Eyes of the Village
A few months back when the old site was up and running, I received a friendly e-mail from a stranger. She introduced herself and explained that she was a local high school student. She was working on a class project, and asked if she could use a photo of mine in her presentation.
Absolutely. I was impressed that she would take the time to write such a thoughtful e-mail and I found it refreshing that she would actually ask permission to use the photo. I sent the photo that she requested along with good luck wishes on her presentation.
She wrote back a little time later, telling me that she enjoyed reading my journal. She also asked if I would be interested in getting together. While assuming that the request was harmless, I didn’t respond. It’s okay to help out a young person with a school project, but I would have felt uncomfortable with any further correspondence.
One has to be careful nowadays; no one is above reproach. The mere suggestion of impropriety involving a minor could damage a reputation and destroy a life. Even when I’m out taking people-photos, it’s important to keep such things in mind.
Admittedly, I sometimes find myself giving a watchful eye to strangers that are in the area of children. Perhaps like me they enjoy watching children play, but still I give them a passing glance just the same. I don’t like the uncomfortableness of it all, of looking at others that way or being seen in such a way, but like it or not the events of the day mark every stranger with a hint of suspicion.
When I hear about the case against Michael Jackson, I can’t say for certain whether he did or didn’t do the things that he’s accused of. From his past experiences, I think one can make an educated guess, but whether the evidence will convince a jury remains to be seen. Whatever decision is given to Jackson, at the very least he is guilty of bad judgment.
April 21st, 2005 at 9:00 am
I’m glad to see you back, I love the photo accompanying this entry, and you’re absolutely right.
April 21st, 2005 at 9:35 am
KANE!! You’re back! Hooray! Have missed you.
I think you did the right thing, you can’t be too careful that’s for sure. I got an IM from a 16 year old boy yesterday wanting to chat. I DON’T think so and I ended up having to block him because he didn’t take no for an answer.
Anyway… again, I’m glad you’re back!! *HUGS*
April 21st, 2005 at 9:54 am
What an absolute joy to “see” you today! You’re so right about using good judgement. It’s such a strange world we’re in now. I remember when we didn’t lock our doors and when I was small I would be gone all day long playing in the neighborhood with the other kids and no one was worrying about me being snatched away. Now you have to have a watchful eye on your kids every single moment. Every. single. moment.
April 21st, 2005 at 3:56 pm
Glad to see you back! Your post was right on target. I agree with Susan; you must use good judgment.
April 22nd, 2005 at 7:42 am
how honored you must be to have your photo in a presentation! but yeah, i’m always hesitant to get together w/ ppl i don’t know. so far i haven’t had any minor request a get-together… but if that ever happened i’m sure i’d be even MORE hesitant.
April 28th, 2005 at 3:08 am
The internet is a strange place. You ‘meet’ new people all of the time and after awhile you think you know them. But you forget very soon that the internet is NOT the real world, however real it might seem.
Meeting people you only know from the cyberworld (MSN, chat, e-mail, weblog, whatever) in the real world often turns out to be a disappointment, although not always luckily….
Nevertheless it’s still a great way to meet people and to make ‘virtual’ friends… like you Kane