Tony Fouhse, whose project User looks at the crack addicts in Ottawa, commented on the previous post on Scot Sothern. His comment is a middle finger to politeness and constructive criticism, but it hits the spot.
"I've been collaborating with a small society of crack addicts for 3 (going on 4) years. Taking fotos. Believe me, I've heard all the criticisms about exploitation, that I don't belong there, doing what I'm doing.
Simple fact is, there are no rules. Do what you want and let the chips fall. Mr Sothern is doing something. Those attacking this work are probably doing next to nothing, except complaining. If we listened to the nay-sayers and complainers, to those who would have us just represent the world and ourselves the way they see fit, well, where would that leave us?
Any time you frame anything, whether it be with a camera, with words or a paintbrush, you are exploiting. That's a given. Get over it.
If it offends you go look at fotos of sunsets, or flowers, or something"
