RAELLE SMILEY “Webcam watching”
Watching public access webcams is a weird concept to me. The idea that while I am walking down the street someone across the country or world may be watching me do so is a slightly uncomfortable feeling. 1.25 Times Square 2010. This high-definition image from EarthCam depicts the intersection of 7th and Broadway on May 2, 2010, shortly after the area was evacuated due to the discovery of a car bomb.
1.26 Times Square 2010. This image from EarthCam captures a strangely dressed feline on the streets of Manhattan.
I chose to watch the webcam located at Times Square in New York at 7th and Broadway. The footage mostly consisted of pedestrians jaywalking and honking taxis speeding through yellow lights. However, there was the occasional thing that caught my eye and drew me away from the crowds to zoom in on one person or vehicle. For example, the first thing that stood out to me was the white, stretch SUV limousine that pulled between two taxis and waited curb side for about 5 minutes. I did not see anyone enter or exit the limo but all of the sudden it drove away. It made me wonder, who was that limo waiting for. Why didn’t they show? Did something terrible happen? As my imagination wandered, I thought of many scenarios ranging from Kanye West not exiting because of the massive crowds to a mafia deal gone wrong. It was fun to imagine that I had just witnessed something related to a major crime bust. A few pedestrians drew my eye as well. For example there was the person in all white who seemed to be walking unusually slow. I could not help but notice this mummy-like figure leisurely strolling through the crowd. I also noticed a person carrying what seemed to be quite a few shopping bags drop one and continue walking. This concerned me; it even crossed my mind that I was witnessing a terrorist attack. Yet, less than a minute later, the pedestrian came running back to retrieve their dropped belongings. So why is it that all I could think of was criminal activity when I saw these unusual suspects? It must have been the readings. Reading about panopticon had gotten me thinking about surveying for criminals and behaviors that warranted disciplinary actions. Then I started to worry. Are we close to a time when everywhere we go will be under constant surveillance? Even in our own homes? And then will what happen if the panopticon proves true for us? Will constant surveillance and possible discipline eventually lead to a better-behaved society who only acts off the basis that they know they are being watched? This concerns me. In conclusion, watching these webcams got me thinking about the negative aspects that can come from too much surveillance but I did enjoy watching the unsuspecting passersby for a while.
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Reality Hackers : Connected : Panopticon