August 16 is “wave at your friendly surveillance monitor” day. Yes, I kid you not. August 16 provides you and fellow citizens with an opportunity to express your appreciation for Big Brother’s watchful eye. This is the day set aside internationally to give a special wave and a friendly smile to the “eye in the sky.”
Unfortunately, this date does not take into account school calendars. The August 16 date does not allow Parry Sound students and teachers to demonstrate their thankfulness, nor does it allow local citizens in apartments, motels and private homes under the beady eyed scrutiny of school officials to show their appreciation for their care, so why not create a special day... say, Friday, Sept. 14, as school surveillance appreciation day?
Students and teachers could give Big Brother a friendly wave and a smile (wearing face paint or a disguise is strictly forbidden). Maybe students could create some fun placards in the spirit of education. Note to students, keep your messages inoffensive and fun, school officials have very thin skin and a low tolerance for criticism, preferring to dish it out. School is, after all, more about conformity than questioning the wisdom of the establishment.
Citizens might choose to be a bit more adventurous. Walking your dog
past the high school on September 14? Maybe it could sport a cute message for the ever-watchful drones in the big, schoolhouse across the street. Face paint, placards and tin foil hats are permitted for citizens; after all, they theoretically have the right to freedom of expression, unlike students who have a long list of things they mustn’t do i.e. wearing hats, tin foil or otherwise. Perhaps teachers could go to school carrying George Orwell’s 1984 prominently displayed so as to keep the tone of the day on a high note.
Apartment dwellers living within the range of the high school’s spy
equipment could tape a message on their drapes or windows. Roger lives here and I like being watched! Janet lives here and I feel safe! The possibilities are endless and I’m sure local citizens would be far more creative than I could.
People using the motel across the way could give a little royal wave for the cameras as they enter or leave the premises acknowledging that they too, are safely in view.
Members of the school board and local parent associations are warmly invited to participate. As champions of student surveillance, they are sure to provide an especially heartwarming demonstration of their support. Cheering and colourful pompoms are encouraged. Yes, I can see it now, a forest of placards with meaningful messages like...Thank you for buying first rate, super duper surveillance equipment for our schools, or, my child loves smiling for the principal, or, surveillance equipment trumps books!
Yes, the possibilities are endless. So mark September 14 on your calendar and give the school administration a demonstration of your appreciation for the many tedious hours they spend observing your activities and making your world a safer place.