In class we talked about Foucault and his concept of the Panopticon, which is a device to used for power that instills fear in those around it. Order is kept in the country by one main thing, fear. When one does a crime the thing they are most concerned about is the punishment to come. The punishment is designed to strike fear in people contemplating any crimes, hence the reason we have jail, fines, etc. Foucault goes into depth about how we are always being watched at all times, that you are never alone and can be found always. Panopticon is designed to give the impression to prisoners that they are under surveillance which strays them away from causing chaos.
I was thinking about this idea of being watched all the time and immediately thought of two things: the movie
V for Vendetta and the book
1984. Both pieces circle around the aspect of a higher power suppressing another one for the sole purpose to maintain order/ keep power. It was interesting to watch and read about what life would be like if the government we live in enhanced their control over its people and practically destroy our democracy.
Pictures from
1984:
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