The Hidden History Of Big Brother In America

The concept of "Big Brother" has become deeply ingrained in American culture as a symbol of invasive surveillance and government control. Popularized by George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984," the phrase refers to a figure or system that watches and manipulates the every move of its citizens. However, the idea of Big Brother in America predates Orwell's literary masterpiece, and its history is not as well-known as one might imagine.

A Historical Perspective

To fully understand the hidden history of Big Brother in America, we must go back to the early days of the nation. The foundations of government surveillance were laid long before Orwell's novel struck a chord with millions. One of the earliest instances of state surveillance was established during World War I when the US government formed the Committee on Public Information.

The Committee on Public Information was responsible for censoring and distributing wartime information, shaping public opinion, and ensuring compliance with government policies. While it was initially seen as a necessary measure during the war, its influence lingered long after the conflict ended, setting a precedent for future surveillance initiatives.

The Hidden History of Big Brother in America: How the Death of Privacy and the Rise of Surveillance Threaten Us and Our Democracy (The Thom Hartmann Hidden History Series Book 7)

by Thom Hartmann (Kindle Edition)

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As the United States entered the Cold War era, concerns about communist infiltration and espionage grew, leading to the rise of intelligence agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). These agencies played a crucial role in gathering information, conducting covert operations, and monitoring individuals suspected of subversive activities.

The Birth of Domestic Surveillance

The true birth of domestic surveillance in America occurred in the 1940s with the establishment of the Mail Opening Program. Under the guise of national security, the FBI began intercepting and opening letters sent to and from individuals under investigation. This program operated for decades, expanding its reach and scope of surveillance techniques.

In the 1950s, electronic surveillance took center stage with the development of the ECHELON system. ECHELON was an intelligence-gathering network that intercepted and analyzed electronic communications, including phone calls, emails, and faxes. This worldwide surveillance system was jointly operated by the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Despite operating covertly for years, it wasn't until the 1970s that the American public became aware of the extent of domestic surveillance. In 1971, a former FBI agent, Christopher Pyle, revealed the existence of Operation COINTELPRO – a secret FBI program designed to monitor and disrupt political organizations deemed subversive. This revelation shocked the nation and sparked a debate about the balance between national security and civil liberties.

Modern Surveillance in the Digital Age

The advent of the internet and advancements in technology have ushered in a new era of surveillance in America. With the rise of social media platforms, search engines, and smartphones, individuals willingly provide a wealth of personal information to be exploited by both private corporations and government agencies alike.

Programs like PRISM, revealed by Edward Snowden in 2013, shed light on the extensive data collection practices utilized by intelligence agencies. Through cooperation with major technology companies, the National Security Agency (NSA) gained access to vast amounts of communication data, further blurring the lines of privacy.

Additionally, the proliferation of surveillance cameras in public spaces has raised concerns about pervasive monitoring. The widespread use of facial recognition technology gives authorities the ability to track individuals' movements, leading to implications for personal freedom and privacy.

The Ethical Dilemma

The hidden history of Big Brother in America raises profound ethical dilemmas. In the pursuit of national security, the line between protection and intrusion becomes increasingly blurred. The question arises as to whether the sacrifice of personal privacy is justifiable in the name of safeguarding the nation.

Moreover, the hidden nature of surveillance programs and the lack of transparency surrounding their operations undermine the principles of democracy. When citizens are unaware of the extent of monitoring and the potential abuses that can occur, it becomes difficult to hold those in power accountable.

The hidden history of Big Brother in America traces back to the early days of the nation and has evolved alongside technological advancements. While the motivations for surveillance may seem justified in the context of national security, it is crucial to question the ethical implications and ensure the protection of civil liberties.

Awareness of the hidden history of Big Brother allows society to engage in informed debates and discussions about the balance between security and privacy, ultimately shaping the future of surveillance practices in the United States.

The Hidden History of Big Brother in America: How the Death of Privacy and the Rise of Surveillance Threaten Us and Our Democracy (The Thom Hartmann Hidden History Series Book 7)

by Thom Hartmann (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3722 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	184 pages

FREE

America's most popular progressive radio host and New York Times bestselling author Thom Hartmann reveals how the government and corporate America misuse our personal data and shows how we can reclaim our privacy.

Most Americans are worried about how companies like Facebook invade their privacy and harvest their data, but many people don't fully understand the details of how their information is being adapted and misused. In this thought-provoking and accessible book, Thom Hartmann reveals exactly how the government and corporations are tracking our every online move and using our data to buy elections, employ social control, and monetize our lives.

Hartmann uses extensive, vivid examples to highlight the consequences of Big Data on all aspects of our lives. He traces the history of surveillance and social control, looking back to how Big Brother invented whiteness to keep order and how surveillance began to be employed as a way to modify behavior. As he states, “The goal of those who violate privacy and use surveillance is almost always social control and behavior modification.”

Along with covering the history, Hartmann shows how we got to where we are today, how China—with its new Social Credit System—serves as a warning, and how we can and must avoid a similarly dystopian future. By delving into the Constitutional right to privacy, Hartmann reminds us of our civil right and shows how we can restore it.