On Wednesday, a reader called to express her extreme concern about a photograph on Page B-4 of the Local section.
I can hardly believe my eyes, she said, obviously quite upset. Why would The Star publish a picture of a man standing on a world-class piece of art like this? Hes desecrating it. If I saw my grandchildren climbing on top of that sculpture like that, well I dont know what Id do.
The image, by Star photographer Jill Toyoshiba, depicted Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art conservator Paul Benson cleaning Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggens Shuttlecocks (No. 4) on the museums lawn. Using a long-handled brush, Benson stood inside the sculpture, bracing his feet on two feathers.
I phoned Benson to ask about how he positioned himself on the artwork. Sometimes, thats the only way we can get to things to clean them, he said. He noted that the public is not allowed to touch the sculptures, but its the conservators job to maintain them carefully. Their work occasionally requires physical contact, especially on the larger pieces.
But my caller was reflecting a broader point that I hear often. Many readers think newspapers should set an example of proper behavior, never photographing or reporting on situations or conduct they find offensive or dangerous, regardless of the context.
The objections cover a vast variety of subjects. One thought a construction worker balanced too precariously on a ladder, and another said a man should have been wearing a helmet while riding his bike.
Shots of children frolicking in a city fountain are always sure to trigger stern admonitions that the fountains arent for playing. And any time The Star runs a photograph of someone with a cigarette, Im sure to hear protests from smoking foes.
Readers are often quite right about details that a journalist may not have noticed. Registered nurse Beth Cita observed several potential safety issues in a McClatchy Tribune photograph that illustrated a story about baby pacifiers in Tuesdays FYI section.
For example, the pacifier holder is too long and is a choking hazard, she wrote. The chain is beaded and the child is wearing a beaded bracelet both choking hazards. And the bear fastener is also dangerous if its attached with a pin.
Joe Ledford, assistant managing editor for photography, said his staff avoids running photographs of illegal or overtly dangerous acts but hazard is often in the eye of the beholder.
Like it or not, kids do sometimes eschew protective headgear, and adults consume legal substances that may harm their health. I dont think theres any single standard for what all readers would deem acceptable, and journalists cant be the behavior police.
