The Challenger explosion, the Gulf War and the O.J. Simpson trials are major news items that have shaped our generation. They were also stories heavily captured through many photo lenses.

The death of Diana, the Princess of Wales, in a Paris car crash this past weekend is the latest incident worth adding to that list.

Only now, photographers — especially the paparazzi — are being blamed for making the news, not just reporting it.

The paparazzi are freelancers obsessed with getting celebrity shots that sell for thousands in tabloids. However, their actions, especially at the crash scene, do not represent those of true journalists.

While facts of the accident are still sketchy, it is known the Mercedes Benz was speeding because photographers were chasing it. Common sense would say Diana and her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, did not want to be photographed.

The true photojournalist would respect the couple and not even attempt a high-speed chase. Besides, the couple’s relationship was not breaking news, no matter how you look at it.

Diana was one of few public figures who was literally stalked by photographers when she was out of view from the public eye.

Let’s keep in mind the reason she was stalked — the public was obsessed with her life and her every action.

We can blame the press, but we also have to blame ourselves because we bought and read the news the paparazzi created.

They stalk celebrities and go crazy for a photo because they know we, the curious public, will spend money to read their work.

It is too easy to say the paparazzi shouldn’t stalk celebrities — because that won’t happen. A celebrity’s fame is usually heightened in front of the camera.

But grainy, tabloid photos aren’t always news. The best way to divert attention from them is simply not to buy them. This is why it is important for the public to distinguish what is mere obsession and what is real news.

News of Diana’s death will vary from sensational to good taste. However, it is important for the public to chose which it wants to buy if it wants to truly turn against the paparazzi.