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.
BUMP
It got worse during the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards show when she stripped down to a revealing, skintight outfit.
That was probably television’s finest hour, other than the ongoing emergence of Beetlejuice as a major celebrity.
My sentiments exactly.Where's Alice Cooper when you need him?
If you look at the last 30 years, no one remembers the posers.
Bingo! Now we know why the Cornell Daily Sun is becoming interested in censorship. Surprise, surprise, surprise!!!
Britney should not be faulted for her capitalistic ways, or for trying to repackage herself.
Yeah, right!
I will probably be boycotting Britney's record anyway just like I've boycotted all of 'em. But Britney hasn't been corrupting America's youth. She's just making some more money off of em.
Shalom.
Take me home,
I promise I won't
Pierce my ears
Or look at girls like
Britney Spears.
From the song, Song Parody: "Hello Mullah, Hello Fatah (Camp Osama)"
Note to self: Change screen name from "Freemyland" to "Playboy."
Darling, a true lady takes off her dignity with her clothes and does her whorish best. At other times you can be as modest and dignified as your persona requires.--The Notebooks of Lazarus Long
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