Cameras
Living Liberty Today with Charlie Earl
Cameras are ubiquitous. My curmudgeonly memory recalls those ancient days of the Brownie being used on special occasions. As technology improved, we used the Instamatic followed by the sepia-toned Polaroid. Kodak may have been in Rochester, but their products could be found in nearly every home across the fruited plain, again, generally relegated for special occasions. Now, all events are special, or none of them are. To my feeble mind it seems as if every minute everywhere is being pictured or recorded. I wonder how crime can exist in such an environment. Also, if beauty is in the eye of the beholder, we clearly have too many non-discerning beholders operating cameras.
Our law enforcement personnel have dash-cams and body cameras (when they choose to engage them). Many businesses and public entities have outdoor security cameras as well as a bevy of indoor picture-taking or video equipment. Governments- cities, townships, federal, and state- all have some level of video surveillance erected in designated areas. Recently, drones have become rather common as they fly, hover, and watch us as we go about our daily movements. Big Brother is indeed watching, keeping score, and saving information. By the way, I have noticed that Big Brother has an awful personality.
In March, 1964, Kitty Genovese, was raped and murdered in New York City. Although there have been a number of discrepancies regarding the exact circumstances of witnesses or observers of the crime, her death became a nationwide story. The callous nature of the witnesses was the focus. Their supposed failure to help her or call for police was the topic of discussion across the country. Times have changed in the 62 years since that horrific event, but despite new technology, people have not changed. For many of our cohorts the guiding principle is “I don’t want to get involved.” The crime was shocking because our nation generally accepted a shared moral order: “help those in need.” Six decades later that moral order is disappearing…a mere shadow of its former self. It is likely that some people were helpful because of true compassion while others assisted because of a sense of social responsibility, and it is probably true that a segment feared being shamed by their neighbors if they failed to help someone in need. Today, it seems that we often encounter people who brazenly ignore any cries for compassion, moral strictures, or potential public shame.
Nearly everyone from 8 to 80 carries a smart phone these days. Thus, it seems any reprehensible act could potentially have a vital witness nearby, but according to press reports from recent months, rather than helping, people are videoing atrocious acts of violence. The tiny screen is no substitute for assertive intervention, but it seems that many of our narcissistic fellow countrymen are unwilling to risk their precious lives for someone in peril. And now for the final leg of my rant about cameras…
Next to nuclear weapons and bloated untrustworthy government, I believe the ‘selfie stick’ is a destructive element in our society. It is so “me, me, me.” The selfie stick and its attendant camera encourage self-adulation and ego-maniacal behavior. The practitioner surrounds herself or himself with a massive clump of bubble-wrap that mutes the reality of life around them. They seem to be so internally focused that much of the activity around them escapes notice. I recall reading about two instances where people fell off cliffs while taking a selfie at the edge.Hmmm.
Perhaps the problem isn’t the camera or the loathsome stick. Maybe the real problem is that the ‘self’ and vanity have become so prevalent these days. We read often about people’s loss of faith in institutions, and with the disintegration of the nuclear family, it appears that people are increasingly looking inward for trust, safety, and validation. I might share their journey except for the fact that being a disciple of Jesus Christ has opened me up. I trust Him. I am eternally secure and safe with Him. He validates my reason for living. I pray you find Him, too.