Tags : San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, SFMOMA, Simon Blint, Thomas Hawk
A State of Fear
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) has finally responded to the Thomas Hawk incident (our coverage) with a terse media release claiming that Hawk was photographing staff in an “inappropriate and harassing manner” and admitting no wrong. SFMOMA concludes the statement by saying that “We have heard the concerns that have been expressed, and we hope that online discussion concerning SFMOMA can now return to focus on the terrific exhibitions we currently have on view…”
It would appear that SFMOMA believes that they are beyond reproach, and that the legitimate concerns raised in the matter need not be addressed. A perhaps typical answer from an old fashioned cultural institution that believes itself to be better than the general population. The facts remain that Hawk offered to show the pictures to Museum employees, that he was not using a zoom lense but a wide angle lense, and that he was taking shots looking down into the atrium at a distance. They have now slandered Hawk, and with any luck this may end up in court, where the truth may eventually be revealed.
I don’t want to dwell on the points of the case, but the whole thing raises something far more concerning for society as a whole: that today we live in a state of fear. A fear that a person taking pictures is a pervert, a pedophile or even a terrorist.
How did we get to where we are today?
The obvious target is the media, who likes nothing more than beating up minor incidents into national or international stories. I don’t seek to belittle the serious nature of crimes, particularly against children, because one incident is one too many, however the number of perverts behind cameras as a general portion of the population is extremely small. And yet, today if you are taking pictures from the ledge of an atrium, or even of your child playing in the park, society has been conditioned to label you a pervert first without any due process or evidence. It is healthy to be wary that there are evil people in society, but have we gone so far as to have created a state of fear where photography has become a crime, at least in the eyes of bystanders? And what of the lost opportunities, the artistic expression that is lost because people feel unsafe in taking photos? Are we as a society better off in this state of fear than we were before?
We of course cannot blame the media alone, for ultimately we choose to fear, and we choose to presume the worst in varied situations, where as 20 or even 40 years ago we presumed the best first. I just hope no one reading this will ever be on the receiving end of the mob justice such fear inevitably delivers, I’ve been fortunate, but I know every time I pick up my camera that the mob can often be around the next corner.
On FriendFeed, this post was liked by 33 people and commented on 18 times hide- Jesper K. Hansen,
- Mrsth,
- Nils Sandin,
- JMS,
- Aaron Draczynski,
- Thomas Hawk,
- Arash,
- Dobromir Hadzhiev,
- Dave Roth,
- Steve Spalding,
- Marvin Smith,
- Arjun,
- John Worthington,
- Jim Goldstein,
- Rahsheen(isSoAwesome),
- Charlie Anzman,
- Yuvi,
- Will DeLuca,
- Hutch Carpenter,
- Jeff P. Henderson,
- andrei_c,
- Louis Gray,
- Erhan Erdogan,
- Brooks Bishop,
- Ontario Emperor,
- Helen Not Of Troy,
- AlexScoble(Robert'sBro),
- Jeremy Hall,
- Richard Walker,
- Justin Korn,
- Robert Scoble,
- Anthony Citrano,
- Mel.Buckpitt
-
Excellent post, I think there is a serious civil liberties argument that needs to be aired over the prejudicial the way photographers are treated by officials and pseudo officials.
-
Confrontational attitudes and pushing people like this make the situation worse, not better
-
I admit to seeing both sides of this: I'm at a point where I think both Simon and Thomas were at fault, as well as the employee for (possibly) overreacting, but SFMOMA looks as if they just wanted to sweep this under the rug. It's as if those protesting Thomas' treatment were just little children that needed to be reprimanded. Again, won't be setting foot anyplace where lens pointed the "wrong" way causes some paranoid fool employee to look askance at me.
-
In the larger sense, the question is this: should we assume innocent until proven guilty, or should we take pre-emptive action to avoid a catastrophe? This applies whether an unnamed female employee feels threatened by Thomas Hawk, or if George W Bush feels threatened by Saddam Hussein. (No, the issues aren't of the same magnitude, but they're motivated by the same philosophies: freedom vs security.)
-
When given Ontario's false choice above, I'll always opt for freedom over the *illusion* of security.
-
I'll agree there's fault in both parties in this case. I will also say that I think the Museum handled the entire situation badly. It's been made out to be something against photography or photos in public. Believe me, I am all for being able to express yourself and, make your art. Personally, I see the biggest issue here being how it was handled by the business itself. Other companies should learn from this and put it on the "what not to do" list.
-
Anthony - would you feel differently if your wife or daughter felt threatened? Or if a convicted sex offender moved next door to you? Fear is a motivator, and the Simon Blints of the world would claim that failure to take precautions is an accident waiting to happen. In addition, some have noted that SF MoMA would rather have a lawsuit from Thomas Hawk than a lawsuit from one of their own employees (in this case, the woman in question).
-
No, Ontario, I wouldn't. I've no desire to live in a world where danger lurks in every corner, no matter who the imagined potential victims are. And I pity any child who is being raised with that worldview.
-
Yeah...that world view sucks. Might as well stay inside, close the all blinds, lock the doors, and hide under the bed.
-
Taking a step back to see both sides of this incident your post is a refreshing perspective. Taking your point a step further this incident is a perfect example of where there is fear of photographers and photographers are fearful of their perceived intent. This state of fear has put everyone on edge. It is indeed unfortunate.
-
I now have a new request for TWiP for their shirt... It should read, in bullet point form "- Photography is not a crime. - I'm not a pervert or pedofile. - I'm not a terrorist. - Security Gaurds aren't policemen. - Freedom is defined by actions, not words. - There are 100 things more intresting to photograph around here than you or your kids"... might need a big shirt though :)
-
I was a little surprised to see several people respond to the museum press release by proclaiming it "closure," as if any paternal-sounding claim by an institution is authoritative and somehow ends the conversation. Setting aside the merits of either party's arguments, SFMOMA's statement is probably just the beginning.
-
@John, you mean something like this?...;-) http://www.zooomr.com/photos/jeffhenderson/5585484/
-
Jeff... Love it!
-
Nice post, but I disagree that we didn't use to live in a state of fear - we did. It's just that the things we fear change with the times. Remember when you used to be able to get an apple or a bag of popcorn at halloween or a home baked cookie? I barely do.
-
Before my time, but what about the school drills where they had students get under their desks in the case of a nuclear attack? Lots of Red Scare fear tactics from the '50's have been co-opted into mainstream media to make for compelling stories.
-
Duck and cover!!
-
Honestly now, there is a need to protect the rights that are constantly being eroded due to the moronic government currently in power. HOWEVER, Andrew Peterson is not the right platform to base this argument of rights. Know what I'm saying?
Add New Comment
Viewing 5 Comments
Thanks. Your comment is awaiting approval by a moderator.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Add New Comment
Trackbacks