Rutger's Student Commits Suicide

Tyler Clementi committed suicide after a video of his sexual encounter with another male was streamed over the internet. Clementi's roommate secretly filmed Clementi having sex without his knowledge. Posts online indicate that after discovering what his roommate had done Clementi e-mailed college officials asking for help.

Dharun Ravi, his roommate, and an accomplice Molly Wei have been charged with two counts of invasion of privacy. Prosecutors are looking at further charges based on any biases, such as homosexuality, that may have played a role.

Here's what I think. This is disgusting, what our culture has come to. Video taping others most personal and private moments for sick entertainment. There's an important aspect of this incident that hasn't been addressed. Why did Ravi and Wei feel it was appropriate to do this? I feel it's a reflection on public policies in place. Everywhere we go, there's someone watching. Traffic cameras, speed enforcement cameras, security tapes, and surveillance that's performed without our knowledge or consent on a daily basis. As a society we're walking a thin line when it comes to privacy, and I feel this is an indication of the message being conveyed.