When people see cool passport designs they want one too… this is a form of normalization through design. Instead of seeing it for what it is - a control tool that restricts movement, tracks and collects data, you see pretty lines and pictures. It’s not a weird dystopian control system, it’s a pretty little booklet. Design normalizes obedience and reinforces control.

The same with their money. It’s a way to legitimize what might otherwise be questioned.