Trapnest, 4/19

It was ironic, however the day after our discussions I was invited to join the following group on facebook:

“PETITION: Cameras in the Parking Garage”

The description for the group is:

“It's been a problem for longer than we know, and last week it came to a head. We need security cameras posted in our parking garage.

The purpose of this group is solely to get an accurate count of how many people are in favor of this before I approach the head of Campus Safety on Monday. No participation necessary, just join and invite your friends.”

I joined it myself, within a day or so it now has over one-hundred and fifty members from Rollins College, and is growing. Firstly, I feel this is an example of how people are used to always being watched, and this creates a comfort. I think it bothers people in some ways, and in some areas, if they are not being watched. This point is proven by the people who wrote on the wall for the group:

“I’m surprised there aren’t cameras in the garage already...”

This quote alone supports that there is an expectation in our society to be watched. And, generally speaking, what is common makes us comfortable. There was also only a brief discussion on privacy concerns, and a general consensus that most people didn’t find it concerning to their privacy at all. If there was any ‘main” concern it was that there wouldn’t be enough cameras, or high enough quality cameras to accurately catch a criminal.

I think that we have gotten used to the mentality that we’re always being watched. After September 11th and following bills like the Patriot Act, it seems to be a common expectation to be watched in our society. There’s even a bill currently working it’s way in congress to give the president exclusive powers to essentially “shut off” networks and infrastructure surrounding the internet if he deems something enough of a cyber threat to do so. Under this is also the ability for the government to look into any network to gain any information if they feel there is just cause and or a threat.

Our society is almost on a reverse panopticon. Instead of viewing it as threatening, and our prison the consistency becomes our safe heaven. Where we know what to expect, and don’t doubt or hesitate, or more importantly question if it is for our “safety.”