When we think of state apparatuses of repression we naturally think first of the out-of-control surveillance state, and the heavily militarized, and in some instances, excessively violent, police departments across the country. These are elements of state control but the full range of repressive apparatuses runs much deeper and is much more subtle. Propaganda, media distortions, ideological control, and the manipulation of an alienated society all play their part.
This section examines these apparatuses in all their aspects. The purpose is to expose these methods, to shed light on them that they may be commonly understood. This provides a defense not only for the present but also for any future social construction, whether perceived as good or evil. An informed citizenry is still the best defense against tyranny.
It is important to clarify that although this section gathers evidence of the use of such apparatuses today we are not implying that our present capitalist society is a totalitarian dystopia which must be actively resisted. Quite the contrary, we suggest that a more thorough understanding of these issues aids in the defense of civil liberties. Beyond this we suggest only that the apparatuses being implemented and refined today can become a “turnkey” operation for some future totalitarian power, if society apathetically slouches in the wrong direction.
Everything offered here is an attempt to avert that.