I recently acquired a book, detailing various things about the "history" of the internet. It reveals things about hackers and the like, and how they work.
I should specify now, that I believe information should be free, but used responsibly.
Back to my topic... so I have this new book, and I have been reading it at various points, including when things are quiet at work. The administration leave before 5pm, and my hours are later, so I'm often by myself in my work station. There are other people there, though, which leads to the problem.
The work was finished, and I was reading this book when someone noticed it. "What are you reading?"
"A computer book." I marked my page and let this person read the back.
She said, immediately after finishing, "How can you read things like this? It tells you about hackers! Are you a hacker?"
"No."
"Then why are you reading it?"
"It's interesting."
"Well, if you get arrested, don't look at me." With this she left me alone once more. But this leads to my question: having curiosity is normal. Why, when I am reading a book about a subject that interests me (computers), was I immediately labeled as not only strange, but as a criminal?
Do I advocate criminal activity?
Well, it depends on what you define as "criminal," doesn't it? What is criminal where I live may be legal where you live, and things of that nature.
At the same time, I do know for a fact that reading books with miscellaneous information in them is not illegal here. Speaking your mind and reading to have informed opinions of what goes on is not illegal here.
At least, not yet.
