"Come See How Good I Look"

Because we are aware that we are being watched, we assume a different identity—one that is suitable for camera.  We refrain from running red lights, and we might be more honest if the cashier gives us back too much change.  However, I propose that our awareness is far deeper than directing our actions.  I fully believe that it has a profound impact on our mind, as well.  Playing havoc with the way we relate ourselves to the rest of society, our awareness leads us to wonder—as I posed in The Pen is Mightier than the Billy Club?, “Why are they watching me?”  The only logical answer I have found in my quest has been, “Because I am worth watching.” 

Narcissistic as this is, that is exactly my point.  We have become a consumer culture that is consuming ourselves.  We join social network sites so that we can “stay in touch” with other people.  What we are really doing, is publishing our activities so that our social contacts can stay informed about us and allowing other people to let us know they are thinking about us. 

My discovery that led to my theories was the widespread use of the “myspace shot”—upwardly extended arm at 145 degrees; held tilted away from camera; pouty expression suggested.  These self portraits became the myspace default pictures of girls everywhere—specifically young teens. 

This was, perhaps, the first generation—my generation—to grow up surrounded by surveillance cameras.  I have no recollection of the first time I saw a CCTV.  As far as my memory is concerned, they were always there.  I watched as my friends took dozens of pictures of themselves with the same expression and the same pose.

The girls’ awareness of the surveillance cameras made them comfortable with the personal camera.  Because of this, they were able to take pictures of themselves without regards to the how their self-portraiture habits reflect on how they see their place in the world.

Some may say that they joined a site because they felt left out.  I say that they joined a site because they want to receive attention, too.  Don’t get me wrong, I have a facebook.  I have a myspace.  Now, I have a blog.  I’m a consumer whore, and it’s a love-hate relationship.  But I don’t feel bad for my narcissism; everyone’s doing it. 

 

In closing, I would like to reflect upon two quotes.  While doing so, I urge you to be reminded of which of these fictional characters actually contributed to society.  Both are from movies that became popular among the masses as quickly as did the self-glorification/idolization of the “myspace shot”.  Both are from self-absorbed men who make a living off of their self-awareness in front of the camera: Derek Zoolander, who said, “I’m pretty sure there’s a lot more to life than being really, really ridiculously good looking,” and Ron Burgandy, with his self-declaration of “mmmmm….I look good.  I mean really good.  Hey, everyone, come see how good I look.”