Surveillance

“Our society is one not of spectacle, but of surveillance” plays a role in contemporary, American culture. Foucault’s really made a point with his statement. This makes me think of our government and how much is hidden from the American public. Our government keeps on eye on everyone and everything in this society. It is a frightening reality. For instance, the area 51 in Nevada is a top secret place where no public is allowed to enter. They have signs a mile away from the work place stating “if anyone who enters here will be shot” and top secret research facility. There has been much controversy surrounding area 51 due to its secrecy. Many believe our government has top secret air crafts that they test out. And, some believe that it’s just a place where the government can discuss top secret activities and a place that utilizes ways to keep an eye on the public. Overall our government has surveillance over all of us. It reminds me of Big Brother and the idea of always being watched. There is so much unknown to the American public thus reinforcing the idea that our society is one of surveillance. In the film festival a movie called Secrecy was played which discussed how much secrecy is in the government and how much they keep a close watch on American public. The movie discussed how a lot of the secrecy has to do with security and keeping Americans safe. But whatever the reason, our society is one of surveillance. It all has to do with power. The government has all the power and communicates with power. Power plays a role in what the government does and how they govern our country. That’s a scary thought to think how much the government watches us and controls us as well.