Posted on 11/05/2001 9:44:56 AM PST by The American
This Tuesday, millions of Americans will make a choice that will affect this country's future. Their decision will either support or reject the direction of our society; together we can make a difference. No, this is not about Election Day, this is bigger. Tuesday is the day Britney Spears' new album, "Britney," hits the shelves.
Record sales of "Britney" will show us just how much America supports Spears' two-faced actions. She boasts large sales to guys worshipping her like a sex goddess, and even more sales to young girls worshipping her like a hero. This is a dangerous combination. If Americans choose wisely and boycott the upcoming album, Britney will be forced to recognize the error in her hypocritical ways. And all the slinky spandex suits in the world won't get her out of this one.
Spears has found success by simultaneously playing 'good girl' and 'sexy vixen.' Initially she only played the part of the good girl, building up a young fan base that, to this day, views her as a role model. Times have changed. No longer is she the girl next door ... unless you live next to a whorehouse. Yet though her actions make her look like a slut, at times she still behaves like a role model (part-time) to hang on to her young girl fan base.
Things were much simpler a few years ago. In 1998, Britney's single "Baby One More Time" shot to the top of pop music charts. Britney, a former member of the Mickey Mouse Club, was America's sweetheart and rode the ensuing wave of publicity. With her pretty smile and charming personality, she instantly became an idol to millions of girls. Britney was a role model, and she was raking in the big bucks.
The angelic look, however, didn't last long. It started with her provocative "Rolling Stone" cover. It got worse during the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards show when she stripped down to a revealing, skintight outfit. Next fans heard the audio clip from backstage of a Rio de Janeiro show when she swore like Andrew Dice Clay. And the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards show, when she danced around with the snake ... let's not go there.
Spears tells us that she has reinvented herself, trying to grow into a woman. No more teenybopper image for me, she says. If only that were true. Her actions speak much louder than her words. The reality is that she still capitalizes on her status as a role model to young girls.
One minute, Britney acts like a cheap hooker, making music videos that belong in the backroom of a video store, not on basic cable. The next minute, Britney becomes a sweet, virtuous, upstanding citizen. She goes on talk shows and practically turns into a Miss America contestant. Then it's right back to selling her body.
These constant metamorphoses help her appeal to multiple audiences, making her money. But the inevitable by-product is that Britney corrupts the morals of America's youth, all for a quick buck.
Britney should not be faulted for her capitalistic ways, or for trying to repackage herself. What she does deserve blame for, however, is giving mixed messages to her young fans about her status as their role model. Her official Website hawks Britney dolls alongside "Slave 4 U" t-shirts.
Last week she giggled at Britney-wannabes performing lewd acts for MTV, but next week she has a special on the Fox Family Network. Britney talks about how she cherishes her virginity, but her "Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know" video simulates sex on the beach. She participates in a makeshift orgy for her "I'm a Slave 4 U" music video, but follows it up with a performance on the family-friendly Rosie O'Donnell Show.
We as a civilized society need to stop Britney and her immoral ways. She must make a choice: either sex symbol or role model. You can have one or the other, but not both. Jessica Simpson chose the role model route. Jennifer Lopez has only ever strived to be a sex symbol. Both Simpson and Lopez have been very successful without attracting the criticism that Britney receives. Britney should choose one target demographic and stick with it.
Until Britney makes up her mind, we as a society must boycott her albums. Heck, it's not like we'll miss her tremendous singing ability. We must force Britney to select a target audience and stop pursuing two very different fan bases. She must do this for the sake of her young fans. They idolize her, they emulate her. This country already has too many pre-teen girls dressing and acting like hookers; we must fight this trend. The best way to fight it is to boycott Britney because her actions do our society a grave disservice.
Britney, either return to the wholesome days of "Sometimes" or stick with "I'm a Slave 4 U" and stop catering to your younger fans. If you don't make a decision, the American public will. We will boycott your records.
She has no talent, unlike the Beatles or Elvis -- she can't even sing live at her own shows.
LeAnn Rimes is also trying to do the sex kitten thing (have you seen any recent pictures of her?) but it's been a big flop.
Right now at this very moment he's scrounging up the cash to bid on that $20,000 encounter with Britney that's being auctioned on eBay.
No, if he was, he would have brought up Mrs. Miller, who released several albums including a Greatest Hits compilation for Capitol Records in the 1960s.
What's more, they've released a CD of her warbling. Listen to some selections here
Are you gonna take me home tonight ?Fat Bottomed Girls (edited)
Ah down beside that red firelight
Are you gonna let it all hang out ?
Fat bottomed girls
You make the rockin' world go round
Hey I was just a skinny lad
Never knew no good from bad
But I knew life before I left my nursery - huh
Left alone with big fat Fanny
She was such a naughty nanny
Heap big woman you made a bad boy out of me
Hey hey!
Wooh
I've been singing with my band
Across the wire across the land
I seen every blue eyed floozy on the way, hey
But their beauty and their style
Went kind of smooth after a while
Take me to them dirty ladies everytime
C'mon
Oh won't you take me home tonight ?
Oh down beside your red firelight
Oh and you give it all you got
Fat bottomed girls you make the rockin' world go round
Fat bottomed girls you make the rockin' world go round
Hey listen here
Now I got mortgages on homes
I got stiffness in ma' bones
Ain't no beauty Queens in this locality (I tell you)
Oh but I still get my pleasure
Still get my greatest treasure
Heap big woman you gonna make a big man out of me
Now get this
Oh (I know) you gonna take me home tonight (please)
Oh down beside that red firelight
Are you gonna let it all hang out ?
Fat bottomed girls you make the rockin' world go round yeah
Fat bottomed girls you make the rockin' world go round
Get on your bikes and ride
Ooh yeah oh yeah them fat bottomed girls
Fat bottomed girls
Yeah yeah yeah
Alright, ride 'em, c'mon
Fat bottomed girls - yes yes
Mark W.
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