This video which seems to have been released by Houston Mayor Annise Parker as a part of the…ahem… Run, Hide, Fight series is nuts. I understand the need for awareness and diligence toward creeps (not just in the USA and not just terrorists) but this ummm “awareness” is over the top – particularly with regard to photographers.
After watching the video and others in the series, there are basically two groups that appear to be the focus.
1) people planting bombs – a multitude of examples including vests, backpacks, people trying to gain access to do this; and…
2) people taking photos – of public spaces? and exits? and… huh?
Seriously? Those are the two groups we should fear? I’m particularly referring to roughly the 1:45 mark where the specific vilification of photographers or “people with recording devices” is a big WTF.
So, in short, yes Mayor Parker we should keep a collective eye out for nutjobs. I’ll all for awareness, but I hate fear mongering. And pull your head out.
—-
Wanna know more about photographers rights? Check out this post or this post AND… very importantly…tune into the next chasejarvis LIVE episode on August 29th in collaboration with ASMP.org where I’m hosting a world class panel that’ll discuss the current and future state of photographers rights…the good, bad and ugly about some changes in our landscape.
(Thx Trey for link)
—
Chase,
As someone in the Houston area, this is appalling to me. I’ve been in those downtown streets, making photos of whatever catches my eyes. I’d love to help Mayor Parker understand that it’s as foolhardy to single out people using cameras as it is to single out people using cell phones, because terrorists use these before attacks as well. See below for my redaction of their narrative.
[Cameras and recording devices] Cellphones have gotten so small, most of us seem to have one with us all the time. It’s not unusual to see people [taking pictures or videos] talking on handsets or using Bluetooth devices almost anywhere. But [surveillance and information-gathering] making and receiving calls and texts is a common practice used by terrorists prior to an attack. If you see someone trying to [conceal what they are doing] have a private conversation, [taking pictures of] loitering near exits, security or restricted areas while on the phone or texting, if they hang around for no apparent reason talking on their cells, ask inappropriate questions about schedules of the facility, or if they try to avoid security when approached, make the call.
However, I cannot find a direct link between Mayor Parker and the video…could you assist in this by sharing any information about WHERE this video was posted, possibly by her office or on another website connected to either her directly or her office?
Thanks!
Dale
I also live in Houston and often go out to do street photography… as seen as houstonstreets dot net. It would really suck if I started to get harassed when taking street photos on my lunch break…. grrrr…
In the credits you will see “Make The Call is a department of homeland….. funded project. Produced but city of Houston Mayor’s office…. ” 6:03 in or so….
Seriously? You are taking this as a dig towards photographers and our rights? I didn’t know it was so easy to get your panties in a twist. Stop spreading the weirdness…
If a cop asks you what you are taking pictures of, just tell them, don’t run away. If you are doing commercial work, have a permit! Its not that hard or that scary.
What if the cop tells you to stop photographing when it is your right to do so? You aren’t doing anything wrong yet, because of a call of suspicion, you are forced to stop your hobby or your job.
Wow, the closing scene of peace features a skateboarder!! Remember when THEY were public enemy #1?? Absurd.
If you see a communist – make the call
If you see a jew – make the call
If you see a middle eastern – make the call
If you see your neighbour – make the call
If you see you sister – make the call
By AT&t
Wow, you guys don’t need terrorists, the government is terrorizing you already!