I admit it has been a while since I read George Orwell’s 1949 novel 1984, but the idea of ‘big brother’ dictating our society has stayed in the back of my mind. I was suddenly reminded of this idea of constant surveillance when I traveled to Sydney over the weekend. Although I was there for work rather than study, I couldn’t help notice the media impact around me and how it differed from that in Melbourne.

The catalyst for my reflections occurred when I was sitting on a bus and I noticed that it had been fitted with screens such as this one –

At first I thought it was an exciting addition, as it was being used to tell people about upcoming roadworks/rail works. The ads were encouraging people to “plan ahead” as their commutes could be impacted by the upgrades. I considered this such a thoughtful and innovative way to get information to the masses. However, after showing all this useful information, it proceeded to show the feeds of the hidden video cameras on board the bus. There were three! For one bus! I admit I was a little shocked at first, that there would be that many. But then I guess three was the exact number needed to cover all areas of the bus; the front, the back, and the doors. When I think about the buses back in Melbourne, I’d guess that there would probably be one, if any. Or perhaps they are just not as advertised? I know that Melbourne trains have cameras on them, so I became curious about Sydney trains. So I decided to catch the train and walk a bit further rather than catch the bus back. There, of course, was cameras on the trains. The next day I caught a ferry across the harbour and guess what I found? 

24 hour surveillance cameras. I suppose I shouldn’t really be that surprised by it. Sydney has been the target of terror attacks, and there have been other reported “risks to public safety”. I wonder if there is this many security cameras in Melbourne? Personally I have never really noticed them before, but that could just mean they are not as advertised as they are in Sydney.

But another thought crossed my mind – The difference between the security measures in the two cites. To me, it seems like Sydney is much more about surveillance and Melbourne appears more about a police presence. I noticed that there didn’t seem to be as many police around Sydney at night as there is around Melbourne. I found it interesting how different cities approach the same issues differently.

Something to ponder – Which way is better? Which way would you prefer? Personally I feel safer with physical people there rather than just a camera. But it is something to consider – will media replace physical presence in the future?

 

Rose @)—