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Foursquare Offers New Badge Mocking TSA
from the Proud-To-Be-Groped dept
As I've mentioned in the recent past, I think humor is an effective weapon in highlighting wrong doing. There's a long tradition of groups and individuals who have reacted to hardships of various degrees by using humor. Everything from Hitler to the debate on intellectual property has been covered.
So color me amused AND encouraged when I see that Foursquare (those quirky folks that help you "check in" to places) has released a new badge just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. It's called the Baggage Handler badge. During one of the country's busiest travel seasons, you can now "check in at any airport and include something like "TSA," "grope" or -- my personal favorite -- "Don't touch my junk, bro!" in your shout." You will then receive an unlock text letting you know that "you've had your baggage handled".
It's funny, to be sure, but I wonder if this won't have an even more profound effect. It's long been said that all tyranny needs in order to grow is the indifference of good people. I would imagine that, given the popularity of Foursquare and social media sites, this humorous take on the enhanced screening tactics of the TSA will only spotlight the issues and absurdity even more, perhaps engaging the interest of those otherwise indifferent people.
So color me amused AND encouraged when I see that Foursquare (those quirky folks that help you "check in" to places) has released a new badge just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. It's called the Baggage Handler badge. During one of the country's busiest travel seasons, you can now "check in at any airport and include something like "TSA," "grope" or -- my personal favorite -- "Don't touch my junk, bro!" in your shout." You will then receive an unlock text letting you know that "you've had your baggage handled".
It's funny, to be sure, but I wonder if this won't have an even more profound effect. It's long been said that all tyranny needs in order to grow is the indifference of good people. I would imagine that, given the popularity of Foursquare and social media sites, this humorous take on the enhanced screening tactics of the TSA will only spotlight the issues and absurdity even more, perhaps engaging the interest of those otherwise indifferent people.
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Revolution
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Re: Revolution
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TSA bashing AGAIN!
Wait, that means we would have to require the police do the same - maybe we should require the police not to arrest anyone? "Sorry, sir, but if you continue to rob banks and kill people, we will tell your Mama!".
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humor and oppression
I have created an installation in Second Life called 'State of Mind' which highlights several issues, including the infamous "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign. Information about this installation can be found on the Four Bridges project page, a partner of Amnesty International:
http://fourbridgesproject.org/StateofMindExhibit.aspx
unfortunately you have to be in Second Life to tour this installation, but a machinima of it is available at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQDRmmzywDg
keep laughing; it clears your mind, allows you to think past the adrenaline-triggers and offers you some hope of remaining clear-headed and open-eyed in the midst of the paranoia and pressure to conform.
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Re: Re: Revolution
I think that it worked brilliantly!
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