VISUAL PLEASURE IN TEXTUAL PLACES Gazing in multi-user object-oriented worlds

Abstract

This article relates the textual processes of looking and gazing on MOO's (multiuser object oriented worlds) to feminist theories of the gaze. The gaze and look are privileged terms in these chat oriented settings because of the programming decision to associate information inquiries with the typed command to 'look <character or object name>'. The use of the look command makes it seem that physiognomy oriented character descriptions and architecturally familiar room types can be seen. Many users want to believe that character descriptions offer a view that is like the 'real' body of the user. The constructed nature of the character, literally produced by text, is partially concealed by the insistence that the metaphorical sight of the look is the equivalent of truth. A series of other commands, such as @watch, @peruse, @kgb, @fbi, @scope, glance, @peep, @gawk, and see, also emphasize sight so that the textual setting is made over into a visual space. The names of these commands, and the detailed sets of information that they supply, make users aware of the transparent structure of the MOO and its surveillant aspects. The virtual look of certain characters, penetrating into any 'space' in order to examine other characters and determine their gender, renders an empowered gaze. The mastering gaze of characters and the voyeuristic terminology of MOO commands perpetuate a series of limiting identity constructs. This article establishes some preliminary ways to interrogate these identity processes and advocates further critical considerations of the ways that bodies, spaces, and objects are constructed on-line.

Keywords:

• Internet
• Gaze
• Spectator
• Feminism
• Cinema