under surveillance?

Ok, so I guess I expected a touch of ridiculousness when I decided to come to China. I'm aware of how crazy and inefficient Chinese bureaucracy can get, and I knew things weren't going to be quite the same as what I was used to in "Western Culture." But this is just absurd.

Earlier this week, we walked into the office in the morning, and everything seemed totally normal...until one teacher (who I will call Mr. Winkle) arrived at his desk and noticed something unusual. Instead of his tidy workspace that he had left behind the night before, he was confronted with a surveillance equipment workstation that had taken over his desk. Maybe you need a visual.

This tv, vcr, and receiver, were piled on top of his desk (seen at right in the picture), leaving absolutely no room for him to really sit or get any work done, let alone set up his laptop. I wish I had been able to get a shot of the stuff actually sitting on his desk...but I didn't have my camera with me that day. He moved the stuff onto the floor himself. Anyway, in the picture, you can see some wires (ok, TONS of wires) all over the place, including some that are leading up to the window. Well, the absurdity doesn't end with the random surveillance equipment taking over "Mr. Winkle's" desk. These are what the equipment is connected to:

There are a number of things that are wrong with this picture. Notice where the cameras are pointed. Some random apartment buildings. Ok....notice what the cameras are propped up against. Maybe you can't tell from the picture, but yes, thos are BOXES OF STAPLES. Oh, and good thing they've been taped so firmly to the air conditioning duct outside the window. Really, I wouldn't want the cameras to be on there too firmly or anything.

So rumor has it that someone across the way was dumping garbage somewhere where they weren't supposed to. Does this really merit security cameras? Did I mention that there is no one around to actually pay attention to whatever is being shot by the cameras? Was it really necessary to pile all of the equipment onto "Mr. Winkle's" desk? Come on.

Mr. Winkle (I can't believe i've chosen to call him that....google 'mr. winkle' if you don't get the hilarity of it) was (rightfully) annoyed at the situation, so he wrote an email to the administration. I've pasted it here for your reading pleasure:

Hello Helen,

I am writing regarding the security surveillance station that has been installed into my personal workspace. I was not consulted about this situation. The other morning I entered the office to find my desk packed with wires, a VHS recorder, and an old 1970's Samsung TV set among other electronics which appear to be hooked up to a pair of security cameras that have been scotch taped to the air conditioning unit directly adjacent to my desk and which are currently pointed at the bedroom windows of several apartment units across the way...

There are a number of issues that need dealing with.

-The clutter is cluttering up my business thus decreasing my productivity.

-I believe the exorbitant wiring to pose not only fire but also electrical shock hazards. In the event of inclement weather, my welfare is at risk due to the combination of open windows and exposed wiring.

-I do not mind taking on the additional job requirement of "SecurityAdvisor", however this shall require additional salary. The amount is, of course, negotiable.

Thank you for your time and understanding.

Regards,
....Mr. Winkle

Helen's response was, "Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I will investigate the matter further." That was on maybe Tuesday or Wednesday. Well, Saturday rolled around and what had changed? Now, instead of only being hooked up to the tv, there is also a laptop installed onto one of the OTHER desks that shows the feed from camera 2. Of course, there still isn't anyone around to actually pay attention to the feed. China...what are you thinking?