Yesterday I received an email message from my friend Garry Mark Smith at streetphoto.com
He ended his email with these lines:
“We’ve been hearing some interesting economic news from your parts. And now Michael Jackson’s memorial service there. Those could be some interesting (flamboyant, culturally historic) streetphotos that would have long-lasting play in that part of the world. If I were you, I’d shoot that circus all day (even if just as an excuse to be out there, if not for the art).”
(did you notice how he refers to street photos as streetphotos? How charming!)

My first reaction was, OK, no way! I’m not going to participate in the circus.
I mean, it is quite obvious the media lost its mind with their over-coverage of the life and death of Michael Jackson to the point where they just come across ridiculous. But it’s not just the media. It is also the fans, the millions of them, rushing to eBay to buy MJ memorabilia, crying on TV and crowding the streets near UCLA hospital where he died. Ok fine. I’m not a big fan of pop music so maybe thats why I think its silly when the so-called experts claim MJ was the greatest entertainer ever lived. Give me a break.
But really the worst part about it all is that I notice it is all beginning to look like people are actually actively worshiping the guy. No, really. I know, it sounds crazy. Well, yes, it is all pretty crazy around here.

Ok, so this was the clear voice of sanity. But then the photographer in me began arguing against judging and questioning reality. It is what it is. This is where we’re at in 2009. and the photographer is there to make honest record of our days.
Or is she?
I don’t really have an answer to this one, it’s a long debate I have with myself, but anyway, this morning I decided to take my camera and go downtown and see what’s going on.

And I’m just a spectator, trying not to judge.