Is Staring not Enough?

Nearly a fortnight ago, our Princess Party commenced. It was a thrilling, silly occasion that included frolicking stupidly around a park. A very useful park, for it had all the whimsy a princess needs: ducks, squirrels, flowers, ponds. As well as things we could have used less of, like the old man with the fancy camera taking pictures of us or the tourists with their phones out taking pictures of us or the senior people walking past taking pictures of us. You know, if you just ask, we’d almost certainly say yes. We’ve had people do that before, it would maybe be a bit uncomfortable for us but we appreciate the asking permission. It’s also quite flattering to see people so enthralled with our Saturday get ups. 
The Princess Party Saturday was sure to receive looks and questions which we were wholly prepared for. It would be pretty damn stupid to go about in public, the five of us decked out in pointy hats with billowing tulle and flouncy skirts, and not expect a side eye here or there, or a “is there a special occasion happening?” It would be foolish, cocky, dare I say ignorant of the behavior of our fellow humans. However, I am troubled by the audacity people have to take pictures of strangers, without said stranger’s permission, as though they’re at a zoo. 
This happened when I was a child, swimming around the local pier with my friends. We paddled to a floating dock a little ways away and as we basked in the sun, we noticed the horde or tourists… photographing us… children in swimsuits. Sure it’s legal or whatever, public place and all that, but it’s fucking weird too! None of those people were our parents and we weren’t any of their kids so why are photos being taken of our soggy asses? Why are people compelled to do that? I don’t like the fact that a random old dude has however many pictures of me and my mates in our regal getup. I don’t like the fact that I have no information about what was captured. He was so unapologetic about it too. They all were, no one trying to hide or be discreet. 
I’ve seen plenty of brides and their grooms out and about and I’ve looked in their direction. I try to stare only when they aren’t looking or I’m not in their view but that’s where it stops. I stare, I admire, I move on. I don’t whip my phone out and start snapping up shots of spiffy people I have never met. Hell, the amount of cool ass outfits I’ve seen people wear have tempted me greatly, but I don’t give in because it’s weird. I simply collect the image with my eyeballs and stow it away in my brain. Maybe I’ll be able to recall it again one day, maybe not, but it brought me joy for some time nonetheless without making anyone feel violated. 
I’m almost certain I did a whole log about this but I am going to reiterate anyway, strange looking people are not attractions. Unless we’re clearly performing on the street, we are not seeking attention. We are just living our lives in our silly little outfits. We aren’t asking for anything, just like pregnant people aren’t asking for everyone around to get all handsy with their midsection because it’s practically spherical. Or, or when folk be walking their dogs, like, that doesn’t give you sudden permission to just go up and act like you’re best friends with that dog. I don’t know if it’s a lack of patience or a sense of entitlement but humans aren’t humaning right in this department I feel. Just… be a normal person and ask.