Soothsayers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Writers like Charles Bukowsky and comedians like Lenny Bruce and Howard Stern presaged the end of privacy.

They sensed how difficult it was becoming to lead private lives and rather than hide from it they protected themselves by exposing their weaknesses. It’s not a coincidence that Stern’s book is called Private Lives. These comedians were like prophets who taught us how to be comfortable about exposing ourselves. By exposing their sins and shortcomings, these prophets tested the public. And the public embraced them. First they exposed their drinking and gambling and adultery. Then they exposed their cowardliness. And the more they exposed themselves, the better their audiences liked them. In 1997, Ellen DeGeneres admitted she was gay. And America – even Middle America – still embrace her. This has to be good for society. It can’t be good to have a culture that is based on so much hypocrisy.

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The End of Privacy Is Near.

 

John Hurt in "1984"

Communications technology made it inevitable. Human nature – which wants to out the truth – demands it. Charles Bukowsky, Lenny Bruce and Howard Stern prepared us for it. And economics makes it profitable. The public has an insatiable desire to inspect the most intimate details of their fellow creatures. And the media is giving it to them – with the rise of the paparazzi and reality shows, etc. Even when we are outraged by the media’s reach, we cannot stop looking. The Rupert Murdoch fiasco will not stop reporters from using technological tools to invade private lives. The backlash against Murdoch’s papers will only force the media to hide their tactics for a while. Tools that invade privacy are like steroids for news agencies. They will be necessary if you want to compete.

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