In Margaret Atwood's novel "The Year of the Flood," the narrative explores themes of ownership and societal structure, highlighting a poignant reflection on power dynamics. The quote "But we own nothing they want, so we don't qualify as terrorists" illustrates the idea that control and value are often determined by possession and desirability in a capitalist world. This notion challenges the perception of terrorism, suggesting that without something deemed valuable, individuals or groups may not fit conventional definitions of threats.

This perspective emphasizes how power is closely tied to material ownership and societal value systems. The characters in the book grapple with the implications of their lack of resources, which positions them outside the arena of influence. Atwood's work prompts readers to reconsider what it means to hold power or to be a threat in a world where social and economic factors dictate actions and responses.