Story: Privacy

At 8:00 in the morning, the doors of Felicidad School were closed, and in classroom 6C, Curramba was still missing. It was a decisive day as they were in the middle of final exams. Joao asked about him, and he still hadn’t arrived. His classmate Melao spoke up, «Now, passing by his house, I saw that they were seizing their belongings. I understand that his mom and dad are unemployed and neck-deep in debt. I heard my parents say that the man made some bad business decisions and didn’t consider his family, leading him to become depressed and consume too much alcohol. So much so that he lost his job due to irresponsibility, and his mom resigned from work a few days ago, claiming to have anxiety attacks. Well, with this situation, I now believe she might get even more anxious. Sometimes I think it was because of not working. What do you guys think about it?» Everyone was silent, listening with wide-open eyes. They were genuinely stunned to hear their classmate Melao speak so candidly. Melao, upon seeing their reactions, said, «But it’s the truth! I believe that…» and was immediately interrupted by Joao. «Hey, stop it! I am surprised to see how shamelessly you talk about our classmate Curramba’s private life. How uncompassionate in the face of such a difficult situation. If you care so much, why don’t you go and help them solve their economic and emotional problems? Who do you think you are to speak so recklessly about a person, let alone our classmate who has shared more than four years with us?» Other classmates also reacted, saying, «Yes, Joao is right. Your gossips and harmful comments lead nowhere. If that’s who you are, what must your parents be like? Ultimately, they are the ones who have raised you.» Joao added, «I’ll tell my mom not to visit your house again! Don’t go and end up sharing personal matters with others, if you haven’t already. And honestly, I wouldn’t doubt it for a second. Do you know that it’s against the law to harm an individual’s integrity?» Joao addressed the group, «Guys! I’m going to Curramba now to support him. Can I count on you?» The classmates said unanimously, «Yes.»

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT:

Do you know what privacy is? If you know, write it down and share it; if not, research it in a dictionary or online.

How important do you consider your own privacy or that of others? Justify.

How would you react to someone who invades and publicizes your privacy?

Has someone ever violated your privacy? Share your experience.

Have you ever disclosed someone’s private life to others? Comment on it.

If you have done so, what corrective actions have you taken?

Where do you think is the primary place where an individual’s values are formed? Explain in detail.