Hands Down, Privacy Trumps Technology
With the recent programs remembering the Holocaust and the release of the film “Pearl Harbor,” it is good to be reminded that there are many kinds of freedom. One should always remain vigilant against encroachment of these precious rights.
Last year, the large Century City law firm I worked for decided to put in a system that was to be used only by secretaries and certain support staff. This entailed the use of a hand-scanner machine and an assigned identification number. Each time a secretary came in or out, left on breaks, etc., she would have to put her hand into this machine and punch in her identification number.
In a memo to the firm I told them that this was demeaning, degrading and a deprivation of personal freedom; that when one group monitors another with the use of handprint machines and identification numbers this was only one step removed from tattooing a number on my arm and a yellow star on my forehead, and that as a survivor of World War II, I found this particularly offensive.
It is offensive because the United States is based on freedom. I refused to submit to such indignities.
After it became apparent that I would not change my mind, I was told that I would be “disciplined” and would have to stay off work for three days without pay. Then I was to return and “register” my hand. If I continued to resist, it would lead to termination.
After 14 years of employment, I left this company. Along with the job, I also gave up four weeks’ vacation, 12 sick/personal days and a 401k plan. At 63 years of age I had to start again.
But I took something of value with me: my integrity and personal freedom. Many of my co-workers couldn’t do this. They were afraid to lose their jobs. So each day they continue to submit to something they abhor.
I cannot stop the march of technology, nor would I want to. Some technology is good and some isn’t. But we should have the opportunity to decide what to keep and what to throw away. If I reach one young person who reads this and decides not to submit to such indignities and loss of freedom in the name of technology, then I have achieved something.
