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How to imply in a novel that the setting of your story takes place in an alternate setting of America?

For example in the movie “Watchmen” it is implied that the movie takes place in an alternate setting of America. Same thing in the book “1984″ the story takes place in an alternate setting in America. How do you go about explaining that in a story without being too direct. I am merely asking because I need help with my novel.
Basically I want to create an America that doesn’t exist, in my story. An alternate universe. Its hard to explain.

Show don’t tell. Don’t say, “Security cameras are everywhere.” Say: “Stacy nodded to the cameras she passed on the street like someone greeting their loved ones, and perhaps it was true, her uncle Sid worked for the Department of Security.”

Make references to news articles on various media that reveals it, i.e. The anchor woman droned in the background: “The King of the Americas is creating a new holiday…”

Hope this helps.

You Don’t Even Know Me: Novel by Sharon G. Flake.mov