by Kendall Blair

Created on: July 05, 2008

WHO'S WATCHING YOU?

While applying research towards video cameras, I came upon a shocking disturbance. If you simply type "surveillance" into any search engine, you will come across many appalling images. Thousands of links lead to cites that let you watch a certain area for however long you like. Highways are being taped constantly. Now, while you are driving along a certain bridge on I-75 in Georgia; anyone who happens to be online at the time can see into your car. These websites astonish me. Anywhere, anytime you are being watched.

This brings me to an interesting idea. How does knowing that a camera is always on make a person do things differently? I feel that when someone is aware that they are being watched their actions change drastically. A person is only normal if they change their actions and reactions when knowing they are being watched. Take for example a still picture. Each person in a family photo is usually smiling. If the family has five members, it is more than likely that one of them is going through something that entitles them not to want to be smiling. But, as the picture is taken, reality is altered and it looks as if everyone is in a happy place.

When someone brings a video camera to a party and or a get-together, the same reaction takes place. Everyone reacts differently when they are being recorded. Some people choose to avoid the camera at all cost. Others, perform for it. In either case, individuals are aware that a camera is in the room and they act accordingly. While doing research about the idea of a "surveillance society" I have come to realize just how invasive being monitored is. I will further explain this idea with examples of everyday life, along with movies and different text that support my thoughts.

While watching a movie entitled the Truman Show, I came across a disturbing fact. People whether knowingly or not are incessantly being videotaped. Depending on a persona whereabouts throughout the day, anyone could be on tape for hours at a time. This is an infringement of our rights as a people. Symbols, repetitive exercises, and changes in mental habits, are all breached when learning about the invasions in which everyone is encountering within their daily lives. The Truman Show brings these instances to the viewers attention. A closer look at the film and it is obvious that our daily lives are being effected. Further research has lead me to the belief that my freedoms and the freedoms of others are slowly dwindling.

The

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