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August 4, 2013

The Eye of Sauron Is Watching YOU!

aathe_eye_of_sauron_is_watching_you_by_nojoda1-d4vzi61.jpg

Tolkien’s most potent and intimidating image of centralized surveillance, the Eye of Sauron atop a tower,
taking in the whole world, has resonated with those who are paranoid about government monitoring. But it’s Sauron’s vulnerability that has the most relevance for America today. Consider the basic premise of Tolkien’s trilogy: a small group of dedicated subversives willing to sacrifice their lives slips in under the surveillance system of a great power, blends in with an alien population, and delivers a devastating blow to the heart of its empire, leaving its security forces in disarray and its populace terrified. Even a tower or two crumbles to dust. Far from being covert, much of this operation is conducted in plain sight, with the great power aware of its enemies’ existence, if not their intent. Given its prescience about modern-day terrorism, Tolkien’s vision offers at least three lessons for present-day America. Tolkien v. Orwell: Who understood modern surveillance best? - Slate Magazine

Posted by gerardvanderleun at August 4, 2013 9:10 PM. This is an entry on the sideblog of American Digest: Check it out.

Your Say

Now that sounds familiar.

Posted by: monkeyfan at August 5, 2013 6:58 PM

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