Post #2: "Keeping a Close Watch"

In Kingsley Dennis' article "Keeping a Close Watch", Dennis thoroughly explains surveillance and sousveillance in today's society. While most of us are familiar with surveillance, he introduces the idea of sousveillance and how digital technology has changed the ways that civilians can keep an eye on their society, just as their government keeps an eye on them.. He states that "near constant surveillance of the person...has blurred boundaries between...outer and inner freedom" (347).

Nearly all technological devices have some sort of surveillance power. Whether it's a cell phone that takes pictures or an iPod that can take videos, citizens can now keep a better eye on police activity or even strike out against crimes that they see on the streets. Civil power was an essential part of the G-20 summit in Toronto, when civilians captured police brutality on film and brought certain police officers to justice for their wrongdoings. As Dennis explains, "surveillance is increasingly turning inwards...part of a growing trend of decentralized practices of individual and group monitoring through portable hand-held devices" (348).

All of this can be defined by the term 'sousveillance'. Sousveillance is "watchful vigilance from underneath" (349). Keeping with the theme of gatekeeping and participatory journalism, sousveillance is another example of how journalism is no longer in the hands of of professionals only. Citizens can now use hand-held devices like cell phones to record crimes or activities that were previously off-limits to report on. Sousveillance doesn't come without its consequences though. As Dennis states, "in the hands of responsible users such watchfulness can be kind, corrective, and protective. In the hands of the immature...it can be turned into harassment...and intrusion" (350).

Personally, I think that citizens having the power of watchfulness is a wonderful thing. No longer can citizens be at the mercy of police brutality or random acts of violence as long as a trusty cell phone is present. Although sousveillance may have an intrusive nature, the pros certainly outweigh the cons.