Does No One Respect Privacy Anymore?

I  recently came across a post in which a man relayed the transcript of an argument a young married couple were having in a Burger King. It can be found on storify, a website “to make stories using social media.” Make of that what you will.

The post gives a detailed account with commentary of the quarelling  newlyweds and the fresh problems it poses.  “His main complaint? She doesn’t clean the dishes when his mom asks her to.” This along with a short video was captured by someone at a nearby table. The couple are presumably unaware.

With all of the debate over whether celebrities deserve any level of privacy, it sparks another dilemma about the privacy of you and I. If people are airing their dirty laundry in public then does that make it public information? By choosing not to discuss things in private do we then also give up our right to privacy?

Firstly, assuming that people arguing in public is a thought out decision is both unfair and naive. Most people don’t go for dinner with the intent of starting an argument, sometimes hamburgers just make people so angry they can’t conceal their unhappiness any longer.

Secondly, and more interestingly, what is it about the personal lives of strangers that would make anyone care? I can understand the fascination behind following celebrity gossip as they are highly public figures which we do know a lot about. At least on a superficial level. But do people really find the human race so interesting that they think it their right to digitally record and transcribe conversations of John and Jane Average?

I was brought up to think it was rude to eavesdrop and stare. I still think it is incredibly irritating. Does the popularity of Facebook and Twitter mean people are no longer expected to pay anyone courtesy?

When I was a child the phrase “mind your own business” was readily thrown around by adults and children alike. This concept no longer seems to carry any weight.it

“I am listening to a marriage disintegrate at a table next to me in this restaurant. Aaron Sorkin couldn’t write this any better” writes Andy Boyle who posted this blog. I can only assume by that comment he thinks he “wrote” this excerpt. The very title of the article suggests that actual work went into the “production” of this literary masterpiece. Privacy invasion aside its a very poor attempt at journalism.

“He is back. She is telling him she didn’t cheat. He doesn’t believe her. He says he loves her anyway. He sits. We are more calm.” I will personally send a copy of Hooked on Phonics to the first person who to detect the gross grammatical error. “It must be noted he has a speech impediment.”

Really? It must be noted? Is that why I find this “story” completely non post worthy — because of the lack of authenticity due to not being able to hear this kid speak with a lisp? I guess you had to be there.

The worst part of the transcript was that it had no message! There was no point to posting the fight apart from entertaining other socially impaired individuals. Is reality television already so passé we have to look at this? He could have at least written an article about how young people get married too young and they don’t have the emotional maturity to cope with it. Or the inner workings of Muslim marriage and how it remains traditional even with Generation Y. Or even the increased eating of fast food among young people. Throw me a bone here Andy.

Reading up on the Kardashians in a poorly respected tabloid while waiting to get your teeth cleaned, is hardly on the same level of curiosity as being an extra in the domestic dispute of fellow restaurant patrons. At the risk of grossly oversimplifying — does no one have a life anymore?

I’m sure we have all been guilty of mentally dozing off when one of our friends or co-workers tells us what the did on the weekend — and we know them! Living in a city I am constantly trying to block out the noise of my neighbours, and other dinners in restaurants, particularly teenagers.

If people speak above a whisper then their conversations are fair game to be tweeted, recorded or for the dedicated — transcribed. Is this right? I don’t think so but as long as people are interested in the lives of strangers it will continue. Doesn’t anyone read books anymore?

Contact the author here lacey@morningquickie