A Rant....

Someone recently commented on my inclusion of pictures in my blog. I ignored my knee jerk reaction to fire back a terse comment because I hate it when anyone questions my writing or me. Instead I thought about the inquiry. Am I crossing the line? Am I violating people’s privacy? Are the pictures wrong?

When I started this blog I did not intend to poke fun at my neighbors or include pictures. However, the more I witnessed the characters in my community the fodder they provided could not be ignored. In the following weeks various people requested I include pictures and video of these people about whom I was writing.

I did not rashly decide to post photos. First I made certain I was not violating any laws. In the California, a person does not have a right to expect privacy in a public area including photos, video and voice recordings.

Many of my neighbors know that I blog of the crazy goings on in our friendly confines; in fact, we have agreements about who and what can be documented in this blog. In reality, --out of loyalty and integrity--many blog worthy incidents go undocumented.

While I am not violating any law or relationship, a question still lingers in my brain? Are the pictures wrong? I started this blog as a self-expression and images have grown to be a large part of my voice. Moreover, private individuals are becoming public people. Is it okay to document the bad behavior of Charlie Sheen but not the jackass by the pool? With Facebook, Twitter, Cell Phone Cameras and everything else it happens.

So all of this has been a pre-amble to my rant. If you do not want to be known for bad behavior do not partake of it in public. If you do not want the world to know you a drug dealer—or any sort of criminal—it would be best not to brag about it. If you do not want your sex tape on the Internet don’t hit record. In my past I have done cringe-worthy things; which I stopped when I asked myself would I be embarrassed if my parents, boss or co-workers knew about this. Our economy is in shambles due to the fact that we tolerate shit. How many times do you say, or hear someone say, “Hey, pay your mortgage.” Hey, don’t spend more than you make.”? Rarely. So as far as I am concerned all unscrupulous acts—including mine—are fair game. Is it nice? No. Is it needed? Maybe. Is niceness what got us into the societal and economic problems we are facing? Yes. Is it time to try something new? Yes.

Don’t be an idiot in public and stop making bullshit ok.

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks @ Zen, for the thought provoking post and the subsequent rant. I love you and who you are.