Errett 1 Samuel Errett Ms. Beck English Composition October 20, 2020 Life in the Surveillance Sate John W. Whitehead is the author of “Government Eyes Are Watching You: We Are All Prisoners of the Surveillance State”. Mr. Whitehead’s written work attempts to present the reader with the idea of a “surveillance state” which we are quickly approaching, and in some cases are currently living in. Mr. Whitehead argues that the government and other corporate entities have a reason to track you, and that reason is control. Information from constant surveillance places these entities in control. With these entities in control we lose our individuality and will often just accept our place in society. The Prisoner, which first debuted over 50 years ago, is a dystopian television series which explores the topic of individuality and freedom. This series is frequently referenced and used to further Whitehead’s thesis. Whitehead’s effective use of Ethos, pathos, and logos along with his excellent diction and use of other stylistic elements paint a strong picture which urges the reader to subscribe to his philosophy. The first third of Mr. Whiteheads writing is spent giving an extensive summary of The Prisoner. My original belief was this information is completely irrelevant. What does a fictional television show have to do with todays world? But I now believe this information excites the reader, and supports the authors claims. Strong ideas pulled from The Prison television series help set the tone of Whitehead’s argument. Mr. Whitehead uses juxtaposition when theories taken from The Prison are compared directly to examples taken from our society. The idea of the “village” which is described as a “virtual prison disguised as a seaside paradise” sets a strong Errett 2 tone and is compared to the “American Police State” later in the writing. In addition, story elements and ideas developed in The Prison make it easier for the author to describe ideas. For example, instead of describing The American Police state as a place with constant surveillance and no individuality. Whitehead can simply reference this idea as the “village”. Use of stylistic elements like diction, repetition, and tone collectively support the authors’ work. Repeated use of the words, “Prison”, “surveillance”, create a chilling tone which drives the reader to endorse Whiteheads claims. Use of imagery formed by capturing concepts from The Prison paints a picture of a dystopian, nightmare future, lacking individuality, and freedom. Hyperbole again supports claims. Whiteheads comparison of present-day American government to that of a fictional dystopian television show is broad. But supports his claims. Mr. Whitehead uses a mixture of personal opinions, anecdotes, and statistics to support his claims. A perfect example would be a Glenn Greenwald quote used by writer to support his allegations. The quote talks about how public officials are becoming less and less public, and these officials are continuing to spy on us. Reversing the public official and private individual dynamic. By doing this our democracy is compromised. “Meanwhile, we know less and less about what they do, as they build walls of secrecy behind which they function.” Quotes like this include little-to-no facts. But the use of these quotes does not degrade from the authors thesis. Glenn Greenwald is a well know American journalist. Transforming this opinion into an expert opinion. Greenwald may not use specific examples in this quote. But the use of this quote adds credibility to Mr. Whiteheads claims. Ethos, Pathos, and Logos are utilized in the writing. Ethos is applied when The Prisoner is initially referenced. The writer gets the reader’s attention by simply referencing a popular work which is deeply embedded in pop culture. Pathos is also frequently used with The Prison references. For example: “Number six” is “tortured, battered Errett 3 and even body-snatched” yet still refusing to comply to demands. It captures the readers emotional attention. Logos is developed when Mr. Whitehead talks about the many pitfalls and disservices of the village. Then he compares the villages negative qualities to shared qualities of the American Police State. I believe the author paints a strong picture throughout the entire writing. His argument and use of stylistic elements are persuasive. Use of expert opinion quotes are strong arguments. Although I wish Whitehead used more facts in his argument. Whitehead briefly describes how the NSA can track Americans. But he does not even explain where he obtained this information. But besides that, there are few other actual examples in his writing. Whitehead’s essay is highly effective. Although I wish more specific example and facts were used this argument. Right off the top of my head I can think of plenty that would aid with Whitehead’s narrative. Although I believe the essay I very minor pitfalls, Whitehead’s effective use of Ethos, pathos, and logos along with his excellent diction and use of other stylistic elements paint a strong picture which urges the reader to subscribe to his philosophy. This text would be persuasive to most readers. Although once again, the lack of specific facts is a drawback. Individuals who are extremely confident in our government’s abilities will not be so easily persuaded. Personally, I have little confidence in our government. Which is why this work resonated with me.
