Inhibitions on Learning
by a
Culture of Fear
Since 9/11, fear of terrorism has been counteracted by heightened security measures. This fear of terrorism and the technological ways it is being fought have grown so rapidly and have become so far reaching, that these security measures are now inducing a certain degree of fear in the people which they are supposed to be protecting. These advanced technological security measures have entered the education system, furthering the degree to which students undermine their rights and self-perception. They are instilling a fear of authority in citizens and students. This concept is evident in Cory Doctorow's novel Little Brother, where a fear of authority limits personal growth, especially in the field of education. This hypertext will explore the ways in which political authority and school authorities are changing the course of development in students, focusing on various forms of standardized testing.
