Elf on the Panopticon

I recently read an article called "Who's the Boss" by Dr. Laura Elizabeth Pinto and Dr. Selena Nemorin. The gist of the article is that by introducing the Elf on the Shelf into your home, you are normalizing a surveillance figure for your child. I agree with this statement. The elf is supposed to always be watching you and is not able to be touched. This teaches the child two things. First, you must do what the elf deems right. Second, don't challenge the elf. The elf must not be touched and touching the elf is a challenge to his power.

I don't believe that this a new development, but just the next evolution in this line of thinking. I grew up with the threat that Santa was watching and I wouldn't receive my presents if I was bad. I don't think this is as intrusive as the elf because the elf is a physical representation of  this surveillance, but it is the same concept as Santa watching me as a child.

Another example comes from Western religions and that example is God. God sees all and will punish those that don't follow whatever set of rules your religion follows. Many children learn this in Sunday school. This is a fundamental belief that many people have and it is an example of how something can be introduced to a child in fun way and will grow to be not only accepted, but expected.

As I stated earlier, I was told that Santa watched me and I had to be a good boy to receive my presents at Christmas time. I argue that I still find the idea of being under surveillance disgusting. Once I figured out that Santa Claus wasn't real, I knew that I was never being watched. I know the stories that warn against "Big Brother" like Fahrenheit 451 and 1984. The resources are out there for children to read, watch, and learn different view points, but it is becoming harder for children to have easy access to these resources.. If you educate yourself and still think that a surveillance stance is what's best for society, I will disagree with you all day, but I will respect that you did your research.

In conclusion, I don't think the makers of the Elf on the Shelf are part of a conspiracy to brainwash kids, but I do believe there are unintended consequences when the elf is introduced. The normalization of the authority figure in the home could bring positive feelings to the very notion of surveillance or it could just bring good memories of the elf once the magic is gone. I myself have multiple Santa decorations in my Christmas decorations because I love Santa, but I hate the notion of surveillance.