An Ethical Study of Little Brother by Cory Doctorow - Book Report/Review Example

An Ethical Study of "Little Brother" by Cory Doctorow Hacking went official with hackathons and international seminars. But while everybody was noticing the growth of this section of internet developers, some calling them mannerless and some calling them geniuses, hackers found a new way to celebrate when the book "Little Brother" by Cory Doctorow was released. Based on few very important questions harassing the world at the point of tie after 9/11, Doctorow hits gold with his story of a seventeen year old boy falling prey to the suspicion of the Department of Homeland Security due to his hacking habits. A simple story that turns very serious and complicated by the time you are in the third chapter, “Little Brother” has all the elements of a commercial potboiler production in Hollywood. However, given the fact that the main protagonists of the story are teenagers, and the problems they are handling in the story are of massive intensity and importance to USA, it would be read the book without a few ethical definitions being challenges. We study the ethical concerns that arise in my mind after reading this book, in the present article. Age: Teenagers are always bent upon soaking in whatever they see around them, and understanding and using the skills they have acquired. At such an impressionable age, creating a topic that deals with teenagers hacking while in school is a progressive thought. The author has created this book keeping in mind the current state of affairs in an interne driven industry. However, this book, which is highly popular amongst teenage readers, is a great way to tell them that what they do should always be under control. Parents on the contrary, are prone to worry specially with introvert kids learning up hacking habits from such inspirations. Therefore, the book holds all chances of having a negative impact on the minds of teenage readers, although it is a great compilation for a universal audience. Internet of Things: Growing dependency on internet and fictional projection of how it is used by a rational teenager, who uses hacking intelligence to challenge governmental decisions or the DHS, are the two most important aspects of this book. The smartphone culture that stemmed soon after the release of this book has shown how truly possible the projections in this book are. However, the addiction that is seen amongst adult and teenage smartphone users has shown how unhealthy such a technology centric lifestyle can be. Therefore, such a story again threatens to bring in unhealthy lifestyle and habits amongst youngsters. Even dependence on Wikipedia shown by the lead character, shows how futile our education system is today in front of the popularity of the internet as a source of knowledge (Docotorow, 2010, 12) Hacking Practices: A lot of detail has been shared regarding hacking procedures used by the main protagonist of the book. While giving away these details shows how well researched the content of the book is, the fact that these aspects get picked up by impressionable minds is not a very ethical fact (Palmer, 2001, 769). The manner in which Marcus hacks key locations on the internet and ends up in trouble for it, signifies how uncontrolled hacking can affect our defense systems, which is unwarranted for. Defense Protocols and Systems In US: Description of the defense officials who are interrogating the teenagers, their behavior with prisoners and treatment till release of the prisoner are factual. The ruthlessness and the jargon is all right in place. However, these facts raise a very ethical question as to what the real situation is like after any terror strike (Paust, 2003, 1335). Are local residents, students and civilians to be considered liable for criminal investigation in a police state that ruthlessly treats innocents? These questions bring a major issue to the reader’s mind, and demands answers from the governmental bodies in US. While stringent action is compulsory in anti-terror strikes, the direction that the defense bodies needs to take in terms of humane treatment and behavior with prisoners, is also a very important requirement today since after the prisoners are pronounced free, they are the ones who will shape the society with their knowledge, experience and self-confidence. If damaging behavior diminishes their self confidence, then society does not gain from such ruthlessness and cruelty, whether it is exhibited by terrorists or homeland defense officials. Relationships: A strong contradiction seen in the character of Marcus is his relationship with Ange and Vanessa. While Ange is his love, he later realizes that he was the love of Vanessa, their best friend. His relationship with Ange receives a new definition when he realizes that Ange loves him because she hates Vanessa. In spite of the revelation, Marcus continues trusting Ange till the book ends. Treatment of relationships on the basis of physical intimacy and not sincerity is another ethical concern I find in this book. While Marcus is fully supported by Ange in his Xnet role, Vanessa is the original playmate he has ignored. Anonymity: In multiple places in the book, there are mentions of going anonymous and voicing one’s opinions or making statements. While the power of anonymity keeps everyone safe from the ruthlessness of authority, misuse can lead to severe havoc in a society. Exemplifying false IDs and anonymity in the book, seems to be a deviation from precepts of honesty and steadfastness which mark biblical teachings to youngsters. Wartime Human Rights: Cessation of human rights during wartime or emergencies is quite a common occurrence these days. Many families have been ruined due to investigations and intrusions that led to more misunderstandings and targeting. In the past, military would help families, especially women and children get away to safety, while men were expected to fight for the country. Sadly, this depiction in the book and its occurrence in real life leaves more and more men de-motivated from serving their nation. Conclusion: A book that handles issues of emergency/wartime human rights, internet gaming/hacking and worldwide terrorism, all in one breath, has a huge load of research and back-up working towards its success. Little Brother is a very appealing story, in spite of its ethical concerns, most of which need to be addressed y growing awareness amongst readers. The book serves to do the same, although a few instances raise ethical concerns and highlights shortcomings in our society. "Little Brother" by Cory Doctorow is a wholesome read by lovers of hacking, internet gaming and technology, while lovers of societal awakening, movements and revolution will find it interesting from a different angle. However, while both the groups will derive inspiration from the book in their own individual ways, the question of terrorism from outside and inside the country, as seen by a teenage mind, begs every American soldier to take a retreat from violent wartime treatments. References: Doctorow, C. (2010). Little brother. Macmillan: New York. Paust, J. J. (2003). Post-9/11 Overreaction and Fallacies Regarding War and Defense, Guantanamo, the Status of Persons, Treatment, Judicial Review of Detention, and Due Process in Miltitary Commissions. Notre Dame L. Rev., 79, 1335. Palmer, C. C. (2001). Ethical hacking. IBM Systems Journal, 40(3), 769-780. Read More