#219 In the Panopticon

In the 18th century, philosopher and social theorist Jeremy Bentham came up with a new way of enforcing social discipline. The Panopticon, as he called it, referred to a physical building — a prison built around a central observation tower where the guards can see all cells at all times, while the inmates never know if they are being watched or not. Much like the building, in a Panopticon society, the mere threat of surveillance or (social) repercussions is meant to encourage self-regulation and eradicate misbehavior.

This week’s prompts are inspired by different forms of surveillance, confinement, and self-monitoring. From speed cameras that may or may not be recording to judgmental inner voices, let’s explore group think, social norms, and freedom of body and soul.