Coming to Terms with Distance

Abstract

Politics as theater requires a gap between actors and spectators. The gap allows the space of appearance within which both sides can explore aspects of their shared life in a mutually productive and rewarding relationship that does not damage either party. It also provides the distance necessary for what Hannah Arendt considers the two primary functions of spectatorship: witnessing and judgment. One of the vital tasks of spectators is to keep actors grounded, and they do this by watching and assessing what actors do in relation to what they show and promise, then deciding whether or not to let them continue by keeping the space of appearance open. Actors, by contrast, make visible issues that they consider need attention. They may do this in conjunction with other major players in formalized settings or in dispersed and spontaneous sites, according to their needs. They may use media to try to extend their visibility. Distance is crucial to these tasks.