I just got to watch BBC’s three-part documentary/series “The Power of Nightmares.” I wouldn’t say it was an eye-opener, but I can say that it would be good for everyone to watch it – so long as you have an open mind.
I guess the good thing about this documentary is how it explains the danger from both sides. How a government can abuse and use fear to control society, and how even noble causes can mutate into idealism that’s no better than the system they wish to abolish.
Having some inclination to photography, one will obviously hear or read about issues that deal with security. Particularly how photographers are usually denied the rights to taking photographs of certain places. Of course normal people would find it unfortunate, but ultimately couldn’t really care less about the plights of these photographers.
Photographers see these incidents as a big deal and never take them lightly, which is understandable – especially if they depended on it for a living.
However, when taking everything in the context of terrorism in the US, I can’t help but think that indeed, the terrorists have won. Fear has crippled the nation so much that it is becoming ridiculous… or is it?
What I’ve noticed is that though indeed there might have been unconstitutional to arbitrarily decide on which rights are allowed to photographers on specific places, I can’t help but think that sometimes any specialized group tends to merely think in the context of their own little worlds… in this case it’s the photographers. But in no way am I attacking them, since I too, like taking pictures. And I certainly want to be able to take pictures anytime and anywhere I want.
