More articles by Jerome ImhoffShould I Care About Britney?I was listening to the radio at work yesterday when the DJ came on with “Breaking News.” Although I have come to realize that the media’s assessment of what is newsworthy leaves more than a lot to be desired, I was again dumbfounded by the interest of the American public in tabloid trash. Britney Spears has made headlines again as a judge mandated that she relinquish custody of her two children to her ex-husband, Kevin Federline.
If Mattel were going to market “Out of Control Barbie,” Britney Spears would undoubtedly be a suitable prototype. I do not follow the career of the pop star, a term I apply loosely in this case, and still, I cannot avoid hearing about her. Who has not heard of the shaved head, the absent panties, and the trips in and out of rehab? A few weeks ago, Spears managed to embarrass herself with a tragic attempt to make a comeback. While her botched performance at the MTV Video Music Awards inspired crazed “leave Britney alone” fan, Chris Crocker, to come to her defense, the jabs of the show’s host, Sarah Silverman, are probably more on par with the singer’s future. Sarah said: “Wow. She is amazing. She is 25-years-old and she’s already accomplished everything she’s going to accomplish in her life. It’s mind blowing!”
The recent turn of events in the well-documented life of Ms. Spears has forced me to ask myself, “Should I care about Britney?” The media seems to think so, and I’m afraid that is a sad commentary on the times in which we live. I for one would like to applaud the judge’s decision and add an addendum. Britney must go away forever. And, while we're at it, shouldn’t we make Paris go away too? Let’s not stop there. I’ll add Lindsay, Nicole, Mary Kate, and Ashley to the roll call as well. I’m thinking…sweat shop! Let’s replace all of the children working in factories in third world countries with these twenty-something stars for whom fame and fortune came too quickly.
I fear that the plight of Britney Spears is a symptom of a disease that is truly sweeping our nation. An entire generation seems to lack responsibility. Admittedly, it is not wise to make such broad generalizations, and certainly there are many exceptions to the statement. Still, I cannot help but see the evidence all around me, and it’s disheartening. When Britney Spears was 16 years old and beginning her whirlwind career, many teenage girls saw her as one to emulate. Now, we are all appalled by her behavior and lack of judgment. I cannot help but wonder if we don’t all share a bit of the responsibility for what Britney Spears and many other young people have become. Are we merely reaping what we have sown? Something to ponder, perhaps! Sponsored by EnterTo.com the first REAL spam free email
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