| Description |
vii, 247 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm |
| Summary |
Today, large numbers of Americans load their families into SUVs, buy guns for self-protection, and sequester themselves in gated communities in a quest for security that has accelerated since World War II—despite the fact that crime rates have drastically dropped across the nation. In Gimme Shelter, Elaine May shows just how far fear and distrust have seeped into every area of American life as we have patiently tolerated the installation of metal detectors in public buildings, full-body scans at airports, and retreated into protected private lives. In this remarkable work of social history, May demonstrates how our obsession with security has made Americans less safe and less democratic as we become a paranoid, bunkered, militarized, divided, and vastly unequal vigilante nation. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 199-236) and index. |
| Subject |
Crime -- United States -- History -- 21st century.
|
|
Violence -- United States -- History -- 21st century.
|
|
Public safety -- Social aspects -- United States -- History -- 21st century.
|
|
United States -- Social conditions -- 21st century.
|
|
United States -- Civilization -- 21st century.
|
| ISBN |
9780465055920 (hardcover) |
|
More Resources