 'The Emperor’s Dilemma’ is a model of a social scenario where the choice to comply with and enforce
a norm that is supported by a few fanatics, and opposed by the vast majority,
has to be made. We continuously seek confirmation from others that our actions
comply with convention.
With this in mind I conducted an experiment. I wanted to confront conventions in the most conformist part of London I knew. So naturally, I took a suited clown to the business district and watched the social breeches unravel. He appeared in crowds, on the underground and in office blocks, metaphorically as naked as the Emperor, yet the majority of passers by pretended to be unaware. I was approached three times by officials asking
for filming permits, each in different train stations. The shocked reaction of
not knowing I needed one and swearing the camera would not reappear, was
sufficient for all.
An insight into the clown's experience was also curious. Still painted with clown, the red nose was
restricting his breathing so he took it off…
“See now I look silly!”
He then put the nose back on.
By forcing the clown upon London, I had no expectations of making a lasting impression on the mechanics of society, but I hoped to induce
a sense realisation of the somewhat comedic values in the way these conventions
have been evolving without us noticing.
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