smile, you're on candid camera (serious)

[MissToodles]

Another reason to hate technology: The cell phone/camera combo. We'll get to that in the next paragraph.
Today, I went to a very mediorce buffet (but that's another story for another time) and there was a gaggle of teenagers. Okay, I'm used to them and their crazy antics. But you know, they could see me a mile away. Opportunity knocked on their front door! The hostess placed me in the table by them. I had to walk by to get to the food. So I hear the typical retorts that aren't particularly clever or original. But what burned me was the snapping of photos with a cell phone to send to their friends. The guy went "oh she's tight, I gotta send that fat ass to my friends". Suddendly about three or four of those contraptions were whipped out and now my ass and other parts are captured for posterity.

What do in this type of siutation? Do you say " Please don't take my photo"? or any other tips. I was by myself so I didn't have much recourse.

[Tina]

I think I'd look into the legality of it. What horrid people.

[Sandie_Zitkus]

That happens to be an invasion of privacy - and I would have asked them to stop once and then called tthe police. I'm serious. They did not ask your permission.

But that's me.

Originally Posted by MissToodles

Another reason to hate technology: The cell phone/camera combo. We'll get to that in the next paragraph.
Today, I went to a very mediorce buffet (but that's another story for another time) and there was a gaggle of teenagers. Okay, I'm used to them and their crazy antics. But you know, they could see me a mile away. Opportunity knocked on their front door! The hostess placed me in the table by them. I had to walk by to get to the food. So I hear the typical retorts that aren't particularly clever or original. But what burned me was the snapping of photos with a cell phone to send to their friends. The guy went "oh she's tight, I gotta send that fat ass to my friends". Suddendly about three or four of those contraptions were whipped out and now my ass and other parts are captured for posterity.

What do in this type of siutation? Do you say " Please don't take my photo"? or any other tips. I was by myself so I didn't have much recourse.

[Cat]

Sorry to hear about your situ. People sukketh.

When confronted with such overt annoyance, I've taken to respond with annoyance in kind. I would have probalby pulled my chair up to their table and had an in-your-face chat. Or just eaten with 'em. Or just backed my rear into their face. Granted, this sort of thing has backfired, but a couple of times it's worked.

[Jane]

The manager should have been made aware.

Also, get a cell with a camera....take their pic.

[TraciJo67]

Originally Posted by MissToodles

Another reason to hate technology: The cell phone/camera combo. We'll get to that in the next paragraph.
Today, I went to a very mediorce buffet (but that's another story for another time) and there was a gaggle of teenagers. Okay, I'm used to them and their crazy antics. But you know, they could see me a mile away. Opportunity knocked on their front door! The hostess placed me in the table by them. I had to walk by to get to the food. So I hear the typical retorts that aren't particularly clever or original. But what burned me was the snapping of photos with a cell phone to send to their friends. The guy went "oh she's tight, I gotta send that fat ass to my friends". Suddendly about three or four of those contraptions were whipped out and now my ass and other parts are captured for posterity.

What do in this type of siutation? Do you say " Please don't take my photo"? or any other tips. I was by myself so I didn't have much recourse.

I'm not sure of the legality, but I have heard that women who have actually found themselves on websites - pictures displayed without their prior knowledge, far less permission -- were not able to get the photos removed. It was apparently something about being engaged in a public activity. I'm sure the setting plays a big role in legality. I'm going to guess that having your picture taken in a restaurant does not violate privacy laws.

What a terrible ordeal I hope the little f***tards get their come-uppance, and soon

[CurvyEm]

The thing that's happening here is called 'happy slapping' teenagers assault random people while recording it on their phone then send it around.

[AnnMarie]

I absolutely HATE cell phones with cameras, I think they should be banned (and I've heard rumblings of the same because they are so often used as invasions of privacy instead of capturing a lovely sunset).

You were in public (private establishment, but not in your house or someplace that you control) so I doubt there is much that could have been done. Heather and I have had people taping us with video cameras when we're out and about... or taking pictures with a regular camera. They actually do the sly "Honey, take_a_picture_of_me *wink*" and they move over to be sort of in front/to the side, so "honey" can point the camera in our direction and snap away.

Pisses me OFF, so I usually just flip him off in the picture. At least if you're going to be so rude as to take a picture to "show the freaks to the friends" it will be wise and pissed off freaks.

I feel your pain, you can always try flipping them off like me

Or striking a pose, or telling them you have 8x10 glossys in the trunk of your car and you'd be happy to sign them if they'd like, or that you hate when you get hounded by the paparazzi when you're trying to have a simple lunch, but it's clear that celebrities sacrifice a lot for their fans.

[Jane]

I've never taken a picture with mine. LOL

[AppreSheAte]

did anyone else see Jimmy Carter's new book - about the declining condition of america's morales?

the rudeness, language, selfishness, and general attitude is shocking to me. it really frosts me when i've asked someone to not swear, and they don't consider half their language swearing - it's "just" vulgar.

on another occasion, i felt i was challenged the other day on the sidewalk. i was walking to the far right side when four teens walking side-by-side expected me to get off the sidewalk to allow them to continue to walk abreast. i stopped myself, but had half a mind to plow all of them over.

i'm a big guy, 6-2 almost 350 and can bench press nearly 400 - dying to prove it to any ssbbws who want to be so lifted btw (lol), so what do they think they will do, shove me out of the way?

if someone takes my picture and makes wise cracks i'm not sure how i would respond. this post really makes me wonder!

not sure i was of any help on what to do, but i really do sympathize and wonder what is going on across our country? who put the idiots in charge?

[swamptoad]

This is a hard topic to tackle.

If you take pictures of surroundings and people happen to be in them, that is ok.

If you take pictures of specific people then you need their permission.

I would not tolerate it one bit. I would approach management and try to be slick about it so that somebody else could catch them in their act. Another thing, gaggles of teenagers should be scoped out anyways from manage-ment. Loitering shouldn't be tolerated. The police have been known to give out warnings for such behavior and they can also take away peoples cell phones/camera. If there is any suspicion that someone's picture has been taken without rightful consent a police officer should be able to rightfully investigate that persons camera.


This kind of behavior shouldn't be acceptable. Only if the person who gets their picture taken has given permission to the person taking the picture. This kind of deviant behavior *sad but true* goes on in the real world. In fact, the world wide web is full of people exploiting other people day-to-day in this manner.

*another topic*

What motivates people to take candid pictures, make websites about the pictures, encourage more people to do this deviant behavior, and profit from it? I think its moral decay.

My wife and I were having a discussion about technology yesterday. We were having a long car drive and she showed me an Amish community and we engaged in a talk about their lifestyle and ours.

[TraciJo67]

If it were against the law to take photographs of people in a public setting, without their consent, I don't think rag mags like "Star" would exist.

But then, "accidentally" dumping a full beverage glass over the cell phone ... or a big, heaping platter full of ribs into the lap of the most obnoxious of offenders isn't illegal either .

[Boteroesque Babe]

1) Whip out your cell cam, aim it at 'em and say, "Okay everybody, show me your two-digit IQs and low earning potentials, so I can take a picture of 'em for my friends."

Other good ideas:

2) Make sure it doesn't keep you from dining alone whenever you damn well feel like it.

3) Come to Dimensions and commiserate with your fat peeps about it.

4) Be the righteously tasty/smart/cool babe that you are, thus showing your students (future wise-ass buffet patrons) that fat folk are as deserving of their humanity as anyone.

Tood, I'm so sorry this happened to you. Horrible and wounding. But lucky for all of us, it sounds like y'got 2 through 4 covered.

[Sandie_Zitkus]

Originally Posted by TraciJo67

If it were against the law to take photographs of people in a public setting, without their consent, I don't think rag mags like "Star" would exist.

But then, "accidentally" dumping a full beverage glass over the cell phone ... or a big, heaping platter full of ribs into the lap of the most obnoxious of offenders isn't illegal either .

But that's why rag mags are always being sued. I do like the idea of dumping a huge glass of sticky soda on the offender and his camera phone. LOL

[TraciJo67]

Originally Posted by Sandie_Zitkus

But that's why rag mags are always being sued. I do like the idea of dumping a huge glass of sticky soda on the offender and his camera phone. LOL

Sandie, I think the issue is more one of what constitutes a public setting, and what is not (in other words, where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy). Taking pictures of a half-nude Jennifer Aniston, as she sunbathes in her own fenced-in backyard, would have more privacy repurcussions than would snapping a candid shot of her scarfing down a platter of nachos at Taco Bell.

I think that everyone *should* have a right to their privacy and dignity, no matter where they are. I wish that there were clearer laws in place, especially now, at a time when every ignorant asshat with a few dollars to spend has access to a camera phone.

[abluesman]

I really don't want to get started on this, because it pisses me off really bad. The real problem is parents who have no idea what their teens are doing or who the teens friends are. Granted, there are some things that are going on simply because they ARE teenagers. Lord knows we've all done things we shouldn't, but the lack of consideration for others nowadays is appalling.

When I was young, I didn't dare do anything that could be considered rude or improper toward my elders, or anyone else (except for my brothers and sister) for the simple reason that my mom and dad was well known in our small town..... and I wanted to continue to live. My parents were strict. They taught me to treat others with respect. And if I didn't.... I was given a quick refresher course in "Good Ol' Southern Ass-Whuppin' ".

I guess what I'm trying to say is this: Nobody is doing any parenting anymore. No one is teaching the youth of this country that they must be responsible for their actions. No one is taking the time to teach respect.

These are just my thoughts.

[Sandie_Zitkus]

Originally Posted by TraciJo67

Sandie, I think the issue is more one of what constitutes a public setting, and what is not (in other words, where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy). Taking pictures of a half-nude Jennifer Aniston, as she sunbathes in her own fenced-in backyard, would have more privacy repurcussions than would snapping a candid shot of her scarfing down a platter of nachos at Taco Bell.

I think that everyone *should* have a right to their privacy and dignity, no matter where they are. I wish that there were clearer laws in place, especially now, at a time when every ignorant asshat with a few dollars to spend has access to a camera phone.

I kinda agree - but the fact remains no one asked to take a picture. I think it might be considered an invasion of privacy. Even if I am out and about I do not expect my picture will be taken unless I am asked. A professional who was filming or taking pics would have to get a release form signed by me in order to use my image,

A few years ago Letterman was going to be sued because he was filming people secretly at the US Open and he used a woman eating a peach as a joke on the show. She saw what he was doing got a lawyer and he had to stop using her likeness.

I just think these camera phones are crossing a line like Voyeur web sites. I hope they get banned.

[abluesman]

Originally Posted by Sandie_Zitkus

I just think these camera phones are crossing a line like Voyeur web sites. I hope they get banned.

Me too, Sandie.... me too.

[Totmacher]

I, personally, like cell phone cams. I'm always forgetting my cam when something picture-worthy happens and having a cell cam brings me hope that I might actually capture it. In reality the quality is pretty lame and I need to get a new cell phone and/or a better memory.

What I don't like is people thinking that they can just randomly snap pictures of people and expect to get away with publishing it. It's ignorance. Ignorance of the law, ignorance of common courtesy, and i'm sure there're dozens more. I'll bet these are the same people who have flashing LED faceplates, pop music ringtones, and talk on speakerphone in the back of a movie theatre. Maybe you should have to pass an IQ test before being issued a cell phone.

[AnnMarie]

Originally Posted by Totmacher

I'll bet these are the same people who have flashing LED faceplates, pop music ringtones, and talk on speakerphone in the back of a movie theatre. Maybe you should have to pass an IQ test before being issued a cell phone.

Well, you'd lose that bet in some cases at least.

My faceplate flashes when the phone is ringing, and I have a bunch of different song ringtones if I choose to use them. When I got my phone (a mere 3 months ago or so) I refused to get a model that had a camera in it. The salesman thought I was nuts, but I told him to not even bother showing me one with a camera in it, I'll never buy it.

[moonvine]

Originally Posted by Totmacher

I, personally, like cell phone cams. I'm always forgetting my cam when something picture-worthy happens and having a cell cam brings me hope that I might actually capture it. In reality the quality is pretty lame and I need to get a new cell phone and/or a better memory.

What I don't like is people thinking that they can just randomly snap pictures of people and expect to get away with publishing it. It's ignorance. Ignorance of the law, ignorance of common courtesy, and i'm sure there're dozens more. I'll bet these are the same people who have flashing LED faceplates, pop music ringtones, and talk on speakerphone in the back of a movie theatre. Maybe you should have to pass an IQ test before being issued a cell phone.

While I'm horrified at what happened, and wish I had some better advice, I have to agree with this. The technology itself is no more evil than a regular camera is. It is just that some people choose to use it for evil.

I have a camera on my cell phone. I take pictures of my cats being cute with it.

[like em big]

1[QUOTE]) Whip out your cell cam, aim it at 'em and say, "Okay everybody, show me your two-digit IQs and low earning potentials, so I can take a picture of 'em for my friends."[/quote]
Good answer BB. There really isn't any legal stop to this, unless you can prove harassment.
I agree with the post that good parenting in lacking and seems to have become extinct.
On the brutal side I once saw a lady with high heels stand on the instep of a persons foot. Quite effective. LOL

[cute_obese_girl]

Originally Posted by TraciJo67

But then, "accidentally" dumping a full beverage glass over the cell phone ... or a big, heaping platter full of ribs into the lap of the most obnoxious of offenders isn't illegal either .

LOL. Yes, I would definitely employ this manner of dealing with the situation. Then tell the manager that the teen tripped you on purpose while verbally harassing you as you walked by and have them ejected. Who are they going to believe the adult, or the bunch of roudy teens? Sometimes it is satisfying to sink to their level

[Single26Female]

Re: legality

It is not illegal to photograph public scenes or people in public places.

The reason tabloids/shows were sued fell under the argument that those people's likeness was used for profit and/or it damaged their reputation...

One of the few places protected by photograph tricky stuff is a school/college... They have to notify you before using your likeness while you are on campus or doing campus activities... This is a safety legislation...

What the kids did was shitty... but your best bet would be to ask them to be removed from the restaurant for harassment.... there's no legal recourse that could have been taken...

For all people, good to know, if you take photographs of yourself and give them to someone, they are then that someone's property... including if you emailing them a picture...and they publish/use that picture... that is not protected under current legislation...

However, if you have private photos and someone you didn't give them to takes them directly from your possession (or, in some cases, someone else with valid possession sells your pic) OR if they take them from a website you have published... then you have basis to sue...

Also, privacy is limited to your personal property...home, car, etc... but your car is only protected if it's in your drive way... at least right now

I just mediated a case on this topic and these are basic laws that are around the country right now...

it REALLY sucks and has made me so much more aware of chances I take with my likeness...

As for your situation, the legality is irrelevent...I'm just so sorry that happened to you... It could have been any of us... You handled it better than me, I would have cried for sure...

I hope you are well

[Aliena]

Having a high IQ does not guarantee good and respectful manners.

J- I am really sorry this happened to you. My heart just started racing big time with anger reading your incident. I think I'd been furious enough to say something to them, if not, I definitely would've brought it to the managers attention. I do like the drink or food being dropped on their laps and camara too. I have just enough piss and vinegar in me to do it!!

Hugs to ya sweetie--