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January 31, 2007
Private Moments in a Surveillance State
Thesis Statement
I intend to create public structures and/or personal portable structures out of reflective or distorting materials which will allow a momentary escape from the ominous surveillance camera's eye.
Personal Statement
In this day and age and in a metropolis like Manhattan it seems near impossible to be anywhere without the likelihood of a surveillance camera detecting you. The use of surveillance was dramatically increased after the terrorists attack on Sept. 11th, 2001. I see both beneficial and harmful effects of this increase. Of course it aides in preventing crime and identifying and prosecuting criminals. On the other hand it has been used to harass and racially profile select communities. It also invades the personal privacy of the common person.
I am torn between wanting to escape technology and needing to use it. In the last five years I've had to live in bad neighborhoods and my family has delt with harassment by neighbors including damage to my vehicle and false claims. We've had to rely on cameras to catch those involved as well as to show that we are innocent of their accusations. The camera is oppressive and liberating at the same time.
So I don't feel that the use of cameras is bad or that surveillance is not necessary in some respects. However I feel that surveilance when it renders the public powerless, can cause anxiety, paranoia, and fear. I hope to empower the public by providing ways of claiming private moment.
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Posted by ges3 at 09:24 PM