So we have all seen the videos for the most part, someone, normally a man, has his camera running and records a celebrity signing an autograph or multiple of. Maybe he has a kid nearby and ask little Jimmy to help secure the autograph. No harm, no foul, they knew what they were asking for the second they signed the dotted line. Except for one little problem, everything leading up to the signature is a criminal act on the part of the fan.

So let me break this down as to what we just witnessed happening before us. First we have causing an individual distress. You’re a stranger, stopping a fellow stranger to ask for a signature. I’ll give you this, the distress part is part of all of our daily lives. You never know who is who, which is why I conceal or open carry my gun.

That said, though, how about false pretenses? Asking for an autograph with intent to sell is a false pretense. If I went up to a random stranger and said I was homeless and needed money, this is a crime unless it was true, because I got the money under false pretenses.

How about we up the ante. Extortion by cellphone. You think it’s crazy, but how about going viral for being human and not having time for autographs. Next up on TMZ, celebrity refuses poor kids request for an autograph. This is no different from robbing a bank with a gun in today’s day and age.

Speaking of children, besides false pretenses again, you’re violating child labor laws. You’re making them wait in line or dealing with someone they don’t know, causing the child distress. If it is your own child, you’re still an asshole.

So already we have three potential crimes happening at once and with anyone else, like your or me, these are indeed crimes and prosecutions could be possible. Yet, if you’re famous, it’s another day at the office. No one says that about police work, if they take care of a criminal off duty or an emt saves a life at the bar.

Why do we make this distinction between the famous and non famous alike? I think we as a society would be far better off if we all took a step back and saw the autograph as a criminal act and an impediment to someone’s day.

I’m not saying that none of these people could be genuine in getting the autograph, but the lack of respect for a fellow human being, by making them sign a dozen things at an airport, is making me think otherwise.

I’m not saying autographs should be banned entirely, just that it should be illegal to ask for one outside of a signing event. If you go to wizard world conventions and get one, good on you. If you got VIP tickets and it comes with those, cool. But on the street corner, at airports, restaurants, hotels or otherwise, I think you’re over stepping your bounds and it should be considered a crime.