One of the opening sequences of “Smash His Camera” shows clips of contrasting perspectives of Ron Galella. Some people call him a genius while others think of him as nothing more than a pest.

This is reflective of how people generally feel about the paparazzi. But, of course, Galella is no ordinary paparazzi. He devoted his life to capturing the most elite of celebrities in the most ordinary of situations. He took up gardening and donned helmets all in an attempt at the perfect shot.

But why? Galella believed that moments like Jackie O biking with her kids through Central Park and celebrities leaving Studio 54 completely hammered were what the public wanted and needed to see.

Others say, “They’re just normal people. Give them some privacy! No one cares!”

If no one really cared, Galella wouldn’t have had ten books published of the photos.

If people didn’t care today, there wouldn’t be People magazine.

Cases have been made against paparazzi, including Galella himself. Galella sued Onassis and the Secret Service for interfering with his profession when they had him arrested after jumping out in front of Onassis’ son riding a bike. Onassis countersued for invasion of privacy, assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and harassment.

Galella’s case was dismissed and he was given restraining orders to stay away from Onassis and her children.

In the movie, Galella said that was soon dropped because it hindered his profession.

Galella took photos in public spaces— parks, sidewalks, etc. That is legal.

But is it ethical to doggedly follow people’s every move? Even if they are celebrities?

As Deputy Chief Tim Becker told the class on Thursday, not all celebrities choose the spotlight.

But the paparazzi is there. They’re there outside celebrities’ homes. They’re chasing cars to the point of them crashing into pillars.

One coroner jury found that Princess Diana and her boyfriend were “unlawfully killed because their driver and pursuing paparazzi were reckless

I know some people want to be government watchdogs. They want to listen to police scanners and be the first on the scene of the crime. They want to scrutinize and digest reports that are hundreds of pages long.

There’s no question of whether or not that’s journalism.

But what about an episode of TMZ? Harvey Levin stands at the front of the newsroom as reporters (that look a little something like the photo to the left) gather around and share the news of where Bob Saget and John Stamos ate lunch together.

Is it necessary that the public knows this information? No.

Is it interesting and entertaining to some? Absolutely.

I’ve always loved entertaining people— it’s why I tell so many stories and laugh so loud at others’. It might not save lives, but it makes life better.

Journalists and paparazzi should never put people’s lives in danger. But they should also be willing to take a punch.