Brittany Bullock
MC Practicum/Staff
Photo-shaming is an act that many have participated in. Whether your intent was or was not malicious, taking pictures of someone without their consent and using the photos to tease or bully the person can have many negative consequences.
Although it is no law against taking someone’s picture without their permission, wrongfully making memes or making them a tease target can be dangerous to both parties. According to dailymail.com, some States take the act seriously and cyberbullying could result in ten years jail time. If photos are proven to be a form of cyberbullying, consequences can or will be harsh.
According to www.legalzoom.com however, there are some limits to taking someone’s photo without permission. If the photo was taken when you have an expectation of privacy, like in the gym while undressing or using the bathroom, this is illegal and could land the photographer in big trouble.
The Video Voyeurism Prevention Act passed in 2004 prohibits the photographing or videotaping of a naked person without his or her permission in a gym, tanning salon, dressing room or anywhere else where one expects a “reasonable expectation of privacy.” Violators can expect fines of up to $100,000 and/or up to a year in prison, according to Legal Zoom.
Besides legal consequences, many are taking a stand against photo and body-shaming practices as learned by Playboy model Dani Mathers.
Mathers took a photo of a naked 70-year-old woman last June in an LA Fitness locker room and was charged by the LAPD for body shaming. According to foxnews.com, the 29-year-old Mathers faced widespread criticism after she shared the photo on Snapchat in July with the caption: “If I can’t un-see this then you can’t either.” She later apologized and deleted her social media accounts.
Jill Greuling, an LA Fitness executive vice president stated in an interview with, “Her behavior is appalling and puts every member at risk of losing their privacy.” LA Fitness also responded to Mather’s action by permanently revoking her membership at all of its health clubs.
Some students around the campus of Jackson State University weighed in on this issue.
Kentreal Hopper, a sophomore elementary education major from Tutwiler, Miss., said he frowns upon photo/body shaming wholeheartedly.
“I think there should be very strict consequences for someone who goes out of their way to embarrass or humiliate another soul. These foolish actions can lead to self-hate, insecurities, as well as thoughts of suicide,” said Hopper.
Some students, like Devin Hayes, believe in a more direct approach in dealing with photo-shaming or cyberbullying.
“I wish somebody would call themselves recording or taking a picture of me behind my back. My clap back is 10 times harder and I promise their feelings will be hurt before mine are,” said Hayes, a senior chemistry major of Terry Miss.
Some students have voiced their photo and body shaming experiences and have learned to look over the negativity.
“When I was in high school, people took pictures of my shoes and my appearance and got out on me because I didn’t have the latest gear. I wasn’t allowed on social media at home, so it was brought to my attention in school when I was the laughing stock of the class. I learned to ignore all of the negatives because I knew that one day I would do better for myself,” said James Jones, a junior engineering major from Jackson, Miss.
Jones added that financially he is now doing better than everyone that photo shamed him in high school.
“Looks like life is going in my favor,” he said.
Entertainers Kelly Clarkson, Gabourey Sidibe, and Big Lez have all have been victims of photo and body shaming. These celebrities have taken to social media to end body-shaming and rude and hateful remarks with their personal posts advising followers that if you have nothing good to say or post, don’t post at all!
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