Week 7: Thoughts on Klein's Ideas

After reading "China's All-Seeing Eye" by Naomi Klein, I was very shocked just by how intensive is the security monitoring in China. The article was extremely informative and revealing in regards to the present condition in the country. Here in the United States, for some it already seems that the level of involvement of the government in our affairs intrudes our privacy. The way they can monitor our every internet search and text message seems too much already. However, the Chinese government seems to go more than one step farther. At first, it makes sense to have surveillance at least at some parts of the country in order for security purposes. But as I read on, I realized that their intent was not only to have some cameras in the country but to have it everywhere. Now, that's when it gets scary. How can people feel safe in comfortable when they know someone's watching their every move? One person in the article said that no one needs to be afraid of this as long as they're not doing anything wrong. However, it is not the who decides what's wrong and what's right in this country, what puts you to jail and what keeps you safe.

Another surprising thing was the connection of the facial recognition and surveillance camera company to one here in the United States, "L-1 Identity Solutions". The fact that the representative that Klein talked to tried to cover up their involvement is very suspicious. It seems like they know that what they're doing is on the borderline of violating the law. In China, the companies that are providing security equipment for the government are booming. It is clear how much China wants to monitor each citizen's every move, not only for security reasons, but seemingly for their own intentions as well. The people who are getting caught are ones that have even a small chance of opposing the way the country's run, not necessarily through violent means. For me, I believe that it does help with reducing violence but it also restricts freedom the most. The fact there is a chance that what's happening in China might spread to the United States is a very real and scary thought.