After reading these two articles on two different scenarios for teachers and their privacy, my own feelings that I have been cautious about have started to rise again.
Firstly in regards to the articles, Ashley Payne who was turned in by an anonymous email for her Facebook photos has a real reason to be upset. Being a teacher I do agree that you have responsibilities towards the children and you are seen as a role model. But I know I have seen many of my past teachers in public settings with alcohol or have been smoking. I saw them with my own eyes. I believe this is the same situation. Miss. Payne should not be made an example of because of photos. It is not like she came into class one day cursed at her students, then drank a beer while she taught history. This is her own private life, a holiday experience, and her own business. So in all honesty I feel sorry that Ashley Payne was crucified over such a petty case.
On the flip side, the teacher in the other article I believed crossed the line. Although it is her private blog, she is fusing her work with her private life. And when the negative outlook on her job, her students, her school, and the education system are posted online it gives off the image that nothing is good in American education. So her punishment is well deserved.
In addition to these articles I start to wonder about my own privacy. As a student-athlete here I have to be careful what I post online just in case a media person comes across something they don't like. They can use any image they find, any quote, or story and twist it our of context to use for their work. This I worry about, for myself, and anybody who can be scrutinized by the public.
To me, what happens in a person's private life away from school, sport, or work is their own life. The way people are hounded by media is disgusting and is just morally wrong. It is a shame that many famous people can not go out in public without someone knowing, or a sports person can't have a drink without an uproar occurring. This to me is a big downfall in today's media, and private society.
I am a firm believer in having my own private life away from everything. I know that when I start a career in whatever profession I will probably destroy my Facebook and Twitter so I am not investigated by anyone, which is a shame because I like the social networking sites.
In conclusion, I believe the private life of a professional, no matter their profession should be kept as their own private life, and should not be at the disposable for anybody who is not welcome into that little world they keep from the real world.
Hi Christian, I will probably get rid of my Facebook as well, or at least many of my albums. It is true that many things can be misconstrued and it is smart to take measures to ensure your privacy.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with everything you said. It is awful that almost everything said or posted online can be misconstrued or misundestood. I will probably get rid of my Facebook as well when I become a teacher, which is unfortunate, but it isn't worth risking your job.
ReplyDelete