Does the word “panopticon” ring a bell?
No shame if you’re in the dark on what the meaning is. Because same. (I thought it was some sort of game).
Here’s The Definition For YouÂ
According to Ethics.org.au, the panopticon refers to a disciplinary concept brought to life in the form of a central observation tower being placed within a circle of a prison cell.
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From the tower, a guard can see every cell and inmate but the inmates can’t see into the tower.
This means that the prisoners will never know if they are being watched.Â
The concept came from English philosopher Jeremy Bentham who believed that society would benefit from constant surveillance.
And I guess his idea might not be wrong. Think about it. When your teacher walks into the classroom, everyone immediately sits up straight and becomes more focused. So imagine if your teacher is everywhere.
It leaves no time for slacking off which will increase productivity.
(That explains why our boss is always sitting in the middle of the office, watching Netflix)
Now that you’re equipped with the definition of the word… what do you think about this?
Singapore Prison Service Names Newsletter “Panopticon”Â
The newsletter which has been named “Panopticon” since 2009 was only made public in July and is on the Singapore Prison Service’s website.
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It had served as an internal communication tool to inform, educate and engage officers.
Screenshots of the newsletter were shared over 500 times on Facebook with many netizens expressing their disbelief.
According to sociologist Tan Ern Ser who spoke to The New Paper, he explained that panopticon is associated with oppression, mind control and submission to power.
The Painfully Ironic Reason Behind The NameÂ
A spokesman from SPS mentioned that the name was consistent with SPS’s mission to ensure custody of offenders, while at the same time rehabilitating them.
It was also mentioned that SPS had intended for the magazine to refer to an infrastructure and management design that allows inmates to be effectively and efficiently supervised.
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However, the content of the newsletter features interviews with the prison officers and other rehabilitation initiatives. It is positive and bright in explaining policy, according to freelance photographer Joseph Nair.
SPS To Review And Change NameÂ
SPS understands that “Panopticon” is a term that could be easily misinterpreted to convey negative imagery.
They will conduct an internal review of the name of the newsletter, to replace it with a more appropriate one.
So, what do you think a good name would be?
Erm…Pioneer?
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