What’s Gotta Stay

I have been watching the online discussions associated with Thomas Hawk’s run in with the now infamous Simon Blint of the San Francisco Museum of Art. I avoided linking to this at first because, a) I tend to not link to anything with harsh language, and b) I wanted to see how the whole situations shook out. The original language of the article has been toned town a bit and now the SFMOMA has responded.

I try hard to wait and listen to both sides of the story before making my judgements, but having been accosted several times lately by overzealous security types my paradigm cannot help but be a bit skewed towards believing TH’s explanation of the experience. SFMOMA chose to take the defensive PR route, which I find both disappointing and alienating. For those readers unaware of the whole fiasco, here are some links:

• Thomas Hawk’s original accounting of the event
• SFist’s reference and ensuing comments from readers
• Thomas Hawk’s follow up
• SFMOMA’s press release

Many other blogs, friend feed and digg discussions are out there if you are interested.

What really gets me in this situation is that there appeared to be no reasoning with the individual in charge of “Visitor Relations.” Isn’t this supposed to be a person capable of resolution and having a calming influence on situations? My recent “ejection” by the O2 arena staff while I was doing my job and a similar run in with a tour guide at the Hearst Castle a few weeks ago has me definitely believing this situation was quickly escalated by an ego-driven staffer that could have done much better. SFMOMA, perhaps not wanting to bend to pressure of an equally strong willed online persona has simply thumbed its nose at the situation.

So, with my belief that total inaction is the biggest form of fault in allowing situations like this to continue, I have written in an email to the SFMOMA communications department. Though I know it will have no long term effect, perhaps it will be a number chalked up in the column of those tallying the backlash to this incident.

When I visit a museum, if i am abiding by policy I expect to be treated with respect as a patron. Do not assume I am a criminal by your own observations and take the time to let me display my intentions.

For those interested, here is a copy of my letter.

SFMOMA Public Relations:

I am not from San Francisco, but have the opportunity to travel there a few times a year on business and personal trips. I have frequented the area of the MOMA but have consciously avoided attending your exhibits in the past due to the no photography policy. Upon hearing of your policy change in regards to the photography in permanent collections and architecture, I was looking forward to attending on my next trip. With the recent discussion I have observed online, and your reaction to it, I am afraid that will not be happening.

Regardless of your stance to back your employee, I have high doubts that a photographer such as the aliased Thomas Hawk was in fact acting in any way as accused. I am sure tempers flared once confronted, so both parties could have done better, but it is the expectation that the professional in charge of relations to better handle such a situation.

I too have been accosted by overzealous security types numerous times simply because I like to take my time to frame varied shots from the same location and am therefore viewed as a security risk. I always respond pleasantly to describe what I am doing, but rarely do the security empowered staff ever listen to any sort of reasoning. It is the closed ear approach to security that bothers me most of about this entire situation. Rather than looking to diffuse the situation, Mr. Blint chose to remain rigid and ego-driven. To me that is the exact opposite from what I would expect from some charged with positive visitor relations.

I know I am but a small fish in the sea of your visitors, but the incorrect approach taken to this incident and policy in general reaffirm the bad view I have of your establishment. You have shown yourself to be just as stiff necked as your staff by making no attempts at resolving the situation, choosing rather to simply defend. This poor business mindset will keep me and all those I advise in photography and travel out of your establishment.

Jeremy Hall

Tags: museum, photography is not a crime