#SocialControl

[0illuminated1]

The Death of Critical Thinking: How Blind Acceptance Leads to Control

In this presentation, we explore the decline of critical thinking in modern society and how it paves the way for manipulation and control. As emotional appeal, false dichotomies, and the illusion of expertise take precedence over logic and reason, individuals become more susceptible to external influences. Discover why blind acceptance is dangerous, how it strips away personal freedom, and what steps can be taken to reclaim our minds and make informed decisions. This is a call to action for those seeking to think for themselves and break free from the grip of societal manipulation.

[ptitolier]

AI Surveillance in Europe

Exceptions to a general ban

The European Union and AI Surveillance: A Step Forward or a Step into Dystopia?

📅 Based on the article from Journal Mapa, January 24, 2025, by Théophile Fagundes.

Introduction: A New Era of AI Surveillance in Europe

On February 2, 2025, a new European law on artificial intelligence will come into effect, bringing major changes to how law enforcement uses AI-powered surveillance. While the EU had initially positioned itself as a global leader in ethical AI regulation, this latest move raises significant concerns about mass surveillance, civil liberties, and the power of private tech firms in shaping law enforcement.

At the heart of this legislation is a contradiction: the EU officially bans biometric identification and emotion recognition in public spaces but has introduced several key exceptions under pressure from France and its European allies, including Italy, Hungary, and Portugal. These exceptions open the door to real-time facial recognition, predictive policing, and increased corporate involvement in surveillance technology, triggering debates about whether Europe is drifting toward an Orwellian model of governance.

What Does the New Law Change?

Facial Recognition and Protest Surveillance

One of the most controversial aspects of the law is the use of real-time facial recognition technology in public spaces. While EU lawmakers claim this will only be used for investigating serious crimes, activists, journalists, and civil rights organizations argue that it will disproportionately target political activists, climate protesters, and marginalized communities.

In recent years, countries like France and Hungary have pushed for broader surveillance powers, justifying them through concerns over terrorism and public order. The new AI law will allow law enforcement to monitor large gatherings, including protests and demonstrations, under the pretext of "national security."

Predictive Policing: Science or Speculation?

The law also legitimizes the use of predictive policing, a controversial technology that uses AI to analyze past crime data and predict where future crimes might occur. While its proponents argue that it enhances efficiency and crime prevention, critics point to serious biases in these algorithms, which often result in racial profiling and over-policing of specific communities.

Predictive policing has been tested in several European cities, often with mixed results. Studies have shown that these AI models tend to reinforce existing biases in law enforcement rather than provide truly objective predictions. As a result, many experts fear that instead of reducing crime, predictive AI may actually contribute to systemic discrimination.

The Growing Role of Private Companies

Another key issue is the increasing involvement of private technology firms in law enforcement. Under the new law, European governments can outsource AI surveillance technologies to private corporations, raising concerns about data privacy, lack of transparency, and profit-driven motives.

Tech giants and AI startups have lobbied heavily for these provisions, seeing a lucrative market in supplying governments with surveillance tools. However, this raises a fundamental question: should law enforcement responsibilities be handed over to private companies that are not directly accountable to the public?

A Threat to Civil Liberties?

According to Investigate Europe, this new law does not strengthen protections for citizens—instead, it expands the reach of state surveillance.

Critics warn that these measures blur the line between public safety and authoritarian control. Who decides what constitutes a "threat" to national security? Who ensures that AI-powered surveillance is not misused for political repression?

The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) has repeatedly raised concerns about the risks of mass biometric surveillance, arguing that there are no sufficient safeguards to prevent abuse. Yet, despite these warnings, the law has moved forward, supported by governments that prioritize security over privacy.

Are We Entering Orwell’s Future?

The parallels with George Orwell’s 1984 are hard to ignore.

In Orwell’s dystopian vision, constant surveillance was a tool of absolute control, erasing any notion of privacy or personal freedom. While Europe’s AI surveillance is not yet at that level, the current trajectory suggests a slow erosion of democratic safeguards in the name of security.

The argument often used by governments is:

"If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear."

However, history has repeatedly shown that surveillance measures intended for "security" often end up being weaponized against political opposition, journalists, and activists.

France’s Use of AI Surveillance in the 2024 Olympics

During the 2024 Paris Olympics, France experimented with AI-powered video analysis to detect "suspicious behavior" in real time. The system, initially promoted as a way to prevent terrorist threats, ended up being used to monitor protests and public gatherings. This serves as a real-world case study of how surveillance measures can quickly be expanded beyond their original purpose.

Hungary’s Crackdown on Political Dissent

Hungary has already increased its use of AI surveillance tools to track political dissidents and journalists. The new EU law will give governments even more legal justification to expand these practices, making it harder to challenge surveillance abuses.

Balancing AI and Democracy: Is There a Middle Ground?

Not all AI surveillance is inherently bad. Used correctly, AI can help solve crimes, prevent terrorist attacks, and even protect human rights (e.g., tracking human trafficking networks). However, the concern is that without strict oversight, these tools will be exploited by those in power.

Possible Safeguards:

Strict Judicial Oversight: Courts should have a mandatory role in approving AI-based surveillance requests.

Transparency & Public Accountability: Citizens must be informed when and how AI surveillance is used.

Independent Ethics Committees: AI deployments in law enforcement should be monitored by non-governmental organizations.

Public Debate on Surveillance Laws: Instead of fast-tracking AI regulations, governments should open these discussions to the public.

Is Europe at a Crossroads?

The EU’s AI surveillance law represents a turning point in the balance between security and freedom. While officials present it as a necessary tool for modern policing, critics argue that it undermines fundamental rights and opens the door to widespread surveillance abuse.

Europe has long prided itself on being a champion of digital rights and ethical AI regulation. However, with this new law, it risks drifting toward a model where surveillance is normalized under the guise of public safety.

Are we moving toward an era of AI-powered authoritarianism, or can democratic safeguards still prevent mass surveillance?

Further Reading: Orwell vs. Verne – Is Technological Progress a Promise or a Trap?

To explore this topic further, read my article on Orwell and Verne:

P'tit Tôlier

Essayist & Popularizer. I analyze the world through accessible philosophical essays. Complex ideas, explained simply—to help us think about our times.

[normally0]

From Witchery to Tomfoolery: Cultural and Political Implications

The terms "witchery" and "tomfoolery" carry distinct cultural and political connotations, stemming from their historical and societal contexts.

WITCHERY

CULTURALLY:

Historical Context: "Witchery" refers to practices associated with witchcraft and magic. Historically, accusations of witchcraft were often linked to superstitions and religious beliefs, particularly during periods like the European witch hunts (15th-18th centuries) and the Salem witch trials in colonial America.

Persecution and Fear: Culturally, witchery has been associated with fear, persecution, and the marginalization of certain groups, especially women. Accusations of witchcraft were frequently used to control and suppress dissenting voices or non-conforming individuals.

Modern Interpretations: Today, witchery can also be viewed positively within certain subcultures, such as Wicca or modern paganism, where it represents a connection to nature, spiritual empowerment, and alternative belief systems.

POLITICALLY:

Control and Power: Politically, the term has been used to describe tactics of control and scapegoating. Historical witch hunts were often about consolidating power and maintaining social order by targeting perceived threats.

Metaphor for Persecution: In contemporary politics, "witch hunt" is a common metaphor used to describe perceived unjust persecution or investigation, often by political figures claiming they are being unfairly targeted (e.g., President Trump's description of investigations into his administration).

Symbol of Resistance: Conversely, some modern political movements reclaim witchery as a symbol of resistance against patriarchy and authoritarianism, celebrating it as an embodiment of feminine power and rebellion.

TOMFOOLERY

CULTURALLY:

Etymology and Meaning: "Tomfoolery" originates from "Tom Fool," a term for a court jester or a foolish person. It generally refers to silly, playful, or foolish behaviour.

Light-hearted Connotation: Unlike witchery, tomfoolery is seen as harmless and light-hearted, associated with pranks, jokes, and playful mischief.

Folklore and Entertainment: In cultural folklore and entertainment, characters embodying tomfoolery (like jesters or clowns) serve to amuse and entertain, often providing social commentary through humour.

POLITICALLY:

Dismissive Use: Politically, accusing someone of tomfoolery can be a way to dismiss their actions or statements as frivolous or not serious. It implies that the person is not to be taken seriously.

Undermining Opponents: Politicians might use the term to undermine their opponents by suggesting they are engaging in trivial or nonsensical behaviour, thereby deflecting from serious debate or critique.

Political Satire: Political satire often relies on tomfoolery to criticize and lampoon political figures and policies. Shows like "The Daily Show" or "Saturday Night Live" use humour and absurdity to highlight political issues and figures.

COMPARISON AND SUMMARY

Cultural Impact: Witchery evokes deep historical and emotional reactions related to fear, persecution, and resistance, while tomfoolery is more about humour and light-heartedness.

Political Usage: Witchery is associated with serious accusations and power dynamics, often used in contexts of persecution or resistance. Tomfoolery, on the other hand, is used to undermine or trivialize opponents, often in a dismissive or satirical manner.

In summary, "witchery" and "tomfoolery" reflect different aspects of human behaviour and societal interactions, with witchery rooted in fear and control, and tomfoolery in humour and light-hearted critique. Both terms continue to influence cultural and political discourse, albeit in markedly different ways.

#Witchery #Tomfoolery #CulturalImpact #PoliticalImplications #HistoricalContext #WitchHunt #ModernPaganism #PoliticalSatire #SocialControl #Resistance #HumorInPolitics

[hannahmatthewswestminster]

The Food Matrix

this is one of the most interesting talks i have ever seen on veganism and the meat industry. it explains it in such a relatable and easily understandable way, with a twist that makes you think about and deep the whole situation. he highlights how the culture we live in, controls our outlook on eating meat, and what meat is acceptable for us to eat and what isn’t. for example, in our culture it is unacceptable for us to eat cats and dogs. we are taught this from birth through our culture, but then at the same time we are also taught that slaughtering animals such as cows and pigs, is acceptable

“you can be manipulated like that *clicks fingers* to believe in something that goes against your natural instincts. if you say it enough times you convince yourself that that’s the truth. if you’re told the lie enough times, it becomes part of your reality and if enough people are taught that lie... well now it becomes part of the culture. and if that culture then passes that misinformation along to the next generation, well now it becomes tradition. and what we have to remember is that, just because we have a tradition, that doesn’t mean its morally acceptable. tradition and morality are not always the same”

we had traditions such as slavery, which aren’t around today because they weren’t morally acceptable. just because something is a tradition that doesn’t make it okay, and mean that we shouldn’t do what we can to change something we view as morally incorrect “as we evolve as a culture, so do our traditions”

“the matrix is a story, it’s a story when told enough times to enough people, it becomes part of that culture, it becomes the tradition. and this story is being told over and over. everyday”

he then goes on to use an example of the images you see on milk cartons, and how they show happy cows living on a farm, or just a happy cow in general. that is the matrix, it is showing us and giving us the concept that something is a certain type of way when really in reality it isn’t. “the reality is far more disturbing... this is the lie we tell ourselves about where our food is coming from”

[concoctionsworld]

All that I have learnt in my life is to raise your fucking consciousness to not to get yourself fucked by the fucking fuckers around you, who is looking out for fucking opportunities to fuck you. Even the word 'Fuck' holds a very strong meaning in all aspects of our fucking Life. Isn't that fucking beautiful ? 😎 ~Fucked up annonymous Author~ . . #fuck #theendofthefuckingworld #conformity #consciousness #fuckers #opportunist #slavery #socialcontrol #dominance #strength #courage #life #meaningoflife #strong #attitude #authorsofinstagram #authors #writers #writersofinstagram #sarcasm #humour #alchemy https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv3RKNlBFt-/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1jteg4y4az7rq

[elsienisonenphotography]

Brutalist - love it and hate it. I find brutalism is a stark reminder of how architecture can make you feel... intimidated, small, insignificant, awed, left out. 222 Jarvis Street, designed by Maxwell Miller. #interference #socialcontrol #brutalism #torontoigers

[kwasibility]

Maddness is rare among individuals, it is said; however, it is the rule in groups (sic) #friedrichneitzsche #holidayfervor #superstitions #myths #socialcontrol #socialnorms #sophic #kwasipix #agreements #ethics #maddness #groupsanction https://www.instagram.com/p/CJMl6bcjnBF/?igshid=4yb14m6ohv4k

[inheritorsoftheearth]

Dimming sun of twilight among suburban forests unveils the otherworldly plot of the Administrative State's mission to deem the simplest freedom of two plus two equaling four, with the banishment of congregating children on exterior equipment as rationalized by an ever weakening malady. #cityofhillsboro #overreach #starchamber #oregon #authoritarian #cloaked #park #socialcontrol #politburo #playground #indoctrination #cloistered #running #washingtoncounty #suppressedinformation #suburban #ploy #orwellian #evergreentrees #demographics #strawman #terrafirma #twilight #adjuration #fortress #practioners #diabolical #masquerade #agency #inheritorsoftheearth https://www.instagram.com/p/CAHZPICg-Xf/?igshid=1tdxr1mosp172

[thexmoffice]

The thing that bothered me most about the “ponderize” fiasco wasn’t the corruption and attempted monetization - it was the layering on of yet one more requirement in order to qualify as a sincere saint

It’s exhausting being LDS, and my heart goes out to every member that studied the scriptures daily, and then felt inspired to add “ponderizing” to their daily regiment.

Discuss (or ↑) this Episode of ThexMoffice on Reddit / Exmormon

Episode S1E12: Ponderize (from Season 1: Mormon Logic At The Office)

Dwight: Are you sure you don't want to place an order? Have you been studying the catalog every day? Did you remember to ponderize?

[0illuminated1]

The Tyranny of Emotional Reasoning: How Feelings Distort Truth

In this presentation, we explore the concept of emotional reasoning—the dangerous habit of believing something is true simply because it feels true. Emotional reasoning clouds our judgment, distorts reality, and fuels mass delusion. We examine the consequences of this phenomenon, both on a personal and societal level, and reveal how it is used as a tool for manipulation by governments, corporations, and media. Most importantly, we provide strategies to break free from emotional reasoning and embrace rational thought, leading to greater personal freedom and a more enlightened society. The shift from emotional impulse to reason is the key to creating a world where truth reigns and manipulation loses its power.

[facondevie]

The United States government’s role with drugs was essential to their fight against communism. As they used LSD and other drugs for experimenting in the country, they also worked to enact stricter drug laws to cover their tracks. The CIA later hired drug dealers outside of the country to assist with their larger agenda. The government’s own drug trafficking led to even more drug trafficking into the country and stricter drug laws down the line. 

In 1955 there was a senate hearing on China’s involvement with illicit drug trafficking. Harry Anslinger convinced Senator Price Daniel that China was responsible for drug addiction all over the world. As a result of the hearings the Senate passed legislation to increase penalties for drug trafficking. FBN supporter Congressman Hale Boggs then pushed it through the House. George White testified to the Boggs committee that China was packing every President Line shipment full of drugs in exchange for gold, then using the profits to arm North Vietnam. With the new mandatory sentencing the FBN was able to gather information easily from informers. Many judges resisted the act because they thought turning a medical problem over to the police led to disastrous consequences. However, majority of people remained unaffected as it targeted mostly lower income African Americans. Most people believed Anslinger’s propaganda and Congress thought it would be the best way to handle drug addiction.

A few years later through the MK-Ultra program, the CIA plotted to murder Cuban’s leader Fidel Castro. He was America’s newest Cold War enemy. At the direction of President Eisenhower, the CIA launched one of their plots in 1960. They hired Santo Trafficante to assassinate Castro. Trafficante was a big drug dealer and on FBN’s International List book; hiring him meant the CIA had to protect him. The assassination plan failed and Trafficante devised another plot, but the Bay of Pigs invasion disrupted the scheme. The Bay of Pigs invasion’s goal was to overthrow Castro and establish a non-communist government. During the Bay of Pigs invasion 100 CIA soldiers were killed and another 1200 were captured. Many of those that escaped made it to Miami. About ten years later when the “War on Drugs” was starting and drug raids were rampant, several of those who fought for the CIA against Castro were sent to jail. They used the skills they learned while fighting and applied it to drug trafficking.

On the other side of the world the CIA was waging the Secret War in Laos. They heavily bombed the country as a way to disrupt communist supply lines. Laos was the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. The CIA worked with General Vang Pao to fight communism in Southeast Asia. Pao was a key player in the drug trade business during the Vietnam War. The Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand) was the heart of his opium trade for most of the world. The CIA did much more than turning a blind eye to Pao’s opium turned heroin drug trafficking. They supplied Pao with two transport planes, one of which was on an American air base. Many of the American troops fighting the Vietnam War became addicted to heroin.

While the war against communism was going on, the fights for racial justice and equality were on the rise in the United States. The CIA’s experiments with LSD were supposed to control people’s minds, but instead it did the opposite. Many of the lefts and Africans began to oppose the government and were against the Vietnam War. They were seen as part of a communist conspiracy. Crime rates were also skyrocketing during that time. President Nixon was determined to establish law and order in America. In 1969 he launched Operation Intercept to cut off the source of marijuana being imported into the country from the Mexico border. Two years later in 1971 he unofficially declared the “War on Drugs” which appealed to the conservatives. Soon after Nixon placed marijuana on Schedule 1, the Shafer Commission recommended decriminalizing the use and distribution of it. Nixon rejected the recommendations. Nixon’s campaign heavily promoted propaganda to be seen as preventing drug addictions and drug abuse, but it was actually a form of social control. 

In 1972 a vault of heroin went missing from the NYPD property clerk’s storeroom. Cops stole the heroin, replaced it with flour, then sold it to dealers and addicts. It was worth $70 million and considered the largest theft in American history. In 1973 the Rockefeller Drug Laws were enacted in New York. Harsh prison sentences were given for possession or sale of small quantities of drugs. Most of those convicted were first time, low level, and non-violent offenders. Drug dealers and addicts were given fifteen years to life sentences. Other states and the federal government started to adopt the mandatory minimum sentences. White people were using a lot of drugs and committing the crimes, yet majority of those that were arrested and sent to prison were from the African and Hispanic neighborhoods. At the start of Nixon’s “War on Drugs” his budget was $61 million and by 1974 it jumped to $760 million.

Reference:

America's War on Drugs: Acid, Spies, & Secret Experiments 17 June 2017, www.history.com/shows/americas-war-on-drugs.

Valentine, Douglas. The Strength of the Wolf: The Secret History of America’s War on Drugs. Verso, 2006.

[hannahmatthewswestminster]

extinction rebellion protest, 7th october 

this was the first protest i had ever attended, making it so inspiring. they were protesting about the environment, climate change and the extinction of our species, an issue very close to my heart. all of us had come together, to make a change and make the government listen to issues that concern us. however, it was a huge shame when the protest got shut down as i felt like it was a denial of our freedom of speech, as it seemed as though we only have the freedom to speak when it is something they will allow us to speak about

they need to tell the truth

it was a shame that my photographs from this protest were lost when my bag was stolen, as when i went back to take more the protest had been abruptly ended and i lost the opportunity to re-capture the protest. i had already visited twice so, two lots of photographs were lost :( the images that were still on the roll in my camera, are seen above. i should of used film with a higher ISO, as these were shot on 200 but it was an overcast day, so they were underexposed and green

[mycriticaltheory]

Who says sociology is boring? Gotta find a way to reincorporate these into my theory course. #radsociologists #sociologyphd #sociology #professor #socialcontrol #theory #love #lovewhatido (at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee)

[surveycircle]

New on my Pinterest: New Studies @SurveyCircle http://bit.ly/2De7Qh7 : Participants needed for online survey! Topic: "How does ritualism and curiosity effect social control?" http://bit.ly/2Iak3uk via @SurveyCircle #SocialControl #BehavioralPsychology #CognitivePsychology #Ritualism #Study #Survey http://bit.ly/2WY3WDl #SurveyCircle #Research #Survey #Study #CallForParticipants #Participants #Respondents | Participate now: http://bit.ly/2U7FyNG