Elif Batuman argues that awkwardness is the ‘consciousness of a false position’.[1] Contending that capitalism depends on ‘a certain degree of hypocrisy to function smoothly’, she positions awkwardness as the point of dogmatic failure where the illusion shatters and we are awoken to these hypocrisies.[2] Peep Show (2009) is grounded in considerations of hypocrisy on both an individual and societal level; this is structurally enabled by point-of-view shots and internal monologues.
‘Mark’s First Day As A Manager’ and ‘JLB Credits Goes Under’ produce awkwardness through the contradictions between Mark’s behaviour and the larger hierarchical structures of his white-collar workplace. We initially see Mark taking advantage of his new, supposed seniority by attempting to assert sexual and financial power over his colleagues. However, the workers are soon assembled by Johnson (their actual boss) to tell them that the company has gone under and they are now all unemployed. Mark realises that he is clueless and ultimately valued the same as everyone else by the true higher-ups; the illusion of meritocracy is exposed. As Batuman describes, the culmination of the scene involves a sense of both ‘solidarity and implication’ that reveals the hypocrisies of capitalism.[3] Mark oppresses and is oppressed at the same time. As middle management, he staunchly props up the system, an act of conformity he believes will grant him the same benefits as those above him, but is also discarded at a moment’s notice- just like the other office cattle.
However, for me, the awkwardness is somewhat relieved at this point. Contrary to Batuman’s assertion, the awkwardness doesn’t arise merely through the consciousness of a false position; in fact, it seems to subside when Mark comes to terms with reality. The cringe factor is the dramatic irony between our awareness and Mark’s lack of awareness of his false position. There is a sense of relief when he gets his inevitable comeuppance, as Mark’s behaviours finally align with the viewers’ initial reading of the social situation.
[1] Elif Batuman, ‘The Awkward Age’, The New Yorker, https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/awkward-age [20/03/23].
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.