Background: I'm a Gen X, 50 year old male. My friends and I like to take photos on mass transit, mostly of attractive young women, homeless, and other interesting people and then compare. It is totally legal to take photos of people in a public area without their permission. This includes situations such as parks, malls, mass transit, and other open spaces where there is no expectation of privacy. {Your can research this for yourself.}

Story: I've been doing this for awhile, makes the commute go by faster and more interesting. Last week, I took a photo of an attractive young women who was standing in front of me drinking a starbucks. BTW, what she was doing is actually a violation of rider policy and she could get a fine for sipping on her drink. Note that my actions, on the other hand, were perfectly legal.

I attempt to be discreet so as to not disturb the subject and I took a couple photos and I'm absolutely sure she did not notice. HOWEVER, a young man standing behind me happened to notice and confronted me in a big way:

Random Dude (Millenial): "You can't do that here, people have a right to feel safe."

Me: "What I'm doing is legal, why don't you mind your own business."

RD: "That isn't cool, blah blah"

Me: {Stronger language} "Why don't you fucking get out of my face and mind your own business? Is this a 'safe space' are you a 'snowflake'? {I could tell he understood the references}

RD: "Where are you getting off?"

Me: "What are you going to do hit me?" {Still seated, I stick my neck out actually hoping he will punch me. There are people and cameras all over. I know from personal experience many years ago, the consquences for hitting other people when you are an adult can be pretty serious. I also made the judgement that he would have a lot to lose based on his appearance and where he got on. Seemed like a young tech bro.}

RD: {this goes on for awhile. RD stop finally comes and he gets off} "I'll be looking for you"

Me: {sticks middle finger out} "Fuck you!"

{End of Story}

What dude calls another man out for this behavior? Is this a generational thing and they don't understand the unspoken 'man code'? Besides, 'Miss Thing' shouldn't be drinking her Star Bucks on the train.

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{Follow Up} Legal is legal folks. This guy sought out an unncessary confrontation.