An Experiment in Sociology

[Jeanette in FL]

Sociology is the study of society and human social action.

No one for certain can explain the “foiled” terror plot. That will by analyzed and discussed, in the days, weeks, months and years to come.

We were able however, to observe the human reaction to the event. At the flip of a switch, humans were easily coaxed into giving up their personal belongings, herded into long lines to be scrutinized further, made to wait hours after hours without complaint and watched by men with semi-automatic weapons and observed by surveillance cameras from every angle, without the bat of an eyelash.

One after one, they disposed of their personal grooming items; shampoos, deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, make-up and contact lens solutions into large bins. They were made to toss their drinks, water, coffee and sodas. Mothers with babies were permitted to bring formula or bottles, but only after tasting the contents in front of the security guards.

In order to fly, they were forced to part with their lap tops, cell phones, I-pods and keys by checking them in. All communication to the outside world, severed.

Carry on baggage was forbidden. Personal effects placed into clear plastic bags, for the entire world to see. Tampons, medications, vitamins, whatever, privacy evaporated.

The subjects were permitted to keep their personal papers, wallets, passports and travel documentations. Next, they were herded on to a plane to travel to the destination.

At that point they were totally dependant on “authorities” for drink, for food and for information. Trusting that they were being taken to the destination of their choice.

Compliant groups of thousands.

“Terror plot Thwarted” “Target America: Terror in the skies” “24 Terror suspects Arrested” “Bottle Bomb” dominated the television screens for the millions of us watching, accompanied by haunting music and vivid graphics. Interviews with “terror experts”, informing us, of the dangers, that are lurking at every corner of the world. Friendly “news chats” with waiting passengers who are grateful that their government is doing all it can to protect them. Ingraining the human psyche.

Within days or weeks, we will again be able to fly with our Starbucks, travel with our laptops and listen to our I-pods. Collectively, we will all take a needed deep breath. After all, everything changed on September the Eleventh.

Experiment completed, information gathered.