So, Diogenes are there any circumstances under which a person might have a legitimate objection to having his or her picture taken? What if someone tried to take a photo of your daughter had recently been attacked and was showing large bruises?
Let me make something completely clear: I am not phobic about having my picture taken.
Let me make a second thing completely clear: Leaving the room and/or walking away was not a viable option.
I wasn’t wearing a costume, unless you count a t-shirt I’d picked up which read “When evolution is illegal, only outlaws will evolve.” I thought it went well with the rather Borg-like appearance of the brace and it was my my way of trying to make the best of an unpleasant situation. The words were on my back and not visible to the woman taking the photo. If she’d asked to take a photo of it, I’m fairly sure I wouldn’t have objected. It’s a funny t-shirt.
I was embarrassed about wearing the brace and the welts it left in my legs. The way I’ve looked for the past couple of months, unable to walk without mechanical assistance and limping, is not who I like to think I am or how I want people to think of me. It’s not how I want to be remembered.
I also admit that during the course of the preceding conversation I had developed a slight dislike of this woman, as people sometimes do. I got the impression she was big on the virtues of 12 Step programs and, while I acknowledge the tremendous good they do, a former friend of mine tried to push me into one when it wasn’t appropriate and told her husband he either had to go to one for a condition he does not have (his therapist’s opinion, among others) or she’d divorce him. He’s now her ex-husband. I’ve met people at cons who’ve become friends for life; this woman wasn’t going to be one of them.
Let’s drop photography completely from the equation. Diogenes, let’s say you were faced with a hard-core Bible thumper who was determined to talk to you about Jesus until you converted to Christianity. For some reason, this person is determined to do so on a day when you don’t really want to discuss religion for some reason. She can’t think of any reason on earth why anyone would not want to share the joy and peace Christianity has brought her, and persists in her attempts even after you ask her to change the subject repeatedly. Walking away is going to mean you have to spend a few minutes strapping a large, somewhat heavy, rather awkward object to your leg, during which time she’s going to continue in her attempt to convert you. Wouldn’t you consider her behaviour just a little bit rude and/or annoying?
I know quite a few people who dislike snakes. The friend I was with at the con has two or three, one an 8 1/2 foot long boa constrictor. Would one of these people be entitled to be upset if she put one of her snakes on them after he or she repeatedly asked her not to? The snake isn’t going to harm anyone, and I gather it’s quite well behaved for a snake (I don’t think I’ve met any of hers). My friend doesn’t mind snakes and quite likes them. I don’t mind snakes and once tried to make a pet of a baby black snake on a Girl Scout campout (my tentmates objected). Would it be be rude if my friend or I insisted someone who disliked snakes pet the snake after that person repeatedly said he didn’t want to?
One last time: taking the photo wasn’t rude; doing so after she was repeatedly told not to is what was rude!
Diogenes, over the years arguing religion in GD with you, I developed a real liking and respect for you. You’ve long been on the list of Dopers I’d like to meet if I ever get the chance. Right now, though, I’m afraid I’m starting to consider you a real jerk. I wish it were otherwise.
CJ