***  Haus der Kulturen der Welt: Forum1 Archive  ***
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   [Date]: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 15:58:24 -0500
   [From]: "Tim Bigelow" <tim_bigelow@icaf.org>
     [To]: "Cultural Exchange via Internet" <forum1@hkw.kbx.de>
[Subject]: University of Arizona - "Garbology"

Juan,

I think your comment about garbology may have missed the mark somewhat,
although it is often the case that the effectiveness of such a comment is
independent of its basis in fact.

As I recall, the study of modern garbage grew out of an anthropological
fascination with prehistoric garbage (campfire residues, etc.).  The idea
was to analyse modern garbage in the same way, to have a basis of
comparison.  The "funny" thing was that (instead of simply  going to the
local dump) they started by surveying people about their consumer habits.
Rather than taking umbrage, most people were happy to cooperate.  The
problem was, when the students did some spot-checking, they found that the
survey responses were very unreliable (for many reasons, intentional or
not).  That led to an emphasis on original sources, so to speak.

[That's what I remember reading, anyway, but maybe I am in error myself.
Perhaps someone at the university could clarify the matter.]

This (to my mind) is quite different than picking through Henry Kissinger's
garbage, etc.  In any event, data gleened from internet use, supermarket
check-out lines, etc. will probably obviate any need for hands-on
investigation.  Our garbage will once again be safe from intrusion.

I do agree, however, with your underlying concern about privacy.  I even
invested $29.99 in a personal (mini) paper shredder, just to be on the safe
side.  Still, the major threat to privacy will continue to be a diminishing
belief that some things are (or at least ought to be) private and that there
is some right to privacy.

I also agree with your view of the law as organic.  (Virtually) everything
today is viewed in economic terms, and laws are often created to protect
special (property) interests.  "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness"
evolved out of the more direct "Life, Liberty, Property." The latter doesn't
have quite the same ring to it, hence the "original spin."

Tim