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Reasonable peace and quiet
Jan. 30th, 2008 11:14 amI know the few FOBSies around will remember us all discussing this in various formats about HRB years ago, but I want to revive the question about celebrities and privacy. "Privacy" is a tricky word, but for purposes of this poll, I suppose I'll define it as "the reasonable expectation that one can go out in public and if accosted by a group of fans and/or paparazzi, reserve the right to decline to participate in autographs or photos."
(I also think of it as relating to "information" privacy. For example, years ago I interviewed a fellow who is now a minor celebrity, but at the time he was much better known. I found out his young child had a particular illness and that he was taking some time away from movies to stay home and work with her. Mentioning the kid's illness would've been the obvious explanation for why he wasn't doing as much, but he asked me not to print it because he didn't want her being known that way if it was something that could be corrected with juvenile therapy. I made a judgment call and agreed.)
Notice I put the onus on the celebrity - on a public street, I believe anyone has the right to take a picture or ask a question - but I also happen to believe one has the right to refuse to be the target of either by verbally refusing, moving, turning, leaving, etc. politely. (We're not talking about Sean Penn's early run-ins with the paparazzi.)
Since the questions aren't scientific or necessarily complete, you might want to comment to explain your answer. It's best that you don't just think about your favorite celebrity as you take this poll - in fact, you might do better to pick someone you don't like or respect, just for objectivity.
[Poll #1130004]
(I also think of it as relating to "information" privacy. For example, years ago I interviewed a fellow who is now a minor celebrity, but at the time he was much better known. I found out his young child had a particular illness and that he was taking some time away from movies to stay home and work with her. Mentioning the kid's illness would've been the obvious explanation for why he wasn't doing as much, but he asked me not to print it because he didn't want her being known that way if it was something that could be corrected with juvenile therapy. I made a judgment call and agreed.)
Notice I put the onus on the celebrity - on a public street, I believe anyone has the right to take a picture or ask a question - but I also happen to believe one has the right to refuse to be the target of either by verbally refusing, moving, turning, leaving, etc. politely. (We're not talking about Sean Penn's early run-ins with the paparazzi.)
Since the questions aren't scientific or necessarily complete, you might want to comment to explain your answer. It's best that you don't just think about your favorite celebrity as you take this poll - in fact, you might do better to pick someone you don't like or respect, just for objectivity.
[Poll #1130004]
