As kids, I’m sure most of us were told to “mind your own business” at one time or another. When we wanted to know why a couple was no longer living together, whether or not someone’s eyelashes were real or how much someone weighed, we were quickly told to hold our tongue and respect what might be personal to another. I was an inquisitive kid, so I heard that message a lot.
Standing in the checkout line at the grocery store, I wonder what has happened to that valuable lesson of common courtesy. Magazines and tabloids are crammed full of stories of celebrity divorce details, bikini cellulite shots, rumors of sexual orientation, etc. This goes way beyond the innocent question of a child. These ‘journalists’ are intentionally going where their mothers told them not to and then putting a price tag on top of the information. Even more disturbing is the apparent lack of concern if the private information being revealed is truly accurate. What is wrong with the individuals who feel comfortable exploiting people this way? What is wrong with us, the consumers who purchase this dribble? Doesn’t either side consider how it would feel to have their own personal experiences in large print and color photos by the gum and candy bars? Are we really convinced supporting these violations of privacy is needed to protect free speech and freedom of the press?
I am writing this particular blog today because of a ‘news piece’ I heard this morning on a respected cable network (yes, they have joined the gossip parade too). The feature suggested Kevin Federline is threatening to release a sex tape of him with Britney Spears if she does not fork over $30M and custody of their children in a divorce settlement. The fact there is even a market to suggest $30M and custodial rights are a reasonable trade, sickens me. I’m not a Britney fan, but in no way do I believe she deserves (or her children deserve) this kind of manipulation. If true, I’m sure Britney’s attorneys have the legal might to shut this thing down. Think of the precedent he is allegedly attempting to set though. Do we really want to put children (celebrity or not) in a position where the parent who gets custody is the one who isn’t ashamed to threaten humiliation in front of a buying public who no longer cares to value what is private? This could happen in the average home too, you know. Whether your privacy is violated in front of millions or a chosen few, it is still something someone may be able to effectively hold over your head as long as there are those willing and eager to hear the sordid details.
I say we turn back the clock and start following the advice our moms gave us all those years ago. Let’s acknowledge privacy has a rightful place in this world and should not be sacrificed or ignored for the almighty dollar. Let’s give our claim to our own privacy a chance by not over sharing details of our bathroom and bedroom. Let’s assure those around us we will only seek to know more about what is openly offered. There will be those who thumb their noses at an initiative to respect what is private. Let them be in the minority. Perhaps their take on the matter will change when they can no longer afford their fancy cars and high end real estate because we, the consumer, refuse to throw dollars at the public humiliation of others. Let’s squash this form of indecency and reclaim a better sense of humanity.
I don’t get journalists who dig and dig and then air dirty laundry. It disgusts me to no end whenever I see those tabloids and celebrity magazines.
As for Britney, I think she has a long and detailed prenup that would bury Kevin if he tried anything.