The people in this video are justifiably upset because a stranger with a camera is invading their personal space. It is our natural instinct to protect your own little “bubble” – sometime with violence (even if you aren’t doing anything wrong).
I find it strange, however, that we so readily allow the Government full access to our entire lives (email, video, phone records, bank statements, and video) without so much as a whimper. I wonder if we would react similarly (and violently) if all Government surveillance records suddenly became transparent?
Who cares about surveillance?
There are three basic reasons, that I can think of, why we should care about the Government’s mass surveillance program.
- A surveillance infrastructure is already in place for future, potentially corrupted, political administrations.
- A mass surveillance program is a diplomatic nightmare. Leads to a loss of trust and bad-will.
- A mass surveillance program is against the people’s natural desire for privacy. This creates a natural and negative barrier between the people and government.