The whole world is aware of Britney Spear’s troubles, the incarceration of Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan’s substance abuse.
I originally intended to criticize these young women who are being looked upon by their fans.
Particularly, I wanted to focus on female adolescents who would probably try to emulate their idols by engaging in behavior that’s harmful to their bodies and life in general.
However, I need to be fair and look at the problems from the celebrity’s perspective.
These starlets are young, attractive and wealthy individuals who have experienced an unordinary lifestyle, one that is filled with pressure to look the best and be the best.
I think that fame, fortune, looks and power are strong forces that can lead people astray.
In my opinion these celebrities operate in different circumstances, and compounding this with their youth, a time of significant physiological and psychological change, it’s understandable, its no wonder why they take the wrong path.
They obviously need help and guidance.
Therefore, I cannot criticize them as much, but I can turn my head toward the industry that constantly pours the spotlight on them, exposing them to the whole world - the media.
This medium has the power to determine what’s newsworthy.
I know that the media needs to give whatever sells, but consumers, too, need to readjust their focus and not buy into uninspiring gossip.
I remember when the most talked about news was whether Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey would get back together.
I understand the media is trying to stay in business and it’s important to keep consumers abreast of the latest news, but perhaps it’s time that both the media and the public take a step back.
It seems like the top news is almost always negative, and I think in the long run, it’s going to have a bad effect.
The media is subtly spreading the message that if you want attention, you need to do something negative.
Why not put healthy-looking celebrities on the front covers and feature those that are doing admirable contributions to society?
It’s the reinforcement of the positive, not the negative that I would like to see for a change.
By
Anoushka Valodya