There are a lot of rules these days. Boundaries we can't cross, things we can't do or see. Things we're not allowed to say, nor hear.
There is a lot of fear of people wanting to cause intentional harm or injustice to their fellow man; rumours started by the press and government.
Now, I'm talking today about photography.
Anyone in the streets taking pictures of random people has to be suspicious, right? They're imposing on your rights and stealing your soul with their voodoo equipment and they know where you live. They're going to hunt you down.
If they're taking pictures of famous monuments and places of interest then surely they're a terrorist. Watch out, they're in your city killin' your dudes.
Or if someone happens to take a photo of a kid, no matter what the situation, even if it is their own child, then surely they're a paedophile! Watch out, kiddilywinks. Big bad photo man is coming.
I'm not saying photography isn't used for such things, but I am saying that we're force-fed this negative opinion of photographers out and about in the streets doing their hobby or even their job by the government and newspapers all the time.
Journalists are shooting themselves in the foot a lot of the time by taking images relating to terrorism and the other negative topics, making people feel unsafe.
Luckily, we are still at right to take photos in the public domain. Sure, rules are in place for our safety. Police can do random searches on anyone who looks suspicious, so photographers are getting stopped more than usual. Sure, it's their job, but the police surely have more important things to be doing with their time than searching people overtly taking pictures of places and people.
The laws need to be updated, and artists need to be protected. The negative image stamped onto any one with a camera is a horrible burden, and it is treated with some ignorance.
People don't care what you're doing simply because they presume the negative. Don't label someone with such derogatory tags until you find out what they're doing.
Reform the laws, Free the art.