Take my Picture, Steal My Soul

The snow was falling hard last Thursday in Dallas. The kids were out playing with their friends, building snow persons and sledding down hills, when my daughter came running into the house screaming horrifically. The scream wasn’t one of hurt, but one of terror. What had happened?

After calming her down, she explained that a man in a truck had stopped in front of where she was playing, rolled down his window and took a picture of her with his cell phone. She was certain she’d be kidnapped, the entire incident had frightened her.

I tried to explain that the man was most likely amazed at the unusual amount of snowfall and the kids playing and snapped a picture so he could show somebody how unbelievable the weather was. She didn’t like my explanation, but it calmed her down. While I wasn’t concerned, I definitely didn’t like the idea of someone I don’t know having a picture of my daughter.

Later that night I was watching TMZ (don’t ask), and was watching the paparazzi following Britney, Britney;’s dad, Lindsay, Lindsay’s mom, sister and dad, Miley Cyrus, Miley’s dad (er, Billy Ray) and I thought … maybe we need some new laws about privacy and photography.

I have been playing with this philosophy that everyone’s image, even celebrities, should be considered their personal property. We are made in the image of God, we are all unique creations and as such, nobody should be allowed to represent our person other than ourselves. Our image is our reputation and the Bible tells us we should be careful to protect our "good name".

"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)

The problem with photography in our digital age, is that anyone can snap a picture and damage someone's reputation beyond repair. Many cultures around the world, even many Native Americans refuse to be photographed because it is said to "steal the soul". I used to laugh at this idea I first became aware of when watching an old Tarzan film. But after seeing the destruction of the seemingly lost souls of Lindsay, Brittney, and other well photographed celebs I'm not sure it isn't without merit.

What about freedom on speech you may ask?
I have no problem with people using words to report the news about others. Words require a higher standard of accountability than images. Remember the adage, a picture is worth a 1000 words? As you can tell by the way people judge images differently, an image may contain a 1000 words but those words differ from one person to another. They aren’t always the SAME words. Images are subjective, words too, but less so.

For instance,
If you see an actual video tape of me out of context, the news person can say, it is actual footage. They aren’t liable for the “perception” others form of me outside of the context of the image. If a reporter writes about me “out of context” misrepresenting me, I can hold them accountable for their misrepresentation.

The biggest advantage in being owners of our own image is that it cuts down on a ton of crummy television and reporting, because words won’t sell as well as images of celebrities.

My belief, is that if images of others were not considered “fair game” by the press, Americans would be smarter, the news would have more meaning, celebrities wouldn’t be an all consuming force of media interest, and the streets of Hollywood would be safe from paparazzi.

Images are powerful, maybe more powerful than words, and there should be stronger laws to protect our images (how they are captured, who can distribute them, etc). Of course laws alone won't help. People have to value there own image and the image of others. I love people taking pictures of me in appropriate contexts (Once at an event someone took photos of David Crowder and I using the urinals in a bathroom ... not cool) and it is always polite to ask someone before you take there photo.

It is just an idea, one I know my daughter would approve of☺

Some things you can do:

1. Ask before taking a picture of another person.
2. Protect your own image (too many naked pics of teens showing up on the Internet and hurting people ... yep .. I get letters)
3. Don't watch celebrity gossip type shows .. it will poke your brain out :)

Mark

Some questions for you.

1) Am I just being unreasonable or does this make sense?
2) Is the overwhelming reality of digital images and Internet publishing just a fact of life, or should people adopt new standards of courtesy?
3) How many celebrities would willingly let the paparazzi follow them if they had to ask permission (some of them like it ... need it, I think!)