So when we got back into the country after our trip, and were waiting at the conveyor belt for our bags to arrive, I noticed something weirdly disturbing. There's a computer monitor overhead. No big deal, there always is, isn't there, these days? A couple of years ago, I remember seeing one that showed a video about hoof-and-mouth disease, and the importance of preventing it from coming into the country.
They still are showing that (but isn't foot-and-mouth under control now?)... and much more.
We got treated to the dubious pleasure of a multimedia presentation on homeland security (g-d, I hate that phrase — what the heck was wrong with that cozy and perfectly functional word "domestic"?). It's been several days and I was brutally jetlagged at the time, but here's what I remember of it:
The screen displayed and a voice solemnly intoned words about how most travellers who come to this country are good people, but a few have bad intentions, and therefore they have the right to search your luggage and question you if need be. There's danger out there. The Department of Whatever has multiple missions and it's good at all of them. There was some random bit about how much alcohol you're allowed to bring into the country and that they'll confiscate it if you go over the line. "Your family, friends, and others will thank us now... you'll thank us later."
And, of course, cue the waving flags.
I'm not sure what offended me more... the not-so-subtle propaganda (Bush and Co. had their mark all over this one) or the horrendous use of type and color. Multiple fonts. Many 3-D type effects. Clashing colors. GAH!
I wonder how much was spent to produce this thing. More seriously, what is it meant to convey? It wasn't really useful. It certainly was unsettling for this citizen coming off a long flight. What message does it give a new visitor? Does it make them feel safe, welcome? Or do they feel like they've entered a place under siege?
Terrorists, I imagine, would just quietly chuckle to themselves and go on about their business.
