Identify theft. We hear about it all the time. It's extremely common these days. We all know our information is out there for the taking, and we fear what it means if our identity is stolen. How would you react if you were a victim of this?
As I was on my treadmill last Friday, I saw a segment on NBC's "Today Show" that dealt with identity theft. A photographer had her identity stolen and decided to learn the identity of the thief. Once she learned who had stolen her wallet, she followed the thief, photographing her as she went. Eventually she put the photos up on display in a gallery, the one in which her wallet was originally stolen. Since then, the photo exhibit has also appeared in another gallery.
The victim took back her power and refused to remain a victim. She says she followed the identity thief so she could learn more about her and perhaps discover why someone would do such a thing. Other people have accused the victim of invading the privacy of the identity thief, however, and have called it revenge—a charge the photographer denies. She found the process cathartic. No doubt it brought her some peace of mind to remove herself from the role of victim. The same act can be viewed so differently.
How do you see what the photographer did? Is it revenge? Or is it an act that reclaims her personal power?
For me, it raises the question of where in my life I have been or still am a victim. What do I need to do to empower myself again? I invite you to ask the questions, too: Are you a victim somewhere in your life? What might you need to do to take back your power?
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