Even if the chips themselves are safe why do we need them? The article does not specifically identify the safety concerns that would cause the need for these tracking devices or if there were any safety concerns in the first place. We would hope that the teachers at Head Start are trained well enough to not need extra technological assistance in keeping track of their charges. If this was indeed a problem why not hire more teachers? According to the article, at George Miller III Center in Richmond, two hundred students use RFID chips. For these two hundred pre-schoolers the school received a $50,000 federal technology grant to perchase the chips, plus $1.50 a month for each student for the upkeep of the chips.
In my opinion the RFID chips are perfectly fine in and of themselves but are not useful enough to justify the amount of money being spent on them. If the teachers are having a hard time keeping track of their children then I recommend smaller classrooms where the teachers ultimately will be able to give the children better care than a tracking computer.
I think the arguments over safety and privacy are two very different things. The parents and proponents cite safety while opposition argues that the chips are intrusive. Kalo made an excellent point in class when he said that any chip that is simple enough to use and too basic to harm privacy is, on the other hand, ineffective. Likewise, any system that is sure to guarantee "safety" will most definitely be a violation of user privacy.
ReplyDeleteThe difference between traditional security measures and tracking chips is simple: the former has nothing to do with the person, only his/her property. A chip (no matter how it is attached) that not only represents a person but also records his/her actions is quite concerning, in my opinion. And the article, if I am correct, stated that the information (although generic) really is stored in school files, only the chip itself is wiped clean for the next day.
This means that the childrens' records are at the mercy of the very school faculty that can't seem to take care of them! I don't care if it's just who tried to climb out the window or who moved to another classmate's desk to steal crayons... the trend will not stop after this is allowed and preschoolers and will not be the only subjects in the future. I'm glad you're comfortable with the idea of the RFID chips because you're next, Rosa! hahahaha.
I found it interesting that the blogger made a distinction between the technology itself and the funds being used to purchase them. This is interesting thinking and I commend the analysis for its depth. Philosphically speaking, evil is defined by most idea constructions to be not in a thing, but in the use of the thing. For example, a knife can be used to cut vegetables or to do violence. So, the RFID chip in itself is not a bad thing using this reasoning, just the use of it can be bad. Because the data on the children is stored and transmitted to the Federal government, I agree with Abby F. that the use of these chips is chilling in it Brave New World dimensions. Good thinking bloggers!!!!
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