Lack of Street Surveillance Cameras Violating Personal Publicity

By: Greg Bourbonsky
Crab Staff Writer

BALTIMORE - While most recent attention has been given to the installation of closed-circuit surveillance cameras in many Baltimore neighborhoods and the questions regarding personal privacy, little to no attention has been given opposite issue where the lack of these cameras is violating personal publicity.

"Personal publicity is a sacred thing in our society," said John, a Butchers Hill resident and proponent of CCTV cameras. "With no cameras on the street corners, how can we stay public as citizens."

Most proponents of CCTV cameras argue that the rights of every Baltimorean to be publicly surveyed are being infringed upon and that because of this infringement, their image is not being publicly viewed and therefore nobody knows about the good things they do in public places.

"Hey, I have a great walking style and I look good when I walk," John continued. "When I walk, I want people to see me walk. Also, I am a model dog owner that always picks up the poop after Rex takes care of business, and I want the powers that be to know that."

Others, who are proponents of the cameras, are those who believe that CCTV cameras will foster good dressing in the communities.

"If you knew you were being watched, wouldn't you want to look presentable?" said Gretchen, a Fells Point resident. "I think that if everyone knew they were being filmed, they would always make sure they look good and that would lead to a society of thin, good-looking, and well-dressed people."

In other neighborhoods, the appearance of resentment towards privacy advocates is popping up in some discussions regarding the cameras. These residents claim that the privacy argument is one lead by predominately ugly people.

"Come on now, what if athletes and politicians and Hollywood stars tried to claim privacy? Everyone would laugh," said Charles, a Canton resident and proponent of the cameras. "I think it's a jealousy thing. With cameras rolling around the neighborhoods, there is a lot of pressure to do well and look good, and the privacy geeks just can't live up to that pressure because quite frankly, they are not very good looking."

The fact remains that proponents of CCTV cameras installed in Baltimore neighborhoods feel that just as people have the right to privacy, they also have the right to publicity. While the debate carries on, only a few neighborhoods in the city have the privilege of strutting for the cameras and showing the world that it is not them who is neglecting to pick their dog's poop.