I was cleaning out my drawers today when I came across a selection of used ID lanyards. You know the ones, they snap in place around your neck with your name and job title printed on.
When I visit a school I get a new ID tag to wear. Most of the time I return it at the end of the day, but sometimes I forget and I leave the school with it around my neck. Now I have a jewellery box of work memories which got me thinking, isn't it interesting how every government building or private office now gives out ID tags, like they're the ultimate deterrent against terrorism.
In the 90's no one was really bothered about ID you just went to work and came home. Over the last decade I've seen these tags creep slowly in.
I was in a school the other day and noticed several posters dotted about. This poster featured a silhouette of a man holding a child's hand, underneath were the words "Check His ID". Now leaving aside the blatant sexism that only men are child abductors, I have to ask why is it that children should be put in a position where they're checking the ID of the staff! Surely children should be in a safe environment to start with. Of course there are situations where people have gained entry to the school, but more often than not, the abuser already works at the school and so already has an ID tag.
I'm not against the ID tag it does make learning names easier and also I get to feel like a contestant on Jim'll Fix It everyday. Seeing everyone in the city centre walking around at lunchtime all tagged up is very sad thou. This obsession isn't limited to schools and other professions, a Pink Floyd video on YouTube caught my eye when I noticed Dave Gilmour was wearing an ID lanyard. Who did they think he was!?
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