Gear is for art. Art are politics

[Ed_David]

I obsess over image fidelity, skintones, and motion cadence. The latest lens. The latest camera. The image for landscapes and beauty and fashion.

And all the while the world continues with war. Looming war with north korea. Potential disputes woth Russia and Pakastan and China. Endless drone strikes. Illegal military operations in Yemen. Civilians dying instantly by drone technology. And with climate change and water shortages.  

The world economy is failing.  Money upon money is increasingly in the realm of loans.  The banking industry has not learned its lessons from the 2008 financial crisis and politicians are controlled by donors.

But I am removed. I am a good little boy. Tinkering with anamorphic lenses. Vacationing and sitting idly;  a luxerious life. 

But when I do a post here about b and h a photo company that loses lawsuits like some people just get speeding tickets, that constantly abuses workers, via discrimination or other actions, the thread is deleted.

Why?

This is a forum about toys. Leisure activities, which is important.   But constant and endless distraction is also bad.  By doing nothing, we allow bad people to continue. 

And cameras are weapons.  Photographs can change the world.  So can films.  So can words.  This pursuit can be used for positive change.

We are storytellers, and people watch movies and nonfiction films like no others these days.  One of the first questions people ask is, "so what are you watching on netflix?"

We have a lot of power, and we should allow discussion of these issues.  Of course, this is a forum about technology, but why not let a few posts drift into philosophical issues?

[Andrew Reid]

It's not political.

You can be white, upper middle class and be creative without guilt.

Political? It is what you make it. Sometimes political is good.

From the outside, what is happening in the US at the moment is shocking. Tribal.

What is the photo company? Names!

[jcs]

Ignore all sides who preach hate and division, brothers and sisters. They are all coming from the same source, the same people pulling the strings, a layer above and invisible to most. Their goal is to create division and civil war, WW3, to consolidate their global power. DC is locked in self-destructive corruption, so we need to manifest miracles to bring about peaceful change. Perhaps best case scenario is to pardon them all if they'll all leave peacefully. They have most people looking down at minutiae, when we really need to be looking up at our rulers and working together in unity to create real change, at the root source of all the world's manufactured problems.

Spread the message of love and unity. Think in terms of what you want, as opposed to what you don't want.

What we think becomes reality.

 

[BTM_Pix]

I think this relates to a thread about the B&H discrimination case ?

[kaylee]

1 hour ago, Ed_David said:

I obsess over image fidelity, skintones, and motion cadence.

That is a political act.

Because im an upper middle class white guy so i am allowed to do this.

So are most of you.

Its called white priveliege.

And we are not in a vacumn

The president of the united states is a white nationalist and is wrecking havoc.

And where are we? Defending a photo company that discriminates against women and race.

Classy.

https://www.workplacefairness.org/sexual-gender-discrimination#2

ed, heres a protip: acting like a 5 year old online, under your real name, is a very bad idea. people who might want to hire you based on your good work will start to vet you, and within seconds theylll discover that youre a huge pain in the ass online, and they will wonder: How much worse is he in person?

i thought that maybe youd turned over a new leaf. time to grow up dude

[Neumann Films]

6 hours ago, Ed_David said:

I obsess over image fidelity, skintones, and motion cadence.

That is a political act.

Because im an upper middle class white guy so i am allowed to do this.

So are most of you.

Its called white priveliege.

And we are not in a vacumn

The president of the united states is a white nationalist and is wrecking havoc.

And where are we? Defending a photo company that discriminates against women and race.

Classy.

https://www.workplacefairness.org/sexual-gender-discrimination#2

Ed, I appreciate you man.  I do, I appreciate the fire and the passion.  But at a certain point you realize, all it does is further cement, the people you're trying to change, in their own views.  It's a lost cause and an impractical strategy.

It's cheesy but...love and understanding. Even to Trump.  Don't let your perception of people dictate what you actually know to be true.  What are people like in reality vs the PERCEPTION of them that is created through media?  We are all pretty good.  A few bad eggs.  Mostly good.

Keep the faith man.  Trust your eyes.   

[Axel]

The white privileged gear collectors miss the signs of the time, which, thanks to Trump and the like, have made people more aware of politics. Some (black) comedian said, we have a very good party now - with a lousy DJ. I have a book on documentary video, written by (black) Anthony Artis titled SHUT UP AND SHOOT - ANY CAMERA - ANY BUDGET - ANY TIME. The time is now. Or never. Aesthetic niceties have their reasons, but we tend to be on fixated on, er, visual correctness.

[Neumann Films]

24 minutes ago, Axel said:

The white privileged gear collectors miss the signs of the time, which, thanks to Trump and the like, have made people more aware of politics. Some (black) comedian said, we have a very good party now - with a lousy DJ. I have a book on documentary video, written by (black) Anthony Artis titled SHUT UP AND SHOOT - ANY CAMERA - ANY BUDGET - ANY TIME. The time is now. Or never.

How about showing respect to everyone (yes, even white), ESPECIALLY if their views differ from yours.  Gear privileged...dude, you're on a fucking forum for cameras.  You don't know what anyone does outside of this forum.  No more than they know you.  Stop being an entitled little prick.

You could be Stanley fucking Kubrick, but if you STILL haven't figured this out, I pity being anyone that has to deal with you in person. 

Evolve faster.

[Neumann Films]

Sorry for being harsh.  I don't like seeing people get ripped into that don't deserve it, though.  I'm really tired of it.  Good people too.  It's just...not right.  I keep my mouth shut and stay impartial on as much as I can but...I dunno.  People probably spend a couple of hours a week on this forum, calling them (basically) sheep to Capitalism is as insulting as you can get.  

Filmmakers like to give themselves a hand job for making "art" but art doesn't feed people.  It doesn't fucking put a roof over someone's head.  It kills 90 minutes and people move on.  Let's not get all self righteous and pretend that a movie has ever really moved the scales.  Any good will you do is countered by how much of a prick you can be online.  Just..null.

[Emanuel]

This white versus black whatever color talk is completely nonsense and primitive.

[Axel]

7 minutes ago, Neumann Films said:

Evolve faster.

We can be superheroes. Our power would be real empathy. This is the only way. 

15 minutes ago, Neumann Films said:

Gear privileged...dude, you're on a fucking forum for cameras.  You don't know what anyone does outside of this forum.  No more than they know you.  Stop being an entitled little prick.

That was what I was trying to say. I didn't mean to single me out.

2 minutes ago, Neumann Films said:

Sorry for being harsh.

No offence taken. We say sorry too often.

Just now, Emanuel said:

This white versus black whatever color talk is completely nonsense and primitive.

Did you read this between my lines? Then you have misinterpreted them.

[Emanuel]

30 minutes ago, Axel said:

Did you read this between my lines? Then you have misinterpreted them.

I didn't read anything at all. I just don't like to read anything on topic. It is like to discuss disability or alike, etc. Is there any sense or reason for?

[Nrubloc]

@Ed_David

“And where are we?”

I get it, but placing various labels or using anecdotal phrases is just too easy, especially if one has the means to approach things differently. They (labels) can also be misinterpreted or misrepresented by those who have different life experiences or just ignorant for whatever the reason, willfully or not. In such cases it may be best to try to educate or raise awareness in some way. If you feel the need to help, share, enlighten or educate others in this regard, I would recommend that approach.

Less talk more doing, not only sounds better, but it also comes across as a more genuine when a real effort with actions are made rather than assuming with labels. If you honestly feel you have so much “privilege” then maybe use it in a more effective and positive way.

I see people quite often with much less “privilege” still doing great things to bring awareness and positive changes to long standing issues found in their own communities around the world. If they can actually do something, you and your “privilege” surely can. Sometimes you just have to get out of a comfortable narrative zone, and to hell with the consequences really. Often one has to be at least a little bit crazy. So slightly crazy can equal crazy good.

Use your well established professional “chops” that have developed, along with your immediate network/connection resources when needed to create things (documentaries, films, etc.) that you find interesting, meaningful or worthy to further promote and bring awareness to such issues. I’m sure you are surrounded by like minded individuals that believe in doing such non-commercial side projects already… get new friends if not.

It can be difficult day-in and day-out and somewhat unsatisfying at times by being involved in the creation of maybe less meaningful content that is sometimes generated when working in the commercial production space. Use any longer downtime between intense gigs to work on your own project ideas covering privilege, discriminatory practices, workplace conditions or any other issues that you have raised in the past. When you’re busy focusing on some side passion projects or just out to create something more positive through awareness instead, that passion project itself also helps to prevent your mind from wandering a bit towards any negativity floating around. Positive thoughts help lead to positive things. One cannot effectively communicate or create such a genuine message to possibly share if negativity clouds the airways.

Create something positive to educate using your obvious passion and strong convictions, but just don't tell them (viewers) what to think during the process. Maybe show a different perspective and some viewers would arrive at similar conclusions, have on their own realizations, or just maybe agree to disagree. Regardless, such an approach could start a real dialog and something interesting to share.

One also doesn’t have to be a philanthropic billionaire to contribute to society by helping their communities or focus on the different issues that they are passionate about. Use whatever you personally have access to. So use whatever “privilege”, knowledge, opportunity, or ability you feel you may have to bring awareness by actions and create things that maybe you could make a difference or positive contribution towards.

Let the negative actions of some condemn themselves, while focusing on any “positive actions” that could ultimately bring a positive influence or encourage others. Whatever project ultimately created in that spirit would be taken seriously and you could then bring your ideas to a wide/broader audience. Most rational people, whether or not they agree with each and every stance you may have on various topics would respect the efforts. At the least you would be putting thoughts into action while others would maybe still be offering nothing, just the same labels or unfortunately perhaps further negativity.

Look Mr. Charlie Chicken deep into the eyes and ask him… he seems like an honest bloke. If you ask him nicely maybe he would even help you work it out, if he is not to busy with his Art Retrospective.

Good luck

[Arikhan]

1 hour ago, Neumann Films said:

Filmmakers like to give themselves a hand job for making "art" but art doesn't feed people.  It doesn't fucking put a roof over someone's head.

Full ACK. A very experienced (and successful) producer told me two years ago: "You HAVE to understand, film making is NOT an art. It's a business!". He was right and this will never change, as gear, traveling, etc., all cost money...

Art does NOT bring food on the table or pays bills. Only customer's money does. And customers don't buy art or colours, they buy your attitude, competence, performance and (hopefully) results they need. And - in 99 percent of cases - this is completely different from expectations/dreams of "artists".

@Ed_David

I like your post...Film makers don't live in a vacuum, they have the right to express their opinion, even in politics. BUT people became intolerant nowadays, many of them probably beeing too intolerant to discuss other people POV. Instead of dialogue, there is only debasing other people POV and hate. And that's the same for your potential customers - some will agree your opinion, but others will hate you...and will not hire you. Probably because their emotional inner life outpasses tolerance and objective decisions...

@Neumann Films And still...if we can not express our opinions and thoughts, what is then the sense of our democracies? During communism there was a political censorship...Do we get now some kind of economical censorship? Potential employers not hiring you, because of your thoughts and opinions? Miserable attitude, this...

The such called "Political Correctness" is only for blind followers...I am photographing & filming protests and violence (leftists, conservatives, nazis, "alt-right", etc.) for years now. Everytime I plublish my work, I get bashed by political opponents: If capturing violent leftists, the leftists attack me (verbally) and conservatives and "alt-right" applaude me....If I capture nazi violence and dumbness, I get attacked by nazis and applauded by leftists...But none of them understand, I do NOT sympathize with the one or other side...

[Axel]

54 minutes ago, Arikhan said:

@Neumann Films And still...if we can not express our opinions and thoughts, what is then the sense of our democracies?

In my work (home for the elderlies) 90 % of the clients have dementia. They have forgotten the meaning of, well, basically anything abstract. Their imagined social status, their illusion of autonomy, their professional ambitions, their whole anxiously upheld public persona: gone for good. Emotions remain intact to their last breath. At some stage they have forgotten the words to express them. Have they lost their humanity? 

The ability to think, to mentally function, to use reason, is an extension of the brain. A relatively new tool in evolution. As powerful as it potentially is, it turns dangerous, destructive, genocidal, if it loses contact with the emotional core, the real needs of the individual. Everyone would agree.

How does this relate to filmmaking? Do we question this whole field of activity because being shown a video doesn't feed anybody? Why not? On the other hand, it's a means of communication with many connections to the subconscious. Less abstract in many ways than language. Do we question language? Sometimes we should. The sense for our own and our neighbor's needs is numbed. We should listen to the heart (as cheesy as this sounds) more often, and it communicates non-verbally.

[Jonatan]

*grabs popcorn*

[Shirozina]

I obsess over image fidelity, skintones, and motion cadence.

That is a political act. - no it's a technical concern

Because im an upper middle class white guy so i am allowed to do this. - no as it's open to anyone who is interested in the technical side of image making

So are most of you. -  - no we are not

Its called white priveliege. - no it's not

And we are not in a vacumn - speak for yourself ( it's vacuum BTW)

The president of the united states is a white nationalist and is wrecking havoc. - quite possibly but what has this to do with any of the above esp as his support base is largely lower class white ( ex) workers

And where are we? Defending a photo company that discriminates against women and race. - who, what ?

Classy. - just delusional

BTW as a 'self-confessed' upper middle class white guy the system of privilege you so despise seems to have failed you spectacularly with regards to your education in basic  spelling and grammar........

 

[Emanuel]

Really... I never thought to have read on topic in XXI century: pathetic path of History : (

[Andrew Reid]

In the UK the other day there was a news piece on this guy... Karl Popper

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradox_of_tolerance

It's interesting because it shows the paradox of today's liberal society...

The US society is tolerant enough to allow the display of nazi flags outside houses under free speech laws and right wing protests in the streets under expensive police escorts, and it's tolerant enough to allow these people to arm themselves with several automatic weapons at once.

The more tolerant we become, the more the door opens to the intolerant ones, the more freedom they have to wreak havoc and destroy tolerance. So Karl Popper argued (in 1945 no less) that for a society to be truly tolerant it has to be "intolerant of intolerance".

I suppose in the case Ed raised of alleged discrimination by a photo company, we shouldn't tolerate it, he's right on that. But I am also against building a wall between us and every single person in the company because of the wrongdoings of a few of their management, and I still really don't know if Ed is talking about a shop or a manufacturer.

I suppose the point of Ed's post was to get us all talking and I'm fine with a bit of politics every now and again.

I just don't agree that race has much to do with talking about cameras. It's a privilege but not just a white one.

[cantsin]

It doesn't make sense to discuss political issues on a European forum where most members happen to be Americans who live in their domestic culture wars and thus get triggered by any politically loaded word. There's a danger that subjects like this will turn this forum into Reddit or 4chan.