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You may also enjoy our article Whitby Goth Weekend The Hall Of Shock
Whitby Goth Weekend has always brought controversy when discussed on Social Media. The Risqué attire worn be some attendees and a perceived lack of respect for the dead of St Mary’s Graveyard has often brought conflict with the towns community and with many visitors to the town too.
Over the years Ive photographed a lot of the attendees at The Goth Weekend. Scantily clad ladies covered with little more than balloons, People sat on Gravestones, witches in the streets and Grim Reapers on the steps have all been called disrespectful to Whitby by posters on Social Media.
Today I posted a photograph I have posted many times before on Facebook. But something different happened this time… a 3 day ban.
The Photograph is of a giant of a man dressed in an SS Outfit stood on Church Street during one of the many Goth Weekends of years gone by.
Facebook state the photograph breaks its terms and conditions. Im not sure which ones, and in all honesty Im not bothered enough to try and work it out. Facebook aren’t the Police, they cant lock you up, so I always believe the best approach is to let the ban pass then just get on with using Facebook until they issue you with the next ban.
The situation as I see it… I am a documentary style photographer based in Whitby. I photograph as many things as possible whilst trying to stay objective in my approach to what I do. I doubt I will ever change my approach to what I do.
I have never ducked out of photographing the controversial stuff. Be it fox Hunting, Nazi’s at Goth Weekend, or People disrespecting the graveyard, Ive photographed it all. I try not to pass judgement if at all possible.
The day when one can not report news (old or new) in the form of photographs through social media is a very sad day indeed for any photojournalist.
Thank god I still have my website to express my views. For those able to think through and debate the situation, perhaps you could think about : Was the man right to dress up in this way ? Should he have been arrested ? What would he be charged with ? Is it wrong to photograph such a situation ? Please feel free to give your thoughts on these questions, and anything else below.
You may also enjoy our article Whitby Goth Weekend The Hall Of Shock
Well said a photographer tells what they see not what’s been written down by an adviser
Absolutely shocking. Facebook abusing their ‘perceived’ power in the worst possible way. There’s no guts, death, gore, beatings, beheadings or pornography in that photo – it’s a tall man in a fake army uniform. I’m obviously aware of what the SS stood for and did, but to ban someone for posting a picture of someone in a pretend SS uniform 75 years after the event is fucking ridiculous
I don’t really know what to say…….other than some people need to get a life, & let others get on with theirs!!
I’m stunned by Facebook’s action Glenn, to me it’s another symptom of today’s strange society. In response to your last paragraph questions, was he right to dress up this way, why not? should he have been arrested, on what charge? Is it wrong to photograph such an occasion, not in my opinion. Carry on doing what you do Glenn, that’s my take on it.
Don’t worry Alan, I won’t ever stop. If I get Facebook bans I will just upload the pictures here and point Facebook group members to them. Facebook can obviously dictate what they do and don’t allow on their platform. But anything they don’t allow I can take the naughty boy punishment and then show any interested people what they have missed by posting it here.
I cannot understand why Facebook gave you a 3 day ban. The gentleman was walking the streets and the possibility is that nobody objected to his outfit. As you said Glenn, you take photographs of people in the street. Someone must have reported it. Great shame they didn’t have the guts to message you. Take care
I wonder if he was acting illegally and would face prosecution. Or are you allowed to walk the streets dressed as you please ?
We should be able to wear what we want to without prejudices from others, but there will always be those who will object to “non comformists “. Surely if he was causing some sort of a problem then the police would have arrived to speak to him. I know that the war re-enactment weekend didn’t allow the people who dressed in his uniform to attend. It just seems strange.
All you did was take a photo of a moment in time. People do dress to shock, that is part of the Goth weekend experience. It’s only 3 days which is more of a nuisance than anything else. Love you photos
I’m not easily offended. But I have seen things in the past on Facebook that I have been compelled to report. It has to be pretty bad for me to do that. Guess what, most the time they do nothing about it as it doesnt specifically breach their rules. (even though sometimes it really really does)
Then they ban people for stuff like this, they delete photos of mothers breastfeeding because it’s nudity. And you, the photographer for mearly sharing someone in costume. Wether you agree with it or not, what you are doing is documenting, not condoning or Insighting anything. They make no sense.
In summary, Facebook are Cunts.
Facebook is an ass Glenn.
Surely someone must have complained about it for FB to take action. One of your followers. It’s all a bit silly isn’t it. No ban for Prince Harry when he dressed up.
Enjoy your time away, see you in 3 days.
Hey Glenn…I’ve never heard such a load of bullshit! A 3 day ban for posting a picture of a man dressed up in a ‘uniform’? Some moron seriously needs to get a life! FB want a kick up the backside when it comes to reporting inappropriate posts/photos etc and the lack of appropriate action that they never take! I’ve reported really serious stuff in the past, only to be told there’s nothing wrong with it – FB are a complete joke and nobody takes them seriously anymore. You know how much I love seeing your pictures and I have always supported you and always will. Keep smiling my friend and keep doing what you do best! xx
Facebook police really need to get their priorities sorted. The guy was allowed to walk the streets like that no-one bats a eyelid, put a photo on Facebook which after all is just a part of street photography record for future generations gets a 3 day ban.
Was he right to wear it?… who knows P C has gone crazy, but he certainly wasn’t upsetting anyone, everyone seems to be quite happy around him.
Keep your head high
And your middle finger higher
Ditto all the above Glenn. FB watchdogs gone stupid again. Do your time then carry on regardless.