When returning to one's home country, feeling nervous or anxious is an unusual sensation that typically doesn't align with a sense of comfort or familiarity. This sentiment expressed by Hasan M. Elahi highlights the internal struggle and apprehension he experiences upon re-entering his homeland. The anxiety stems from complex personal circumstances rather than an unfamiliar environment.
Elahi's statement delves into the broader context of living under constant surveillance in the post-9/11 era, particularly for individuals who are perceived as potential security threats due to their ethnicity or background. His nervousness is not just about entering a familiar place but also reflects deeper concerns about privacy and personal freedom. It encapsulates a sense of alienation within one's own culture and the continuous scrutiny that can come with being under surveillance by government agencies. This anxiety speaks to the broader issues of identity, trust in institutions, and the psychological toll of living as a potential target for investigations.
Hasan M. Elahi is an artist known for his work on surveillance art. He gained significant attention after voluntarily providing extensive personal information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to challenge the notion that sharing such details was inherently dangerous or illegal. His project serves as both a commentary and critique on government surveillance practices, aiming to raise awareness about privacy rights in an age where technology facilitates widespread data collection and monitoring.
