thoughts on the news of the day: anonymity

hmmm…..

            Used to be that only celebrities and politicians had to suffer the inevitability of a breach in their privacy.  The more famous you became, the less anonymity you enjoyed.  But now thanks to the internet and social networking sites, anyone and everyone can be a star at almost any time.  Take for example the couple who were photographed in a lover’s embrace in the midst of the Vancouver riots after their defeat by the Boston Bruins.  The couple became instant celebrities – at least for five minutes or so …

            Cell phone cameras are everywhere and so any action we take at any time is subject to filming and publishing worldwide on youtube – or maybe just facebook.  It’s a good and bad thing.  On the one hand, it’s an invasion of privacy that would have been unheard of even ten years ago.   But, it is also a valuable device for locating misbehavior and harmful actions. 

            It’s sort of like playing God.  I don’t mind that God knows everything, sees everything and judges everything.  He is, after all, the Master of the Universe.  And on top of that, God loves me unconditionally.   But the stranger on the street who has the potential to judge me and even harm me is a little bit scary. 

            So I am not sure where this is all leading us … more laws will probably not solve the dilemma.   Better behavior might.  In the meantime, remember, God is watching you, and maybe, so are we!

            hmmm…..