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| F LoBuono |
In recent weeks, it seems that I have come under a lot of criticism. Of course, when you write a blog as provocative as I hope this one is, it comes with the territory. And, I own everything that I write and, so, accept that challenge.
However, one thing that I have found totally unacceptable is the amount of personal attacks that have assailed everything from my intelligence to my morality. A complete stranger actually sent me a private Facebook message to say that making street photos of children was "creepy". I've been making photos of strangers of all ages, documenting life on the streets of Nyack for 35 years. Now, it's "creepy"? I was also assailed for defending my First Amendment Right to make and post random photos made in public. Another stranger tried to Facebook shame me into relinquishing that right without fully understanding all the factors that led to my decision to post photos in the first place.
Now, I know that I can be a polarizing figure. Anyone who is as opinionated as I am is bound to be. Again, I accept that. In fact, I revel in it - mostly! I will also challenge YOU on your thoughts and opinions. I like to think that I bring my "A" game to a debate and I expect others who engage me to do the same. This, at times, can give me the appearance of being arrogant. I have also been called a bully because I argue my point of view with great passion. Again, that comes with the territory. And, I expect the same from those who present opposing view points. But, I have NEVER retaliated with ad homonym attacks. I never make it personal. As much as I would sometimes like to, I never call anyone an idiot or moron. There is no place for that in effective discourse.
Well, I do have something to say. And it's my blog, my voice, so I am going to say what I feel and hold nothing back! It's the only way I know how to be - straightforward and upfront. What you see is what you get, in every sense of the word. It's kind of the whole damned point!
But, to say the constant snipping has had no effect on me would be counter to everything I said about honesty. It does hurt - so much so that it had changed the way that I approached controversial topics with my writing and how I created my street photography. I have already passed by dozens of wonderful, candid photos from the streets of Nyack, partially because I don't want the hassles of explaining why I made them and partially because my feelings were hurt and I simply did not want to make the effort.
The same can be true of my writing.
When I attempted to create a dialogue concerning the recent spate of sexual assault allegations against numerous powerful men, I was vilified by many (although not all) simply for making an effort to try to understand WHY this might be happening. I made an honest effort to delve into the psyches of both men and women and present my findings backed by personal experience and scientific fact like evolution. Again, for this, I was castigated.
So, contrary to my nature, I pulled back. I mean, did I REALLY need the aggravation?
In a nutshell - Yes, I do.
I can't teach my students (I actually DO teach journalism at Fordham University) to be intrepid in finding their voices if I am not equally so. I can't tell them to be fearless with their street photography, exercising their 1st Amendment rights, if I do not practice it as well - especially now when our voices in opposition of so many things going wrong in our Country are absolutely essential.
No.
As I will not silence others, so I will not be silenced!
In Shakespeare's famous soliloquy, Hamlet says, to be or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them.
I have made my choice - I will continue to take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them. If that's not good enough for others, that's their problem and not mine.
I'm moving on.
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