When I wrote Tolerating Intolerance, I was more than annoyed and a little frustrated. A rant is a passionate, loud, and often lengthy outburst of anger or strong opinion. I consider myself a passionate person, but “rants” conflict with my self-image. I might admit to controlled rants.
The original rant centered around two Facebook users who are using Meta AI glasses to secretly record their encounters with Amish people (including minors) and then post the videos on social media. The fact that the people are Amish could be incidental, except that:
- Many Amish communities and individuals frown on photographs.
- Amish people tend to be non-confrontational.
That combination makes them easy to exploit. So a few of us who support and admire the Amish formed a self-appointed group of advocates and have tried to raise awareness of the issue. For starters, even the Amish (who shun technology) are probably unaware that the glasses exist and are being used. There is also a strong case that these recordings are being made illegally, particularly in Pennsylvania, a state that follows an all-party (or two-party) consent rule, meaning it is illegal to record any telephone, electronic, or private in-person conversation without the consent of all parties involved.
From all appearances, initial efforts to interest the Lancaster District Attorney and the media have had limited success. A reporter from Lancaster Online did tackle the subject in a fairly detailed article. The DA did a legal two-step by complicating the issue and claiming the law hasn’t kept up with technology.
The reporter also interviewed Laura Flynn, the woman behind the glasses. In what must be the ultimate irony, she refused to allow the interview to be recorded.
Why do we tolerate someone else’s casual disregard for others? It’s not just a legal issue. Maybe we’re too quick, all of us, to rationalize and justify.
For my part, while in the Lancaster area, I’ve made sure my Amish friends know what she’s doing. One friend works at a location that’s already been recorded and featured. Another Amish friend with a home-based business feels vulnerable and wondered what she should do. We discussed some options, and as a partial strategy, I designed and printed some signage and cards for her.
Ultimately, it’s too easy to feel vulnerable in a society that often is uncaring and unkind. It’s not just a legal issue.
Aretha Franklin spelled it out for us in song. For those unfamiliar, it repeats the theme, “All I’m askin’ is for a little respect…” And if you’re willing to offer “R-E-S-P-E-C-T find out what it means to me.”
Simple, really.
A sign could help. I realize not many Amish will see this post, but if you think a sign like this at your farm stand, business, or home might help, I’ll make one for you.
“Be your own artist, and always be confident in what you’re doing. If you’re not going to be confident, you might as well not be doing it.”
Aretha Franklin
