This article represents the 1st in a series of articles questioning the American public’s understanding of 1st Amendment guarantees, photojournalism, and news gathering confrontations. An increasing pattern of assaults and attacks against journalists in general, photojournalists in particular, by elements from both ends of the political spectrum has become apparent of late.
Recently, the Shelton Journal (a local weekly newspaper) ran an editorial urging local residents to be more tolerant of this news gathering organization instead of displaying hostility for it pursuing an independent editorial policy, and even toward its reporters themselves. But a recent event places that editorial in contrast with the reportedly rude manner it (Jesse, the Journal’s operations mgr) treated Bob (a long time Shelton resident) when approached with a photo of a woman wearing a Muslim headdress at the 2011 Mason Area Fair inside the Mason County Democrats booth.
Bob thought the photo merited publication and was newsworthy because, as he put it, he believed the combination of the T-shirt logo, the nature of the booth, and the woman’s attire were making a ‘statement’. The Journal, exercising its editorial independence, disagreed for a variety of reasons, none of which are necessary under the circumstances. Bob argued he’d have accepted The Journal’s discretion on the matter, but objected to the rude ejection he endured as though he were promoting racism or bigotry. Jesse, on the other hand, stated (during a fact checking interview) he exercised restraint and civility in having Bob escorted from the building.
An independent shot of the woman in question is displayed here for readers to decide for themselves whether it merited such an acrimonious exchange, displays a ‘statement’, or was even notable or newsworthy:
Is this woman making a 'statement'?
When news organizations and photojournalists are being attacked ever more frequently by a broad spectrum of political proponents or even poorly trained law enforcement officers, it behooves those who love 1st Amendment liberties to lead by example. If Bob’s allegation regarding his rude reception is accurate, The Journal was out of line and being inconsistent with its own editorial regarding such issues. If true, it certainly isn’t the kind of example to set in an environment where so much confusion exists with respect to photojournalists’ and reporters’ rights under the 1st Amendment.
It’s been said a reporter (at least a good one) has no friends…and shouldn’t! A fully informed public is vital to the proper functioning mechanism of a true democracy. The Journal’s (and any journalist’s) right to exercise its independence and 1st Amendment guarantees must be respected, even applauded. Those who would trample on that right are un-American. Similarly, The Journal must be consistent in honoring those same rights it demands…and do so politely! It may have failed to meet that simple standard in this instance.
