How do you feel about surveillance and the idea of a "Big Brother" society?

Question

Hey ya'll. I'm doing a project for this class I'm in about Big Brother societies and I need to focus on an American perspective. How do you feel about increased surveillance? If you can tell me your thoughts, your sex, age, and location, that would be most helpful in order to keep a steady statistical sort of data.

Other things to consider:
Do you feel there has been an increase in surveillance?
If so, how have you seen this manifest itself?
Do you feel safer? Why?
In what ways have you noticed or encountered surveillance in your area?
Any general thoughts are deeply appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

In the UK, it has gone too far.

The term "Big Brother", as you know, comes from George Orwell's novel "1984" (read it!), which was set in Britain. In my opinion surveillance here now greatly exceeds the snooping Orwell condemned. For instance, if you read the book the hero escapes surviellance by going into poorer ("prole") areas of London: the cameras normally only covered areas where the government elite worked and lived. But there are hundreds of cameras all over London. Similarly, Winston Smith escaped to the countryside, but now we have satellite surveillance.

Excessive surveillance in general leads to a breakdown in society, becasue everybody suspects everybody else. The demoralisation leads to economic difficulties because a demoralised workforce does as little as possible and because crushed people do not yeild the innovations that are crucial to the success of a developed economy.

A prime example of a country that was led to disaster by excessive surveillance was East Germany.

These are general points: as a foreigner I would not wish to express an opinion concerning the extent or desirability of surveillance in the US.

Answer 2

I think there is way too much surveillance already, I'd prefer to get our freedom back and take the risk. Any cell phone can be legally tapped without a warrant now as well as all pc's. Yet the most important defensive measures like the borders and inspections of incoming container ships are skipped.

male, 48, Arkansas

Answer 3

I would rather be left alone and take the increased risk than deal with increased surveillance and the like. I don't feel a tiny bit safer with more surveillance - the bad guys will always find a way.

I'm 26, mid-Missouri.