Just don’t do it
Dear all on the Ben tag:
Before diving into another plead for decency, I would like to remind everyone that hacking into another person’s FB/Instagram/tumblr/twitter/any other social media account is illegal. You can get prosecuted. Don’t post/reblog photos that are poached without consent from others - just don’t do it. This is about character and integrity and nothing to do with fandom.
The argument that some Ben’s family/friends post certain things in public meant it is to be shared with the public, i.e. reblogged, is simply flawed - we have heard from Ben repeatedly that he wishes to keep his private life private. As fans the least we can do is respect his wish. Not to mention the claim that Ben’s family/friends post them in public is dubious.
Put yourself in Ben’s shoes: if some strangers hack into your social media accounts, steal your private photos and make them publicly available, would you feel comfortable?
As an actor and artist, Ben gives us the opportunity to freely explore a part of his soul when he’s on stage or on screen. Be content with what he generously offers because it is already privilege enough. Do not loot what is not freely given - it is against the law, and it violates basic human decency. Be a human - be a good person.
“What a piece of work is a man! how noble in reason! how infinite in faculty! in form and moving how express and admirable! in action how like an angel! in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the world! the paragon of animals! “
-Hamlet, Act 2 Scene 2