In Loving Big Brother the author tackles head on the overstated claims of the crime-prevention and anti-terrorism lobbies. But he also argues that we desire and enjoy surveillance; and that; if we can understand why this is; we may transform the effect it has on our lives. This book looks at a wide range of performance and visual artists; at popular TV shows and movies; and at our day-to-day encounters with surveillance; rooting its arguments in an accessible reading of cultural theory.Constant scrutiny by surveillance cameras is usually seen as - at best - an invasion of privacy; and at worst an infringement of human rights. But in this radical new account of the uses of surveillance in art; performance and popular culture; John E McGrath sets out a surprizing alternative: a world where we have much to gain from the experience of being watched.This iconoclastic book develops a notion of surveillance space - somewhere beyond the public and the private; somewhere we will all soon live. Its a place were just beginning to understand.
#4455229 in eBooks 2009-01-20 2009-01-20File Name: B00AZKQPJU
Review
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Reflecting and challenging a fascination with SteampunkBy Tommy PhillipsAlthough I cannot agree with every nuance of the political stance in this book; it both reflects and challenges my fascination with Steampunk as an esthetic style; a life style; and a subculture.If you like the idea of Steampunk; but want to know a little more what you might be getting into; this book will help clarify it.If you have been on the edges of Steampunk; this is how you know just how deep you want to dive.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. More Than a Cyberpunk FantasyBy Dano from ChelseaA very serious and deep book. This might seem like something light about cyberpunk; but its really about personal change; changing our political life (honest; its not boring how its done here); and other pertinent considerations. Highly recommended.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Not what I expectedBy Small Boat DocHopeing for a history and got an indevidual view. Steampunk is fairly new and a lot of fun but this book is more about the author than the journey