This is just another manifestation of self-centeredness, which is central to the whole issue. I don’t like having my picture taken, but that’s just because I’m ugly… 
We, the mostly middle aged and older, white, western nation state males that inhabit this forum have a chance to push for a great understanding of the world here, which I think we should do instead of yelling at the kids to get off the collective lawn.
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Can’t say that I disagree in principle but there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that the “Me Generation” focus has gone off the scale in the past 30+ years. It’s not that other generations would’ve necessarily been immune* but it’s just been more prevalent “lately” (for some value of “lately”).
* As a boomer I’m probably more “me” than my grandparents, so…
You are literally the “me” generation 
I was just about to post the same videos!
Every generation is “me” in its own unique way, and every generation evolves through its lifetime. The guys who are now in their 70s and being corporate czars are the same generation that went to Woodstock. The only constant is that every young generation thinks the generations before suck.
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I can’t speak for Canada, but American baby booms are literally nicknamed the me generation.
Canada is approximately America with a six second delay for bleeps. Although, we do have a lot of discourse that requires bleeping.
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You don’t need to be part of a group to criticize or comment on its workings though. This goes for both sides of course.
Unfortunately I see this discourse a lot online, that if you are not part of this or that group, you are not even allowed to mention or talk about them, their ideas or beliefs, especially if what you offer is criticism, be it positive or negative.
That said, I agree with Len, this generation is a lot less “communal” than our parents or grandparents were, and if we need a “generational pass” to comment on it, well I’m part of it I think as I’m “only” 26 
Edit: And about being white and western, well I’m european and europe is mostly white(with a giant range for all the different people’s) and western, other people’s can also shed light on their own experiences and they are as valid. But the idea of “white and western” voices having suddenly less value is one you constantly see being thrown around by Americans everywhere online, it gets tiring very quickly.
Furthermore, we only started seeing this in the last few years. You could argue that before that internet access was mostly restricted or available to westerners, but people didn’t care about if you were white, black, asian etc, you were just a username behind the post. IRL it’s a different story. Until globalism really hit, local movements were bound to have people of the same race merely due to demographics, especially in Europe, most asian countries etc where there hadn’t been a lot of migration. In the US the story is different of course as it was a multi-racial society from the start.
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You’re entitled to your opinion, totally. Go for it.
I just wish the opinion of the stays quo weren’t so banal and predictably depressing.
Instead of trying to understand why kids who grew up where you could share anything instantly with everyone in the world are more sensitive to something specific, or, god forbid we learn something about the world that is leaving us behind, we go for the “uhhh they’re so into themselves, stupid kids.”
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So… let’s say someone has a camera… and enjoys exploring things like… oh… composition… light… finding pleasing arrangements of subjects and things… in a public space… where laws and histories of jurisprudence already provide guidance for behaviors… and already define what’s acceptable or not… what more does someone with a camera need to do? And why?
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I would call this kind of behavior infinitely sad instead of creepy. Taking photographs with the purpose of objectifying women (or anyone else) just reveals problems with the perpetrator. If I had to guess, I would assume that the people doing this find women attractive, but don’t know how to approach them in a civilized way.
I think that instead of fearing this, society should just prepare young women (and men) to ignore it. Giving it attention and feeling like a victim is exactly what the perpetrators want; ignoring it would take away their power. (In outrageous cases there is always good old tort law.)
I don’t know where this leaves street photography though. Perhaps the public could be educated about its history and purpose as an art form.
(Also, as a sidenote, I am wondering if people taking photos for “creepy” purposes actually use a camera or a phone. In principle the resulting JPGs could be analyzed for this information, but I don’t feel like exploring these sites. I would guess that almost 100% use a phone, just because using a camera is an investment of money and learning).
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That may be a critical misunderstanding imho.
It’s not about “white and western (male)” voices having less value, it’s about other voices existing and having validity too. Fundamentally different than devaluating white-western-voices.
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press the shutter
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I understand that this is the point (and I support it). What I mean is that there is a constant effort to point out one’s race or gender when the best thing would be to completely ignore it. Especially in online discourse(non social media) when I have no idea, and don’t care, if you are black, asian, female, etc.
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You beat me to it
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I just remembered this video about using longer lenses for street photography. Go above 50mm (equivalent) and no one will care [this is what I do]. Get out your 90mm and you will be practically invisible. Especially if you use a micro 4/3 with a small prime like Olympus 45mm f/1.8 or the 75mm (unlike the video below, which has zooms). People will think it is a retro or toy camera.
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With each outing the artist must push the envelope ever closer toward the artistic goal or risk having the venue (privilege of public photography) taken away.
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I thought similarily for a long time until someone pointed out that this “we are all equal”-approach makes it really really easy for majorities to ignore and push aside the struggles (or even existence) of minorities. Especially when reality is that many people in this world do not enjoy equality.
I still believe that all humans should be treated fundamentally equal. But I can also acknowledge the fact that reality is still far away from that. People pointing out their race/gender/whatever is not meant devisive, I think it’s meant representative. The majority never had to think about representation, it was the majority and as part of the majority you were already represented.
So are young people just too individualistic?
Too “me, me, me”?
Too “my race, my gender, my whatever”?
I don’t think so. I think they are hyper aware of mis-representation, consent-violations and people trying to profit off of them.
Streetphotography touches those things.
Misrepresenting individuals, not asking individuals for permission, selling prints of people you didn’t ask…
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I once asked a photographer “did you ask for permissions to publish those photos”
His reply was “they are in a different country. I doubt they will sue me ever”
Me: “So how would you feel if someone does this with your wife or your daughter or even yourself, would you be fine with it? Would THEY be fine with it.”
We should treat people how we want ourself and our loved ones to be treated. Maybe ask your non photographer friends, how they would feel in that situation.
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