In her book "The Heart Goes Last," Margaret Atwood observes the limitations of resources available for managing social unrest. She highlights the finite nature of manpower and tax revenue, suggesting that these assets are often stretched thin when it comes to riot control and surveillance. Atwood emphasizes that the focus on controlling populations can detract from addressing underlying societal issues, as authorities become preoccupied with tactical responses to youth behaviors and gatherings they deem suspicious.

Atwood's quote reflects a critical perspective on how societies allocate their resources, suggesting that a heavier investment in policing and control mechanisms might not yield better results. Rather than merely reacting to disturbances with aggressive measures like pepper spraying or fire-hosing, there is an implied need for more constructive solutions that address the root causes of unrest. This calls for a reevaluation of how societies engage with their communities and manage social dynamics more effectively.