blogsNH - We're killing Britney and enjoying the show - Comments

Brittany and Lindsay

Bill Bunker — Fri, 1 Feb 2008 20:45:54 -0500

I agree with the overall message and sentiment in your blog. I do not follow that kind of thing too closely.

I know that many people put a great deal of stock in celebrity. Celebrities take stands on the environment, causes, politics, etc. Others flaunt their "beauty" and good looks but most seek celebrity for self esteem and self validation. After all, they are "pretenders", playing a role that is not really their true personality.

If I could be so bold, an actor or actress is generally a certain personality type and if you look at all of the scandals and tragedies throughout the years in Hollywood you see alot of troubled individuals with little or no self esteem. This seems to be true especially among actresses.

The issue is that today, communication and news are instantaneous and they play to the scandal of the moment and the sound bite of the minute.

Paparazzi are truly sleazy and they play into the pop culture mesmerization that so many people fall into today.

You are correct that we should not play into these tragedies. I can not speak to the clinical analysis of depression or bi-polar disorder but you are correct that they would not swarm these troubled people if our society did not watch or buy the stories and pictures.

I also think that upbringing, inherited traits, home environment, etc. plays into the problems with these individuals. Honestly, the parents often push their children into careers like this and profit from it.

Nice blog, Ken and a good topic for discussion.

From the National Assocation on Mental Illness' newsletter

Ken Braiterman — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:36:15 -0500

Roy Peter Clark, vice-president of the Poynter Institute, a leading center of journalism training and ethics, recently wrote. “There is clearly a danger zone, when life and health are at stake, when the best thing the press can do is back off. That time for Spears is probably now."

At the same time, the case is an opportunity for public discussion about mental illness, which many ordinary Americans confront every year. NAMI believes it is important that such discussions in our homes, offices, schools, and stores, as well as in the media, be based on facts.

What is needed—for anyone—is understanding and support. We encourage everyone to focus not on Britney Spears, but on all the ordinary people in our own communities who deserve our attention.

Getting well can be a difficult process. It takes time. It may involve relapses. Any group can arrange a presentation by adult who have gotten well. They tell you inspiring stories of how they did it, and how they stay well. Call NAMI NH 225-5359 or visit www.naminh.org

We're killing Britney and enjoying the show

Ken Braiterman — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:34:07 -0500

Britney Spears is not a joke any more. She’s dying right in front of our eyes, we’re killing her, and we’re enjoying every minute of the show. Her latest meltdown was early Thursday morning and reported by The Los Angeles Times.