In our class discussion on Barthes and mythology, we talked about whether a myth is working on the unconscious level. Professor Kalmar concluded that myth does not work on the unconscious level; neither through the conscious level. This reminded me about Carl Jung's idea of myth. Jung believes that myth is born out of the collective unconscious. The collective unconscious is an innate part of the psyche that contains truth (or perhaps the Real). Jung does regard the collective unconscious to be considered as the 'unknown' or the 'hidden'. If I understand correctly; myths, according to Jung, are considered as a tool to discovering 'the Real' (possibly) through the collective unconscious.
According to Roland Barthes, it is hegemony that functions as an instrument for presenting us with these myths. Although these myths provide us with things that we cannot really argue, they are still used as a powerful device to persuade the people to believe in the hegemony.
So, my question is: is it the collective unconscious that provides us with these myths (projecting from our collective unconscious or the Real), or are myths (and their message; which in turn are being internalized by the people) provided by hegemony?
Enjoy the Christmas break everyone!
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