Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Topic 5: Decreasing Amounts of Personal Freedom and Privacy




In the book 1984, George Orwell wrote about "Big Brother" and a society completely observed and constantly monitored by its own gov't. The surveillance was used to insure stability and consistency as well as strike fear into the hearts of those who even dwelled upon the very thought of deceiving the governing power, and thinking for themselves.
In the 21st century, specifically, modern society is no stranger to constant surveillance and observation. Since the last two decades of the 20th century, cameras and sound recording equipment are everywhere: on phone lines, in public spaces, elevators, and parking lots. Safety is the reason most give for looking into the private activities of private citizens (the advent of the Patriot Act of 9/11). Yet, strong constitutional arguments have brought things such as the Patriot Act into a more suspicious light.
Observation that goes beyond the public/private barrier and interferes with the basic rights of anyone, is wrong. Privacy and personal freedoms are unalienable.

sources:

No comments: