July--> Foucault

Foucault introduces readers into the state of political force. There was an interesting quote that he discussed in the reading, which is “Our society is one not of spectacle, but of surveillance.” The class discussion that came about really struck a nerve because it reminded me about our campus. The quote basically means that our society likes to be watched. I believe that surveillance is needed for security reasons, but not when one’s privacy is invaded. Back to Rollins, in the apartment complex there has been vandalism occurring on a weekly base, but authority figures are not handling the situation in a sincere manner. Students who are affected by others insecurity believe that cameras are needed to overcome this dilemma. Surveillance is needed on a college campus, especially when campus security isn’t patrolling the building every hour. The political force in this situation is the president or the one who has the hold on cameras being installed within the apartment complex. The president holds everyone accountable for the vandalism that occurs on each floor. For example, if there are exit signs, holes in the walls, or minor damages made to the third floor, then all of the residents that live on that floor split the final bill and it is put on the student’s school account. “Cameras Cameras We Want Cameras”! This is the constant chant spoken by Rollins’ students who are victims of their peer’s behavior. Authority figures have the power to make rules, but only when it’s convenient for them. Rumors have arisen: “Authority figures don’t feel there is a need for cameras because students are afraid of getting caught doing multiple things or they don’t want to be held accountable for their guest’s actions. These are not valid reasons for not installing the cameras. As one can see, I agree with Foucault’s quote because I’ve been affected by it!