The Beginning

“It’s the culture that everybody talks about.”

That’s how Hal Niedzviecki, the founder of Broken Pencil magazine, describes popular culture. In that sense, it is what draws peoples attention. It is what keeps the buzz going. I have spent the greater part of my last three years at University studying this so called “popular culture” and it is perhaps it’s ability to be everything and everywhere and yet be defined by specific guidelines that has lead to my interests. As a result, I have decided to put my world into blog format.

About a year ago, I stumbled into one of Hal Niedzviecki’s venues at Word Fest, which is an annual festival for authors and those interested in the published word. Although I had missed the majority of his discussion on what he calls “Peep Culture” I was speechless by the end of it. I bought his book and stood in line to get his signature. He wrote the simple phrase “Are you a watcher?” and I realize now, without a doubt in my mind, that yes, I am a watcher.

Technology and it’s constant evolution has not only made our lives “easier” (the internet, for example, allows us instant access to almost any knowledge) but it has also had a severe consequence that many are not aware of. What I find most disturbing yet entertaining is that the evolution of technology has eliminated people’s sense of privacy and/or a desire for privacy.

Before you think of disagreeing with me, just think for a moment. Think of such things as reality TV shows, facebook and youtube videos. Does reality TV offer any positive enhancements to the viewer’s life? No, but it is entertaining to watch someone do crazy things. I find that the number one word associated with facebook is “creep”, which for those who are unfamiliar with the term (if that is even possible) suggests an unlimited amount of freedom to browse any individual’s information at your own will. I myself am guilty for wasting my precious time “creeping” through people’s photos, peering into their lives without them knowing.

Now, perhaps my creeping habits are… well… just plain creepy, but I also feel like I am justified. I am justified in a sense because these images and status updates are available to the public. Few steps have been taken to insure that the evidence of these personal lives are kept from public view, and so I now posses the knowledge that my boss likes going out to the clubs, my younger brothers, though they don’t speak much of it, like to party, and that my elementary school “boyfriend” is soon to become a father.

Is my life made any better because of my investigations? I would say probably not. But I do find that it keeps things interesting. Sort of like visual gossiping. And so, I will continue to creep, to surf the internet, and to find things that interest me.

Are you a watcher? If so, hop aboard and watch me.