Britney recently confessed to Mario Lopez that she's considering retiring after her Vegas run is up. I once read an article that began, "Britney is so famous that it's hard to imagine a world in which she doesn't exist." Well, in two years, we might find out what that world would look like. I'm guessing it probably won't look that great.
I was a freshman in college when I first heard ". . . Baby One More Time," Britney's first smash hit. I liked the song, but didn't immediately become enamored with the singer. I saw the video, and even though Britney looked amazing, I still didn't fall in love with her. Truthfully, I never bought either of her first two albums (I downloaded them illegally). In my defense, it was hard for a straight, college boy to go out and buy a Britney CD (remember, there was no iTunes back then).
By album three, her first self-titled album, I got up the courage to actually purchase it. At that point, like much of America, I had fallen in love with Britney. It wasn't the VMA snake or the "I'm A Slave 4 U" body. If I'm being honest, it was the whole package. She had the personality of someone you went to high school with: bubbly, but not annoying; sweet, but not boring.
The only thing that really changed over the past 10-plus years was that while America sorta gave up on her, her true fans never did. There's no doubt that on the road of life, she's seen her fair share of bumps. But, really, who hasn't? I know that I've had many ups and downs going from birth to where I am now. I've been the victim of some poor circumstances and I've caused my own pain.
Life is a learning experience that you never quite figure out until you're dead. I'm sure Britney will make more mistakes. You don't stop making mistakes just because you get older. I'm right there in the 30-club with Britney and I'm definitely not done screwing up.
I don't think Britney will really retire in two years. If she does, she'll leave behind quite the legacy. However, she'll also leave behind a lot of sad fans. I wonder if she truly knows the impact she's had on people's lives. She more than anyone else has encapsulated the phrase, "Be Yourself." Have you ever thought, even for a second, that Britney was ever being fake? Some artists you don't know about, but you always know with Britney.
When Britney retires, whether it's in two years or 20 years, she won't get a gold watch, she won't get a party, she won't even get a pat on the back and a "good job." She might get a thanks and a "don't let the door hit you on the way out." Many people have written her obituary for years; in fact, the AP wrote her actual obituary in 2007. Critics have been trying to get rid of her for years.
Here's the truth: we need Britney, warts and all. We need someone to look utterly bored during a boring interview instead of faking it, we need her quotes, we need the sexy videos, the songs, the choreography that everyone seems to think they can do better than Britney. But mostly we need a counterbalance to all the weird shit we see nowadays.
Yes, somehow Britney has become the most normal person in pop music. She keeps in tongue in her mouth and doesn't dress in meat.
I'm gonna miss Britney when she goes.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
More Britney than Britney: Britney Jean delivers on all the promises
It can be hard to live up to a legacy. If you have a famous parent, people expect you to achieve the same level of fame. It's even harder to live up to a legacy if that legacy is your own.
Britney Spears didn't have famous parents. Her mom taught and her dad cooked. She forged her own legacy through hard work and determination. Her debut album and single both went #1. Her followup sold 1.3 million copies in its first week of release, a record that still stands. There's only one problem with being that good: you can only be that good for so long.
Every album after her second was successful. All but one reached #1. But because she couldn't top her second album, people wondered if she was finished. In fact, since her second album came out in 2000, people have been wondering if she was finished for 13 years.
No matter how many albums she sold, and she sold plenty given the nature of the music business, critics couldn't help but point out how each album after her second sold less and less. Even though one million here and a couple million there is pretty impressive, it wasn't 10 and 20 million like her first two albums. Therefore, something had to give. Either Britney really was finished or people would just have to accept that she'd never be able to top her first two albums.
If you accept the music for what it is, and not worry about how much it sells, you can really enjoy it. Britney knows that. If Britney wanted to sell millions of records, if that was her only goal, she would have simply copied the popular trends. Instead, she stayed ahead of the game: on Blackout she introduced EDM and dubstep-style music to the masses. When that sound got played out, she went in a different direction for Circus. A couple years later, Britney brought that sound back, even harder, with Femme Fatale.
It's hard to constantly stay ahead of the trends, though. You can only push music so far before you push it off the cliff. At some point Britney realized that fact. Therefore, she had to find another way to stay creative and ahead of her peers. What did she do? She created Britney Jean.
The mash-up has become very popular over the past decade. Taking two styles and combining them has worked for Jay Z and Linkin Park. It also works for Britney. While Britney Jean doesn't mash-up two different music styles, it mashes up two ideas: dance songs and personal songs.
Every pop artist has in their back pocket the treacly ballad designed to make you weep or to make you feel. They also have uptempo tracks designed to get you moving. Britney Jean gives you both, minus the treacly part. There are no tender weepy ballads here. No Everytime. What Britney has given us are thoughtful, even poignant songs about love and heartache that just happen to be set to a beat you can dance to.
She could have mailed this effort in. She didn't have to co-write every track on the album. But she realized something: if she wanted to continue to have success, she had to evolve. The dance-floor diva had to let people see behind the curtain. She may not reveal everything - a good magician never does - but she's pulled back the curtain to give us lessors a sneak peak.
Perfume is the story of a woman who's afraid her boyfriend still has feelings for an ex. She may not name names, but this is personal. Alien let's us know that Britney wants to go home. She's never belonged in Hollywood, and now she's finally telling us. In Passenger, Britney reveals that she's finally ready to let someone else take the wheel. Maybe it's Jesus, maybe it's not, but it's from her heart.
Britney gets so personal on this record that she even duets with her sister. They sing about drinking wine and chilling out. I know, Britney doesn't drink. But don't look at the wine as anything other than a metaphor. Perhaps Britney is now finally ready to relax. I don't know if she'll ever get to go "home" - she is a celebrity, after all, and the camera never disappears - but if she's comfortable enough to work with her sister, maybe she can turn Hollywood into home.
Britney's been a loner. Britney Jean reflects that fact. She has love now, though, thanks to her boyfriend and her children. Maybe on a future record, she could include this lyric:
I was happy being alone until I got lonely/Now I just wanna spend my life with you
Britney Spears didn't have famous parents. Her mom taught and her dad cooked. She forged her own legacy through hard work and determination. Her debut album and single both went #1. Her followup sold 1.3 million copies in its first week of release, a record that still stands. There's only one problem with being that good: you can only be that good for so long.
Every album after her second was successful. All but one reached #1. But because she couldn't top her second album, people wondered if she was finished. In fact, since her second album came out in 2000, people have been wondering if she was finished for 13 years.
No matter how many albums she sold, and she sold plenty given the nature of the music business, critics couldn't help but point out how each album after her second sold less and less. Even though one million here and a couple million there is pretty impressive, it wasn't 10 and 20 million like her first two albums. Therefore, something had to give. Either Britney really was finished or people would just have to accept that she'd never be able to top her first two albums.
If you accept the music for what it is, and not worry about how much it sells, you can really enjoy it. Britney knows that. If Britney wanted to sell millions of records, if that was her only goal, she would have simply copied the popular trends. Instead, she stayed ahead of the game: on Blackout she introduced EDM and dubstep-style music to the masses. When that sound got played out, she went in a different direction for Circus. A couple years later, Britney brought that sound back, even harder, with Femme Fatale.
It's hard to constantly stay ahead of the trends, though. You can only push music so far before you push it off the cliff. At some point Britney realized that fact. Therefore, she had to find another way to stay creative and ahead of her peers. What did she do? She created Britney Jean.
The mash-up has become very popular over the past decade. Taking two styles and combining them has worked for Jay Z and Linkin Park. It also works for Britney. While Britney Jean doesn't mash-up two different music styles, it mashes up two ideas: dance songs and personal songs.
Every pop artist has in their back pocket the treacly ballad designed to make you weep or to make you feel. They also have uptempo tracks designed to get you moving. Britney Jean gives you both, minus the treacly part. There are no tender weepy ballads here. No Everytime. What Britney has given us are thoughtful, even poignant songs about love and heartache that just happen to be set to a beat you can dance to.
She could have mailed this effort in. She didn't have to co-write every track on the album. But she realized something: if she wanted to continue to have success, she had to evolve. The dance-floor diva had to let people see behind the curtain. She may not reveal everything - a good magician never does - but she's pulled back the curtain to give us lessors a sneak peak.
Perfume is the story of a woman who's afraid her boyfriend still has feelings for an ex. She may not name names, but this is personal. Alien let's us know that Britney wants to go home. She's never belonged in Hollywood, and now she's finally telling us. In Passenger, Britney reveals that she's finally ready to let someone else take the wheel. Maybe it's Jesus, maybe it's not, but it's from her heart.
Britney gets so personal on this record that she even duets with her sister. They sing about drinking wine and chilling out. I know, Britney doesn't drink. But don't look at the wine as anything other than a metaphor. Perhaps Britney is now finally ready to relax. I don't know if she'll ever get to go "home" - she is a celebrity, after all, and the camera never disappears - but if she's comfortable enough to work with her sister, maybe she can turn Hollywood into home.
Britney's been a loner. Britney Jean reflects that fact. She has love now, though, thanks to her boyfriend and her children. Maybe on a future record, she could include this lyric:
I was happy being alone until I got lonely/Now I just wanna spend my life with you
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Work Bitch Just Can't Push the Envelope
There was a time when anything that Britney Spears did was controversial: perform a strip-tease, dance with a snake, wear nothing but crystals/a red leather catsuit/nothing, and of course make out with a woman. Nowadays, that envelope is pretty hard to push. In the last couple of months we've seen videos featuring nudity, strippers, giant bears (?), hot dogs (?), and lots of tongue. And that's just from Miley Cyrus. Let's not even talk about Rihanna's booty shaking "Pout It Up" video.
We've seen it all it seems, so when Britney dropped her "Work Bitch" video featuring whips, chains, bondage, and sharks (!) the general reaction wasn't "Oh My God," it was "Oh." It's a great video and the response has been positive, but in a world in which twerking is the norm it just can't shock us.
Go back to the late 90s when Prodigy dropped their video for "Smack My Bitch Up." That video featured a first-person look at what we think is a guy doing drugs, getting drunk, abusing women (and men), and finally getting laid. Turns out it was a woman doing all that. It was so controversial that it could only air late at night on MTV. Today, if you just blurred out the boobs, you could air that in the middle of the day.
Therefore, how do you shock? How do you push the envelope? Britney is whipping girls in her video and she has one girl with a Beats Boombox in her mouth like a ball-gag. Yet, there's no outrage, no one crying foul. Maybe her and director Ben Mor didn't intend to shock anyone. Maybe they both know that the envelope has been pushed so far that it's not even worth trying.
Obviously, we've come along way since Prodigy asked us to smack our bitch up. We can see things on the Internet we never could: sex, blood, you name it, it's out there. So, Britney whipping some girl on the ass is pretty tame. In fact, we've pushed the envelope so far that the only way to shock is to not shock at all. In that regard, maybe "Work Bitch" is shocking.
Congrats Britney, you found a new way to push that envelope.
We've seen it all it seems, so when Britney dropped her "Work Bitch" video featuring whips, chains, bondage, and sharks (!) the general reaction wasn't "Oh My God," it was "Oh." It's a great video and the response has been positive, but in a world in which twerking is the norm it just can't shock us.
Go back to the late 90s when Prodigy dropped their video for "Smack My Bitch Up." That video featured a first-person look at what we think is a guy doing drugs, getting drunk, abusing women (and men), and finally getting laid. Turns out it was a woman doing all that. It was so controversial that it could only air late at night on MTV. Today, if you just blurred out the boobs, you could air that in the middle of the day.
Therefore, how do you shock? How do you push the envelope? Britney is whipping girls in her video and she has one girl with a Beats Boombox in her mouth like a ball-gag. Yet, there's no outrage, no one crying foul. Maybe her and director Ben Mor didn't intend to shock anyone. Maybe they both know that the envelope has been pushed so far that it's not even worth trying.
Obviously, we've come along way since Prodigy asked us to smack our bitch up. We can see things on the Internet we never could: sex, blood, you name it, it's out there. So, Britney whipping some girl on the ass is pretty tame. In fact, we've pushed the envelope so far that the only way to shock is to not shock at all. In that regard, maybe "Work Bitch" is shocking.
Congrats Britney, you found a new way to push that envelope.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Big Brother Proves the Internet Has Flaws
For some ungodly reason, the TV show Big Brother has decided to start a live Internet feed. That means you can sit on your couch and watch people sitting on their couch. It's pretty meta. It's also pretty fucking stupid.
Of course, watching people 24 hours a day, racism and bigotry is bound to show up. Because when we don't like somebody, the easiest thing to do is to attack their race. Hate an Asian person - make fun of their driving. Hate a black person - offer them fried chicken and watermelon. Hate a gay person - call them a queen (or queer or faggot).
Seriously, is there nothing better to do than watch people behaving like morons? I can think of 50 things better to do. Here's a list:
1. Mow your lawn
2. Mow your neighbors lawn
3. Repaint your house
4. Put on an orange jumpsuit and pick up trash along the highway
5. Try on every item in your closet
6. Make borsch
7. Vacuum
8. Listen to every album Justin Bieber has ever released
9. Watch all 10 Friday the 13th movies in order
10. Donate a kidney
11. Alphabetize your soups
12. Download every single picture ever taken of Britney Spears
13. Watch every season of the Jersey Shore
14. Take apart your computer and put it back together
15. Cry
16. Dance the Macarena
17. Do the electric slide
18. Read the Bible from cover to cover
19. Learn Finnish
20. Bike ride to the northern most point in Canada
21. Light yourself on fire
22. Write a poem in iambic pentameter to Miley Cyrus
23. Twerk
24. Climb on the roof of your house and just stand there
25. Vomit
26. Liquify a cookie
27. Memorize the phone book
28. Play freeze tag, stay frozen
29. Watch the VHS tape of your parents' wedding
30. Play a round of golf with your eyes closed
31. Teach your goldfish yoga
32. Follow every single person on Twitter. Literally, every person
33. Build a time machine
34. Listen to your wife tell you about someone she doesn't like at work
35. Work Bitch
36. Sell your VCR on ebay
37. Read the Collected Works of William Shakesspeare
38. Buy a pair of yoga pants in every color
39. Create a program similar to Facebook (but not so similar that you'll get sued)
40.Sleep
41. Shoot a sex video that has no sex in it
42. Buy one scratch ticket for every day you thought about strangling someone
43. Shoot a rhino
44. Get breast implants, then have them removed the next day
45. Fall down
46. Get up
47. Cook every meal in your cookbook in one day
48. Knock on people's doors and offer to iron their shirts
49. Take up smoking
50. Swim from Cuba to Florida
Of course, watching people 24 hours a day, racism and bigotry is bound to show up. Because when we don't like somebody, the easiest thing to do is to attack their race. Hate an Asian person - make fun of their driving. Hate a black person - offer them fried chicken and watermelon. Hate a gay person - call them a queen (or queer or faggot).
Seriously, is there nothing better to do than watch people behaving like morons? I can think of 50 things better to do. Here's a list:
1. Mow your lawn
2. Mow your neighbors lawn
3. Repaint your house
4. Put on an orange jumpsuit and pick up trash along the highway
5. Try on every item in your closet
6. Make borsch
7. Vacuum
8. Listen to every album Justin Bieber has ever released
9. Watch all 10 Friday the 13th movies in order
10. Donate a kidney
11. Alphabetize your soups
12. Download every single picture ever taken of Britney Spears
13. Watch every season of the Jersey Shore
14. Take apart your computer and put it back together
15. Cry
16. Dance the Macarena
17. Do the electric slide
18. Read the Bible from cover to cover
19. Learn Finnish
20. Bike ride to the northern most point in Canada
21. Light yourself on fire
22. Write a poem in iambic pentameter to Miley Cyrus
23. Twerk
24. Climb on the roof of your house and just stand there
25. Vomit
26. Liquify a cookie
27. Memorize the phone book
28. Play freeze tag, stay frozen
29. Watch the VHS tape of your parents' wedding
30. Play a round of golf with your eyes closed
31. Teach your goldfish yoga
32. Follow every single person on Twitter. Literally, every person
33. Build a time machine
34. Listen to your wife tell you about someone she doesn't like at work
35. Work Bitch
36. Sell your VCR on ebay
37. Read the Collected Works of William Shakesspeare
38. Buy a pair of yoga pants in every color
39. Create a program similar to Facebook (but not so similar that you'll get sued)
40.Sleep
41. Shoot a sex video that has no sex in it
42. Buy one scratch ticket for every day you thought about strangling someone
43. Shoot a rhino
44. Get breast implants, then have them removed the next day
45. Fall down
46. Get up
47. Cook every meal in your cookbook in one day
48. Knock on people's doors and offer to iron their shirts
49. Take up smoking
50. Swim from Cuba to Florida
What It Feels Like For a Britney Fan
I remember watching the movie "Wreck-it-Ralph" on April 15 when my phone sent me an alert from the ESPN app Scorecenter that read: "Two bombs go off at the finish line of the Boston Marathon." I kept watching the movie, but I quickly turned on my computer to see what the hell happened. Sure enough, two bombs did go off at the Boston Marathon finish line killing three people and wounding 200 more (many severely).
I spent that entire week addicted to the news. First came the reports of what happened, then came the call for help in identifying the suspects. Next, police tracked down the suspects and even managed to kill one. By that Friday, authorities has shut down the entire City of Boston, along with many neighboring communities. Eventually, police apprehended the second suspect.
I know what you're thinking: how could this have ANYthing to do with Britney Spears. It's simple: when your town gets bombed, you get upset. You feel remorse for the victims and anger at the people who did it. And those feelings are genuine.
Now, here's where Britney comes in. When she didn't perform this morning on Good Morning America, many people flipped out. They swore they were done with her, said they hoped her song didn't get to #1, and claimed that she didn't deserve any success. Keep in mind these are the same people who vote for her in every poll 100s and 100s of times. These people routinely buy her songs for not only themselves, but anyone else, just to ensure a #1. These people are crazy obsessed.
Yet, when their expectations aren't met (even if those expectations are unrealistic), they drum up all sorts of anger toward Britney. That's not realistic or healthy. It's one thing to get angry at two men for killing innocent people, but it's another to get angry at a woman because she didn't perform her latest single on TV.
It's fantastic that Britney has such devoted fans, but remember to keep things in perspective. There are legitimate reasons to feel angry. However, it's foolish to be angry with someone whose biggest crime is not doing something she never said she would do in the first place.
Imagine if you got a call from your mom around dinner time asking you to come home. She didn't say it, but you assumed based on the timing of the call that dinner would be ready. When you get home, there's no dinner. Should you be mad at your mom for not having dinner ready? Doesn't that seem foolish since she never mentioned dinner?
There are so many things to be mad about in this world: murder, rape, bombing other countries, war, social injustice, and racism just to name a scant few. But trust me, Britney Spears not performing on GMA is hardly something to be bothered about. Direct your anger toward something that really deserves it.
I spent that entire week addicted to the news. First came the reports of what happened, then came the call for help in identifying the suspects. Next, police tracked down the suspects and even managed to kill one. By that Friday, authorities has shut down the entire City of Boston, along with many neighboring communities. Eventually, police apprehended the second suspect.
I know what you're thinking: how could this have ANYthing to do with Britney Spears. It's simple: when your town gets bombed, you get upset. You feel remorse for the victims and anger at the people who did it. And those feelings are genuine.
Now, here's where Britney comes in. When she didn't perform this morning on Good Morning America, many people flipped out. They swore they were done with her, said they hoped her song didn't get to #1, and claimed that she didn't deserve any success. Keep in mind these are the same people who vote for her in every poll 100s and 100s of times. These people routinely buy her songs for not only themselves, but anyone else, just to ensure a #1. These people are crazy obsessed.
Yet, when their expectations aren't met (even if those expectations are unrealistic), they drum up all sorts of anger toward Britney. That's not realistic or healthy. It's one thing to get angry at two men for killing innocent people, but it's another to get angry at a woman because she didn't perform her latest single on TV.
It's fantastic that Britney has such devoted fans, but remember to keep things in perspective. There are legitimate reasons to feel angry. However, it's foolish to be angry with someone whose biggest crime is not doing something she never said she would do in the first place.
Imagine if you got a call from your mom around dinner time asking you to come home. She didn't say it, but you assumed based on the timing of the call that dinner would be ready. When you get home, there's no dinner. Should you be mad at your mom for not having dinner ready? Doesn't that seem foolish since she never mentioned dinner?
There are so many things to be mad about in this world: murder, rape, bombing other countries, war, social injustice, and racism just to name a scant few. But trust me, Britney Spears not performing on GMA is hardly something to be bothered about. Direct your anger toward something that really deserves it.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Britney Spears and Sexual Promiscuity
Are Britney Spears fans sexually promiscuous? Does Britney's music (and accompanying videos) or her overall image cause sexual promiscuity? Are her fans more sexually promiscuous than fans of, say, Adele or Taylor Swift or Selena Gomez?
There's no doubt that from a young age Britney has been portrayed as something to be desired, lusted after, objectified, and fantasized about. The media called her a Lolita - an underage girl who attracts the attention of grown men (named after the book of the same name about a grown man who begins a sexual relationship with a 12-year old girl). Even though Britney was 16 when "Baby One More Time" came out, she still fit the definition of an underage girl; and we, the general public, began our sexual relationship with her then.
There's little doubt that Britney has inspired sexual thoughts in almost all (straight) men at some point in her 15-year career (and some gay men, too, more than likely). From her school-girl outfit in her "Baby One More Time" video to the red catsuit in her "Oops I Did It Again" video to baring her midriff in her "I'm a Slave 4 U" video, Britney has always tapped into the male fantasy.
From the female perspective, while they may have never sexualized Britney as the men did (and still do), judging by the outfits worn at Britney concerts over the years, they clearly took notes of what Britney wore and how she was portrayed. And they attempted to be seen the same way. You couldn't go to a Britney concert and not see teenage girls (and some even younger) dressed in school-girl outfits or baring their midriff (with belly-piercing intact). Imagine being the father of a young girl and beside being concerned about how Britney dressed, you now have to walk past thousands of Lolitas showing way too much skin.
Over the years, Britney has been the stuff of fantasy: dancing around in tiny, little outfits, shaking her ass for prying eyes, and appearing on the cover of magazines wearing next to nothing (or not wearing anything at all). Obviously, Britney inspires sexual thoughts (ironically, Britney claimed to be a virgin as she inspired many dirty thoughts in the minds of young boys (and grown men)).
Even if she wasn't having sex, she was clearly putting those thoughts out there. In fact, Britney ushered in a whole new era of dirty old men. These weren't just fathers, either. Many men above the age of 40, with or without kids, lusted after her (in another ironic twist, her innocence and squeaky clean image caused most of the dirty thoughts. Even when she dirtied it up with the "I'm a Slave 4 U" single and video people still saw her as pure. It wasn't until her marriage to Kevin Federline and subsequent divorce that her purity went out the window in the eyes of the general public (as did the fantasy most men harbored for her)).
With all those sexual thoughts in the air, floating around, it's only a matter of time until they manifest into the actual act of sex. When young girls walk around half-naked in high heels, it can only be assumed they're doing more than showing it off. While Britney may have never told people explicitly to have sex (her songs always tease the idea of sex, but never actually talk about doing it), she clearly influenced her female fans to dress that way (and her male fans to have sexual desires). Combine the two (women dressed like they "want it" and men who are more than eager to give it to them) and you have a recipe for copious amounts of sex. Therefore, it's only natural to assume Britney fans are sexually promiscuous.
Of course, the media hated Britney for it. They claimed she compelled young girls to dress provocatively. Those same girls, however, would likely claim that Britney empowered them to be bold and not care what people thought.
The media also claimed she intentionally sexed it up to inspire a reaction in grown men, one they weren't supposed to have about a 16-, 17-, 18-year old girl. Truthfully, the media put a lot of the blame on the shoulders of her managers, saying they took advantage of Britney.
Today, the media's opinion of Britney has less to do with how she influences young girls or what thoughts she inspires in grown men since she's no longer a Lolita nor a major influence on teenage and pre-teenage girls. They're more concerned with whether she's a train wreck or not.
However you look at it, Britney continues to induce a sexual reaction from men (though less since she lost her purity to the general public). Even though her fans are older (and subsequently less apt to take style cues from Britney), her concerts are still packed with barred midriffs and belly-piercings proving that Britney's influence is never-ending.
There's no doubt that from a young age Britney has been portrayed as something to be desired, lusted after, objectified, and fantasized about. The media called her a Lolita - an underage girl who attracts the attention of grown men (named after the book of the same name about a grown man who begins a sexual relationship with a 12-year old girl). Even though Britney was 16 when "Baby One More Time" came out, she still fit the definition of an underage girl; and we, the general public, began our sexual relationship with her then.
There's little doubt that Britney has inspired sexual thoughts in almost all (straight) men at some point in her 15-year career (and some gay men, too, more than likely). From her school-girl outfit in her "Baby One More Time" video to the red catsuit in her "Oops I Did It Again" video to baring her midriff in her "I'm a Slave 4 U" video, Britney has always tapped into the male fantasy.
From the female perspective, while they may have never sexualized Britney as the men did (and still do), judging by the outfits worn at Britney concerts over the years, they clearly took notes of what Britney wore and how she was portrayed. And they attempted to be seen the same way. You couldn't go to a Britney concert and not see teenage girls (and some even younger) dressed in school-girl outfits or baring their midriff (with belly-piercing intact). Imagine being the father of a young girl and beside being concerned about how Britney dressed, you now have to walk past thousands of Lolitas showing way too much skin.
Over the years, Britney has been the stuff of fantasy: dancing around in tiny, little outfits, shaking her ass for prying eyes, and appearing on the cover of magazines wearing next to nothing (or not wearing anything at all). Obviously, Britney inspires sexual thoughts (ironically, Britney claimed to be a virgin as she inspired many dirty thoughts in the minds of young boys (and grown men)).
Even if she wasn't having sex, she was clearly putting those thoughts out there. In fact, Britney ushered in a whole new era of dirty old men. These weren't just fathers, either. Many men above the age of 40, with or without kids, lusted after her (in another ironic twist, her innocence and squeaky clean image caused most of the dirty thoughts. Even when she dirtied it up with the "I'm a Slave 4 U" single and video people still saw her as pure. It wasn't until her marriage to Kevin Federline and subsequent divorce that her purity went out the window in the eyes of the general public (as did the fantasy most men harbored for her)).
With all those sexual thoughts in the air, floating around, it's only a matter of time until they manifest into the actual act of sex. When young girls walk around half-naked in high heels, it can only be assumed they're doing more than showing it off. While Britney may have never told people explicitly to have sex (her songs always tease the idea of sex, but never actually talk about doing it), she clearly influenced her female fans to dress that way (and her male fans to have sexual desires). Combine the two (women dressed like they "want it" and men who are more than eager to give it to them) and you have a recipe for copious amounts of sex. Therefore, it's only natural to assume Britney fans are sexually promiscuous.
Of course, the media hated Britney for it. They claimed she compelled young girls to dress provocatively. Those same girls, however, would likely claim that Britney empowered them to be bold and not care what people thought.
The media also claimed she intentionally sexed it up to inspire a reaction in grown men, one they weren't supposed to have about a 16-, 17-, 18-year old girl. Truthfully, the media put a lot of the blame on the shoulders of her managers, saying they took advantage of Britney.
Today, the media's opinion of Britney has less to do with how she influences young girls or what thoughts she inspires in grown men since she's no longer a Lolita nor a major influence on teenage and pre-teenage girls. They're more concerned with whether she's a train wreck or not.
However you look at it, Britney continues to induce a sexual reaction from men (though less since she lost her purity to the general public). Even though her fans are older (and subsequently less apt to take style cues from Britney), her concerts are still packed with barred midriffs and belly-piercings proving that Britney's influence is never-ending.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
The Thighs Have it
I'm reading way too much talk about whether or not thighs touch and whether or not that's a good thing or a bad thing. Girls whose thighs touch think it's wrong if they don't touch, while girls whose thighs don't touch think it's wrong if they do. Maybe they're both wrong.
I'm a guy, so I don't know if I qualify for the discussion, but my thighs don't touch. Does that mean there's something wrong with me? I doubt it. If my thighs did touch, should I be concerned? I doubt that, either.
There are websites devoted to this topic, where girls discuss how they managed to go from touching thighs to separated thighs ( a thigh divorce, perhaps). They seem awful proud of themselves. That's sad. Is there a website where girls discuss how they managed to get their separated thighs back together? Probably not. Should there be? Should either website exist? Probably not.
Here's something that might even be sadder than websites devoted to thigh management: parents drilling into their kids' heads that women whose thighs don't touch have problems (or that somehow separated thighs are a bad thing). Thighs are just thighs, neither good nor bad. If they touch, fine. If they don't, fine.
Parents, and by that I mean moms, don't need to tell their children, and by that I mean daughters, there is or isn't a problem with thighs touching or not touching.
Britney Spears' thigh touch, Paris Hilton's don't. Does that make one woman any better than the other?
Maybe we should just stop paying so much attention to thighs. I can tell you as a man I've never heard another man say, "I would have slept with her but her thighs touched." Nor has any man said, "She'd be a great girlfriend if her thighs touched."
Ladies should not be afraid to having touching thighs nor should they be afraid to have a little space in between. That's the message we should send - that it's perfectly normal to have thighs of any size. Moms don't need to put down other, perfectly healthy women to give their daughters confidence. A woman who's 5 feet 10 and 120 lbs is not a bad role model, just as a woman who is 5 feet 5 and 160 lbs is not a bad role model.
Here's a suggestion: put your knees together, if your thighs touch give yourself a pat on the back; if they don't touch give yourself a pat on the back. This way, everyone wins.
I'm a guy, so I don't know if I qualify for the discussion, but my thighs don't touch. Does that mean there's something wrong with me? I doubt it. If my thighs did touch, should I be concerned? I doubt that, either.
There are websites devoted to this topic, where girls discuss how they managed to go from touching thighs to separated thighs ( a thigh divorce, perhaps). They seem awful proud of themselves. That's sad. Is there a website where girls discuss how they managed to get their separated thighs back together? Probably not. Should there be? Should either website exist? Probably not.
Here's something that might even be sadder than websites devoted to thigh management: parents drilling into their kids' heads that women whose thighs don't touch have problems (or that somehow separated thighs are a bad thing). Thighs are just thighs, neither good nor bad. If they touch, fine. If they don't, fine.
Parents, and by that I mean moms, don't need to tell their children, and by that I mean daughters, there is or isn't a problem with thighs touching or not touching.
Britney Spears' thigh touch, Paris Hilton's don't. Does that make one woman any better than the other?
Maybe we should just stop paying so much attention to thighs. I can tell you as a man I've never heard another man say, "I would have slept with her but her thighs touched." Nor has any man said, "She'd be a great girlfriend if her thighs touched."
Ladies should not be afraid to having touching thighs nor should they be afraid to have a little space in between. That's the message we should send - that it's perfectly normal to have thighs of any size. Moms don't need to put down other, perfectly healthy women to give their daughters confidence. A woman who's 5 feet 10 and 120 lbs is not a bad role model, just as a woman who is 5 feet 5 and 160 lbs is not a bad role model.
Here's a suggestion: put your knees together, if your thighs touch give yourself a pat on the back; if they don't touch give yourself a pat on the back. This way, everyone wins.
Friday, March 15, 2013
A Feud Without Glee
On this week's episode of Glee, they paid tribute, of sorts, to some of music's top rivalries (Elton-Madonna, NSYNC-Backstreet Boys, Mariah Carey-Nicki Minaj). One rivalry conspicuous by its absence was Britney-Christina.
There are a couple reasons for that oversight, the most obvious being that Glee had covered so many Britney songs already, they just had nothing left in the tank (or as Kevin McHale's character Artie said in "Britney 2.0:" "We've scrapped the bottom of the Britney barrel.").
However, there's another reason Glee passed on the Britney-Christina feud, a very simple reason that doesn't have to do with the number of songs Glee has featured from either girl. Simply put, they never had a feud.
Sure, the media would have you believe that the two blond (well, now one blond and one brunette) singers were bitter rivals from day one (and are still to this day). The girls, themselves, always painted a different picture by claiming that they never feuded. Christina, especially, liked to claim the media pitted them against each other because they were young, successful female artists.
That begs the question of who's right. Did Britney and Christina feud or did the media, as Christina claims, pit them against each other because they were young, successful girls? I think the evidence clearly shows that they never really feuded, aside from a brief spell in 2003-2004 (after the 2003 VMAs). Truthfully, even that little spat was media controlled.
After Madonna kissed both girls, the media only focused on Britney and ignored (like the MTV cameras did) Christina. Later, Christina claimed that Britney lip-synched her parts of the performance. Britney then fired back in Blender magazine that Christina was "dark and scary." And that's really all the shots they've taken at each other.
I don't know the technical definition of the word feud, but I'm confident it requires the feuding parties to attack each other more than once.
To be fair, I feel bad for Christina, because if they ever did feud (or are feuding) Britney either dominated or is dominating. Not to say that Christina hasn't had success; she has awards, plus commercial and critical love. She's just been stuck in Britney's shadow from the beginning.
Christina has two #1 albums. Britney has six. Christina has sold over 17 million albums in the United States. Britney has sold twice that amount. Christina has five #1 singles, but only one since 2001 ("Moves Like Jagger," as a featured artist in 2011). Britney has had four #1 singles since 2008 (one as a featured artist with Rihanna).
Just look at Christina's numbers and they're pretty impressive. Unfortunately, they don't compare to Britney's. If you throw away sales and just focus on critical reviews, a category you'd expect Christina to dominate with her amazing voice, she actually loses there, too. According to metacritic, which complies all reviews and assigns them a number (0-100), Christina's average score is 58. Britney's is 64.
Throw in personal problems, which both have had (Christina's been arrested, Britney lost custody of her kids), bad performances (Christina forgot some of the words to the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, Britney humiliated herself at the 2007 VMAs) and relationship problems (both are divorced), and Christina can't seem to catch Britney anywhere. Even physically, as most people would argue that while Christina is attractive, Britney's just more so.
Maybe this is why Glee didn't include the Britney-Christina feud, because if it was a feud, Britney is wearing the belt after a first round KO.
Ironically, when they both first started, the media couldn't wait to write Britney's obituary, yet never said that Christina's 15 minutes of fame were nearing. Now, the media can't pile dirt on Christina's grave quick enough, all the while marveling at Britney's longevity.
I don't think they ever feuded. I think they just happened to be two young, pretty, blond girls who sang pop music that the media lumped together. Sadly, it just makes Christina's accomplishments look weak when pitted against Britney's. Hopefully history doesn't remember her as that "other" blond girl.
She deserves better.
There are a couple reasons for that oversight, the most obvious being that Glee had covered so many Britney songs already, they just had nothing left in the tank (or as Kevin McHale's character Artie said in "Britney 2.0:" "We've scrapped the bottom of the Britney barrel.").
However, there's another reason Glee passed on the Britney-Christina feud, a very simple reason that doesn't have to do with the number of songs Glee has featured from either girl. Simply put, they never had a feud.
Sure, the media would have you believe that the two blond (well, now one blond and one brunette) singers were bitter rivals from day one (and are still to this day). The girls, themselves, always painted a different picture by claiming that they never feuded. Christina, especially, liked to claim the media pitted them against each other because they were young, successful female artists.
That begs the question of who's right. Did Britney and Christina feud or did the media, as Christina claims, pit them against each other because they were young, successful girls? I think the evidence clearly shows that they never really feuded, aside from a brief spell in 2003-2004 (after the 2003 VMAs). Truthfully, even that little spat was media controlled.
After Madonna kissed both girls, the media only focused on Britney and ignored (like the MTV cameras did) Christina. Later, Christina claimed that Britney lip-synched her parts of the performance. Britney then fired back in Blender magazine that Christina was "dark and scary." And that's really all the shots they've taken at each other.
I don't know the technical definition of the word feud, but I'm confident it requires the feuding parties to attack each other more than once.
To be fair, I feel bad for Christina, because if they ever did feud (or are feuding) Britney either dominated or is dominating. Not to say that Christina hasn't had success; she has awards, plus commercial and critical love. She's just been stuck in Britney's shadow from the beginning.
Christina has two #1 albums. Britney has six. Christina has sold over 17 million albums in the United States. Britney has sold twice that amount. Christina has five #1 singles, but only one since 2001 ("Moves Like Jagger," as a featured artist in 2011). Britney has had four #1 singles since 2008 (one as a featured artist with Rihanna).
Just look at Christina's numbers and they're pretty impressive. Unfortunately, they don't compare to Britney's. If you throw away sales and just focus on critical reviews, a category you'd expect Christina to dominate with her amazing voice, she actually loses there, too. According to metacritic, which complies all reviews and assigns them a number (0-100), Christina's average score is 58. Britney's is 64.
Throw in personal problems, which both have had (Christina's been arrested, Britney lost custody of her kids), bad performances (Christina forgot some of the words to the National Anthem at the Super Bowl, Britney humiliated herself at the 2007 VMAs) and relationship problems (both are divorced), and Christina can't seem to catch Britney anywhere. Even physically, as most people would argue that while Christina is attractive, Britney's just more so.
Maybe this is why Glee didn't include the Britney-Christina feud, because if it was a feud, Britney is wearing the belt after a first round KO.
Ironically, when they both first started, the media couldn't wait to write Britney's obituary, yet never said that Christina's 15 minutes of fame were nearing. Now, the media can't pile dirt on Christina's grave quick enough, all the while marveling at Britney's longevity.
I don't think they ever feuded. I think they just happened to be two young, pretty, blond girls who sang pop music that the media lumped together. Sadly, it just makes Christina's accomplishments look weak when pitted against Britney's. Hopefully history doesn't remember her as that "other" blond girl.
She deserves better.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Brie Theory
Meeting people on the Internet is interesting. I've met many people via Internet forums and chat rooms (back in the 90s when people actually did that). Some of them were really good friends and some I spoke to a couple times.
Out of all the people I met online, I only ever met two in person. Both times it went perfectly fine. They were exactly who said they were. One person lived close and one lived a little further away. It actually worked out because the one who lived a bit further met me in Montreal for a Britney concert. Without her, I never would have gone to see that tour (Onyx Hotel).
I feel fortunate that I've been able to meet good people on and off line. There are plenty of people I knew online who I never had the chance to meet and some I know now who I'll probably never meet. But thanks to Twitter, Facebook, texting, Skype, and the like, you can have relationships with people without ever meeting them. Not serious relationships, necessarily, but good friendships.
Sometimes you can have good friendships that turn to shit, because sometimes people lie to your face (well, via text message). Or, they say one thing but act a completely different way. For example, they say they don't like you and aren't your friend, yet they talk to you all the time. Confusing, right?
Let's say one day you get mad and tell that person to fuck off (and you're not the kinda person who says things like that often). This person you told to fuck off, let's say a month later, starts talking to you again. Even more confusing, right?
I know I don't get it. I don't understand how someone can say and do opposite things. Tell me all about your life and your problems and your boyfriends, but when we fight you suddenly never liked me. Of course, when we don't fight, you like me just fine. I hear about your drunk one-night stands that turn into three-year relationships and I wonder if I'm supposed to feel sorry for you. Do you want my sympathy? I doubt it, because you even admit that your behavior was foolish and wrong.
The funniest thing is how the meanest things you say are throwaway lines you don't even realize are insulting. For instance, telling me in no uncertain terms that I'm not important. Do you even see how hard a slap in the face that is? Especially considering all the things I've done.
It seems like I'm complaining, and maybe I am, but I'm tired of being stepped on and used. I'm pretty considerate, and outside of maybe two instances I've never really gotten angry. I'm good at shoving problems down and keeping my mouth shut. That's why I'm writing this blog. Just to get everything out there.
I think everyone at least once has felt used. I even think in some situations it's OK. If you're hurting you can take it out on me. I can take it. But there comes a point where it's always about you and never about me. Over four years I've realized that you have issues you need to work on. When every relationship you've ever been in starts with you getting drunk, then that's pretty obvious. And now you've found someone without the use of alcohol, which is great, but . . . well, you called me clingy, yet in the four years I've known you, I don't think you've ever not been dating someone. Honestly, you're Taylor Swift minus the fame and fortune.
I've been single for many years, you're always in a relationship. Who's clingy? I'm not flying to Texas to meet some guy I just met through World of Warcraft for a booty call. I'm sorry, but if a guy who just started dating you last month is willing to pay your ticket to Texas, he's clearly looking for sex.
I hate to air dirty laundry, but I'm tired of going back and forth. This is the best way to get my feelings out. For whomever reads this, maybe you've been in my situation. If so, let me know how it ended.
Out of all the people I met online, I only ever met two in person. Both times it went perfectly fine. They were exactly who said they were. One person lived close and one lived a little further away. It actually worked out because the one who lived a bit further met me in Montreal for a Britney concert. Without her, I never would have gone to see that tour (Onyx Hotel).
I feel fortunate that I've been able to meet good people on and off line. There are plenty of people I knew online who I never had the chance to meet and some I know now who I'll probably never meet. But thanks to Twitter, Facebook, texting, Skype, and the like, you can have relationships with people without ever meeting them. Not serious relationships, necessarily, but good friendships.
Sometimes you can have good friendships that turn to shit, because sometimes people lie to your face (well, via text message). Or, they say one thing but act a completely different way. For example, they say they don't like you and aren't your friend, yet they talk to you all the time. Confusing, right?
Let's say one day you get mad and tell that person to fuck off (and you're not the kinda person who says things like that often). This person you told to fuck off, let's say a month later, starts talking to you again. Even more confusing, right?
I know I don't get it. I don't understand how someone can say and do opposite things. Tell me all about your life and your problems and your boyfriends, but when we fight you suddenly never liked me. Of course, when we don't fight, you like me just fine. I hear about your drunk one-night stands that turn into three-year relationships and I wonder if I'm supposed to feel sorry for you. Do you want my sympathy? I doubt it, because you even admit that your behavior was foolish and wrong.
The funniest thing is how the meanest things you say are throwaway lines you don't even realize are insulting. For instance, telling me in no uncertain terms that I'm not important. Do you even see how hard a slap in the face that is? Especially considering all the things I've done.
It seems like I'm complaining, and maybe I am, but I'm tired of being stepped on and used. I'm pretty considerate, and outside of maybe two instances I've never really gotten angry. I'm good at shoving problems down and keeping my mouth shut. That's why I'm writing this blog. Just to get everything out there.
I think everyone at least once has felt used. I even think in some situations it's OK. If you're hurting you can take it out on me. I can take it. But there comes a point where it's always about you and never about me. Over four years I've realized that you have issues you need to work on. When every relationship you've ever been in starts with you getting drunk, then that's pretty obvious. And now you've found someone without the use of alcohol, which is great, but . . . well, you called me clingy, yet in the four years I've known you, I don't think you've ever not been dating someone. Honestly, you're Taylor Swift minus the fame and fortune.
I've been single for many years, you're always in a relationship. Who's clingy? I'm not flying to Texas to meet some guy I just met through World of Warcraft for a booty call. I'm sorry, but if a guy who just started dating you last month is willing to pay your ticket to Texas, he's clearly looking for sex.
I hate to air dirty laundry, but I'm tired of going back and forth. This is the best way to get my feelings out. For whomever reads this, maybe you've been in my situation. If so, let me know how it ended.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Screaming & Shouting
For some reason, there's an amount of people who dislike will.i.am., an amount that seems large because they're quite vocal. The sales of the group he's in, Black Eyed Peas, would indicate the vocal haters are actually a small group with big mouths. Whatever the case, all you hear from these people is how horrible his music is. Yet, somehow, he produces hit after hit. Teaming with Britney Spears on "Scream & Shout," to quote his musical tag team partner, oops, he did it again.
To be fair to the vocal haters, his solo work never really caught on until he teamed with Britney. But once the Queen of Pop and Mr. i.am. hit the studio together, they made magic. First with "Big Fat Bass" (a personal favorite of mine) and now with "Scream & Shout" (not my favorite, to be honest), Britney and will have shown how they can create something special together.
In fact, you can argue (and probably come out on top) that "S&S" is Britney's biggest hit ever. It's clearly her biggest radio hit ever. It's poised to potentially reach number one. If it does it would be the first time a Britney song went to number one after being on the charts for more than two months. Her other hits either debuted at #1 ("Baby One More Time, 3, Hold it Against Me) or flew up the charts in record fashion (Womanizer went from number 97 to number one, a record at the time for the largest jump in Billboard history).
With the rumor that will.i.am. will executive produce Britney's next album comes two reactions: booing from the vocal haters and excited screams from people who realize that Britney and will have hit two home runs together. Will's music isn't perfect, there are plenty of songs to dislike, but he and Britney have come together like peanut butter and jelly. Whether you like "Scream & Shout" you can't deny its success. Usually after 10 weeks on the chart, a Britney song is falling out of the top 10. With "S&S" the song is still climbing the chart. It's still in the top three on iTunes.
Maybe an entire Britney and will.i.am. album wouldn't work. But if he threw a couple songs on her next album, and they were anywhere near the quality of "Big Fat Bass" or "Scream & Shout," then you could almost guarantee another hit. In fact, imagine if "BFB" was released as a single instead of "Criminal?" Don't you think that would have given Britney another top 10 hit?
Peanut butter goes well with many things: chocolate, jelly, marshmallows, etc. It doesn't go well with ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise. Perhaps in some of will's other songs he worked with one of those three. But Britney is clearly his jelly.
By her eighth album, America might not be ready for their, well, you know how the song goes.
To be fair to the vocal haters, his solo work never really caught on until he teamed with Britney. But once the Queen of Pop and Mr. i.am. hit the studio together, they made magic. First with "Big Fat Bass" (a personal favorite of mine) and now with "Scream & Shout" (not my favorite, to be honest), Britney and will have shown how they can create something special together.
In fact, you can argue (and probably come out on top) that "S&S" is Britney's biggest hit ever. It's clearly her biggest radio hit ever. It's poised to potentially reach number one. If it does it would be the first time a Britney song went to number one after being on the charts for more than two months. Her other hits either debuted at #1 ("Baby One More Time, 3, Hold it Against Me) or flew up the charts in record fashion (Womanizer went from number 97 to number one, a record at the time for the largest jump in Billboard history).
With the rumor that will.i.am. will executive produce Britney's next album comes two reactions: booing from the vocal haters and excited screams from people who realize that Britney and will have hit two home runs together. Will's music isn't perfect, there are plenty of songs to dislike, but he and Britney have come together like peanut butter and jelly. Whether you like "Scream & Shout" you can't deny its success. Usually after 10 weeks on the chart, a Britney song is falling out of the top 10. With "S&S" the song is still climbing the chart. It's still in the top three on iTunes.
Maybe an entire Britney and will.i.am. album wouldn't work. But if he threw a couple songs on her next album, and they were anywhere near the quality of "Big Fat Bass" or "Scream & Shout," then you could almost guarantee another hit. In fact, imagine if "BFB" was released as a single instead of "Criminal?" Don't you think that would have given Britney another top 10 hit?
Peanut butter goes well with many things: chocolate, jelly, marshmallows, etc. It doesn't go well with ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise. Perhaps in some of will's other songs he worked with one of those three. But Britney is clearly his jelly.
By her eighth album, America might not be ready for their, well, you know how the song goes.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Viva Las Britney
Some people think Britney Spears performing in Vegas will be good for Vegas. It'll be good for Britney (money) and her fans who live in and around Vegas (closeness), but Vegas doesn't need Britney. It's Vegas.
Someone at Exhale posted reasons why Britney taking up residency in Vegas will be good. Problem is that most of the reasons are plain wrong.
"It will youngify Vegas: Think about it, Vegas now is full of old performers and older acts. Younger people like Britney fans will flock to Vegas" - Vegas doesn't need to be "youngified." It's Vegas, it's for adults. In fact, there should be a sign at the airport that says "Welcome to Vegas. No one under 21 allowed."
"It will revive Las Vegas: Bring in a younger crowd and bring in people who have never been to Vegas. It will bing in new revenue and new business. She will basically save it. She will be acknowledged and given the credit of changing Vegas and bringing in new revenue, and reviving Las Vegas. Lets face it, Celine has not been able to do this. That’s why Vegas want Britney!" - It's Vegas. It doesn't need saving. Beside, most everyone over the age of 21 has been to Vegas already. Britney wouldn't bring in a new crowd.
"Will open new opportunities for pop acts today: She will be probably the 1st relevant and youngest artist to have a major gig and residency at Vegas. Pretty soon other pop acts might follow: AKA copy" - Trust me, other pop acts don't need Britney to open the door for them. If Britney turns down a Vegas residency, I'm sure other acts like Gaga and Katy Perry would still have a chance to play Vegas if Vegas wanted them.
"Will solidify her legend status: People will look at her differently and know that she is the queen of pop" - Her legendary status is already certified by the fact that she's the youngest person on the list of the best-selling acts of all-time. Among other things.
"It will change Vegas forever: It won’t be just for has been performers. She will probably be the youngest paid pop act to reside in Vegas." - Again, Vegas isn't looking to change. Anyone old enough to gamble will go regardless of whether Britney is there or not.
"Old passionate Britney might, no, Will come back: Lets face it this is gonna be huge. Her name is on the line! She has to give it her 100%. She will get media attention like crazy daily! She will perform with passion just like before…" - She gets media attention daily. Where have you been? As far as bringing back the "old, passionate" Britney, some might question who exactly that is: Crazy 2k tour Britney, DWAD tour Britney, Onxy Hotel tour Britney, etc.
"My Final Thoughts: And I truly think this Gig will probably only last only a few months. She will be paid 100 million + for less than a year. Team Britney is smart, they know we want a new album and world tour, they will probably just make this vegas gig a few months to test the waters and see how it goes. I think they are doing this to get Britneys name out there and get the public and fans ready for Album 8 and Tour! She will be the highest paid Vegas Performer!!!" - No Vegas casino is going to pay Britney a "100 million +" for less than a year just so Britney can "test the waters." Jobs are on the line if some casino signs Britney and it fails. Trust me, Vegas isn't interested in helping Britney test the waters. They want Britney to bring in serious money, because the point of bringing in Britney is too make as much money as possible.
I'm all for getting excited about the possible Vegas gig. But don't be foolish and think it's about what Britney can do for Vegas or her career. It's what the Vegas gig can do for you.
Someone at Exhale posted reasons why Britney taking up residency in Vegas will be good. Problem is that most of the reasons are plain wrong.
"It will youngify Vegas: Think about it, Vegas now is full of old performers and older acts. Younger people like Britney fans will flock to Vegas" - Vegas doesn't need to be "youngified." It's Vegas, it's for adults. In fact, there should be a sign at the airport that says "Welcome to Vegas. No one under 21 allowed."
"It will revive Las Vegas: Bring in a younger crowd and bring in people who have never been to Vegas. It will bing in new revenue and new business. She will basically save it. She will be acknowledged and given the credit of changing Vegas and bringing in new revenue, and reviving Las Vegas. Lets face it, Celine has not been able to do this. That’s why Vegas want Britney!" - It's Vegas. It doesn't need saving. Beside, most everyone over the age of 21 has been to Vegas already. Britney wouldn't bring in a new crowd.
"Will open new opportunities for pop acts today: She will be probably the 1st relevant and youngest artist to have a major gig and residency at Vegas. Pretty soon other pop acts might follow: AKA copy" - Trust me, other pop acts don't need Britney to open the door for them. If Britney turns down a Vegas residency, I'm sure other acts like Gaga and Katy Perry would still have a chance to play Vegas if Vegas wanted them.
"Will solidify her legend status: People will look at her differently and know that she is the queen of pop" - Her legendary status is already certified by the fact that she's the youngest person on the list of the best-selling acts of all-time. Among other things.
"It will change Vegas forever: It won’t be just for has been performers. She will probably be the youngest paid pop act to reside in Vegas." - Again, Vegas isn't looking to change. Anyone old enough to gamble will go regardless of whether Britney is there or not.
"Old passionate Britney might, no, Will come back: Lets face it this is gonna be huge. Her name is on the line! She has to give it her 100%. She will get media attention like crazy daily! She will perform with passion just like before…" - She gets media attention daily. Where have you been? As far as bringing back the "old, passionate" Britney, some might question who exactly that is: Crazy 2k tour Britney, DWAD tour Britney, Onxy Hotel tour Britney, etc.
"My Final Thoughts: And I truly think this Gig will probably only last only a few months. She will be paid 100 million + for less than a year. Team Britney is smart, they know we want a new album and world tour, they will probably just make this vegas gig a few months to test the waters and see how it goes. I think they are doing this to get Britneys name out there and get the public and fans ready for Album 8 and Tour! She will be the highest paid Vegas Performer!!!" - No Vegas casino is going to pay Britney a "100 million +" for less than a year just so Britney can "test the waters." Jobs are on the line if some casino signs Britney and it fails. Trust me, Vegas isn't interested in helping Britney test the waters. They want Britney to bring in serious money, because the point of bringing in Britney is too make as much money as possible.
I'm all for getting excited about the possible Vegas gig. But don't be foolish and think it's about what Britney can do for Vegas or her career. It's what the Vegas gig can do for you.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
History Repeating
When I see all these Britney candid photos a short while after she ended a long-term relationship, I can't help but think how familiar this looks. Have I been here before? Yes, I have.
When Britney divorced Kevin she was out and about almost every day. Shopping, skating, you name it, Britney seemed to seek the attention. It felt like she was telling everyone, "Look at me, I'm totally fine."
Now, Britney just ended her engagement to Jason. Suddenly, Britney seems to be out every day. Shopping, going to the gym or the dance studio, you name it, Britney again seems to be courting attention. It's interesting how after ending two long relationships, Britney's no longer camera shy. When she was deep into her relationship with both Kevin and Jason, you could go weeks without ever seeing a Britney photo.
I'm not suggesting Britney is an attention whore or that she's going to have another breakdown. I just find it interesting that she puts herself out there once she's single. Clearly, Britney knows how to avoid the paparazzi. Perhaps these times after a breakup, her team suggests she get photographed to show she's not devastated, sitting at home crying. Unfortunately, the plan backfired six years ago, because the paparazzi caught way too much (Britney partying, shaving her head, flashing her vagina, etc.).
This time, so far at least, she's done nothing worse than leave the house without her bra on. Of course, everything looked fine last time, too, until everything when to hell.
I don't know if Britney minds the paparazzi at this point in her career or if she hates them. I guess they're not that bad until those pictures wind up on the front page of a magazine with an unflattering headline ("Britney's Out of Control," "Britney Hates Her Children," "Britney Caught Cheating").
While I doubt we'll see a repeat of 2007, it's interesting how Britney is suddenly visible again now that she broke up with Jason. Unless this is her way of saying, "Hey, boys, I'm single and ready. Come and get me."
Hmm, probably not (though, she has been looking exceptionally fine recently with the church outfit the big winner).
When Britney divorced Kevin she was out and about almost every day. Shopping, skating, you name it, Britney seemed to seek the attention. It felt like she was telling everyone, "Look at me, I'm totally fine."
Now, Britney just ended her engagement to Jason. Suddenly, Britney seems to be out every day. Shopping, going to the gym or the dance studio, you name it, Britney again seems to be courting attention. It's interesting how after ending two long relationships, Britney's no longer camera shy. When she was deep into her relationship with both Kevin and Jason, you could go weeks without ever seeing a Britney photo.
I'm not suggesting Britney is an attention whore or that she's going to have another breakdown. I just find it interesting that she puts herself out there once she's single. Clearly, Britney knows how to avoid the paparazzi. Perhaps these times after a breakup, her team suggests she get photographed to show she's not devastated, sitting at home crying. Unfortunately, the plan backfired six years ago, because the paparazzi caught way too much (Britney partying, shaving her head, flashing her vagina, etc.).
This time, so far at least, she's done nothing worse than leave the house without her bra on. Of course, everything looked fine last time, too, until everything when to hell.
I don't know if Britney minds the paparazzi at this point in her career or if she hates them. I guess they're not that bad until those pictures wind up on the front page of a magazine with an unflattering headline ("Britney's Out of Control," "Britney Hates Her Children," "Britney Caught Cheating").
While I doubt we'll see a repeat of 2007, it's interesting how Britney is suddenly visible again now that she broke up with Jason. Unless this is her way of saying, "Hey, boys, I'm single and ready. Come and get me."
Hmm, probably not (though, she has been looking exceptionally fine recently with the church outfit the big winner).
Friday, January 25, 2013
Finding the Next Britannica
It's no secret that Britannica has possibly the greatest job ever (aside from actually being Britney Spears) because her whole life revolves around Britney (not counting the couple hours each day she worships Justin Bieber). It's also no secret that I want her . . . job.
It seems Britannica will hold onto her job like a Pope. Seriously, she's going to die in that (office) chair. She'll be 45 and still tweeting, blogging, facebooking (or whatever passes for those activities in 15 years) about Britney. She'll go to all of Britney's concerts and probably have great seats. It's completely unfair.
Therefore, I think Britannica should have to defend her job like a boxer, wrestler, MMA fighter defends his title. Once a year, she should have to put her job on the line against other people, like myself, who really want it. The way you win would differ each year. For instance, one year could be Britney trivia. Another year could be mimicking Britney's dance moves. Another year could be singing like Britney. And so on.
Truthfully, that's the only fair way to decide who's right for the job. I bet Britannica would even agree, because she's such a fair and righteous person. In fact, to make it totally fair and unbiased, Britney could be a judge.
Let's make this happen.
It seems Britannica will hold onto her job like a Pope. Seriously, she's going to die in that (office) chair. She'll be 45 and still tweeting, blogging, facebooking (or whatever passes for those activities in 15 years) about Britney. She'll go to all of Britney's concerts and probably have great seats. It's completely unfair.
Therefore, I think Britannica should have to defend her job like a boxer, wrestler, MMA fighter defends his title. Once a year, she should have to put her job on the line against other people, like myself, who really want it. The way you win would differ each year. For instance, one year could be Britney trivia. Another year could be mimicking Britney's dance moves. Another year could be singing like Britney. And so on.
Truthfully, that's the only fair way to decide who's right for the job. I bet Britannica would even agree, because she's such a fair and righteous person. In fact, to make it totally fair and unbiased, Britney could be a judge.
Let's make this happen.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Hangover Part IV
I'm not entirely sure what the plot of The Hangover Part III is, but rumor has it that Britney Spears makes a cameo. That perfectly coincides with the reported Vegas deal she's negotiating. In fact, my proposal to the producers of The Hangover is to spin Britney off and do a fourth Hangover staring her.
It may sound like a crazy idea on paper because of Britney's newer, cleaner image. But, imagine all the hijinks she could get up to. For instance:
- Britney gets lost looking for a Starbucks at 1 a.m.
- Britney can't quite figure out how the craps table works
- One of Britney's children pulls a slot machine lever and wins $1M
- Britney has a chase scene on the casino floor with paparazzi
- Britney finds a dog shelter and tries to adopt every dog
- Britney steals a cop car (kidding, that's already been done)
Either way, those ideas are way better than a Vegas casino blowing $100-$120M on Britney for two years.
You have to understand Britney's fan base. Do they have the money to afford to see Britney in Vegas? Imagine a ticket, flight and hotel, then add on food,drinks and gambling (if of legal age) and you're talking in excess of $500. Britney's fans love her, but how many have that kind of money to blow?
A Vegas set-up works for older artists like Celine Dion and Elton John because their fans are older and have disposable income. Not so much for 17-year olds or 20-year olds or even 24-year olds.
Obviously, the money is tremendous for Britney. Who would turn down $100M? However, I think most people would agree that Britney would probably get bored quickly. I can't imagine her putting on the same show in the same place for two years.
Personally, I'd rather watch The Hangover Part IV staring Britney Spears. Who's with me?
It may sound like a crazy idea on paper because of Britney's newer, cleaner image. But, imagine all the hijinks she could get up to. For instance:
- Britney gets lost looking for a Starbucks at 1 a.m.
- Britney can't quite figure out how the craps table works
- One of Britney's children pulls a slot machine lever and wins $1M
- Britney has a chase scene on the casino floor with paparazzi
- Britney finds a dog shelter and tries to adopt every dog
- Britney steals a cop car (kidding, that's already been done)
Either way, those ideas are way better than a Vegas casino blowing $100-$120M on Britney for two years.
You have to understand Britney's fan base. Do they have the money to afford to see Britney in Vegas? Imagine a ticket, flight and hotel, then add on food,drinks and gambling (if of legal age) and you're talking in excess of $500. Britney's fans love her, but how many have that kind of money to blow?
A Vegas set-up works for older artists like Celine Dion and Elton John because their fans are older and have disposable income. Not so much for 17-year olds or 20-year olds or even 24-year olds.
Obviously, the money is tremendous for Britney. Who would turn down $100M? However, I think most people would agree that Britney would probably get bored quickly. I can't imagine her putting on the same show in the same place for two years.
Personally, I'd rather watch The Hangover Part IV staring Britney Spears. Who's with me?
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Ex-Factor
See what I did there?
Britney's leaving the X-Factor, there's no question about that. Why or how is where the question lies. Did she walk away or did X-Factor tell her to watch out for the doorknob on the way out?
The idea of a mutual dissolving of the relationship is a joke. Someone said see you later first. Relationships never mutually end. It has to start somewhere. In this case, either Britney said to X-Factor, thanks but no thanks, or X-Factor said to Britney, your services are no longer required.
The first rumor to come out was that X-Factor would not ask Britney back for another season. Then, the rumor changed to Britney was quitting the show. What's right and what's wrong?
Some people want to believe that both parties got together and decided to go their separate ways. That's a highly unlikely scenario. What's more likely is that either low ratings scared X-Factor into deciding to move on or Britney was afraid X-Factor would dump her and chose to go on the offensive.
Whichever scenario is correct, someone is gonna look bad. If X-Factor tosses Britney aside, it makes her look less important. If Britney walks, it makes X-Factor look less important. You always want to leave a situation; you never want people to think you were removed. That's why you'd quit a job before you let your boss fire you.
It makes more sense that Britney got her walking papers (or, more specifically, didn't get any papers), then to think she chose to leave. At one point during the show, she said when asked if she'd return, "Yes, definitely." Later on, she changed her story to, "I have to think about it." But you can imagine her change of heart was more for negotiation sake (and probably at the request of her management team).
X-Factor, on the other hand, paid $15M for Britney, got marginal ratings, and was left in the end with three choices. Of those three, were they going to bring her back at the same price, give her a raise or let her go? There was no chance of her getting a raise, since the ratings for her season were lower than season 1. They could have offered her another $15M, but that's a lot of money to pay someone to judge the third most watched singing show on TV.
Really, they had one option (because offering her less money would have been a slap in the face, especially since she was quite competent at her job (and at times the only reason to watch)). Unless the ratings trended upward from episode one to the finale (and they didn't) they had to let her go.
For Britney's part, she had to get it out there that she CHOSE to leave to focus on music so she wouldn't look weak. J. Lo did the same thing when she left Idol. And it seems people are buying it.
I'm sure she and Fox will come to terms on some sort of mutual press release where both parties look good. They'll all say they agreed to part ways. Fox will miss Britney. Britney will miss the show. Yada, yada, yada. No one has released an official statement yet, but you can expect one to be forthcoming soon.
I enjoyed Britney's time on the X-Factor, but am of two minds about her inevitable departure. I'll miss seeing her twice a week for four months. Then again, I won't miss watching another singing show.
I'm sure once she's officially gone, writers will have a good time penning stories about how she was a massive disappointment, a waste of $15M, etc., etc. I don't know if that's really fair, though, since it's quite difficult to crush something on your first try.
If anything good came from this, it was the fact that Britney proved the doubters wrong. They said she'd be a trainwreck, yet she was composed and professional. However, the doubters claimed victory by calling Britney a boring judge, which to them is akin to being a trainwreck because both mean failure. In fact, many critics and doubters, after the fact, wished it had been a trainwreck (of course, had it been, they'd have claimed victory; though, they still claim it, even though she wasn't a mess at all, meaning Britney was in a no-win situation).
Years from now, we'll look back at Britney's X-Factor run the same way we do with Ellen DeGeneres on Idol. It happened, we saw it, but it ended up being pretty meaningless in the long run. Britney hasn't built a new career for herself as a TV judge. Probably for the best, since her original career is far from over.
Britney's leaving the X-Factor, there's no question about that. Why or how is where the question lies. Did she walk away or did X-Factor tell her to watch out for the doorknob on the way out?
The idea of a mutual dissolving of the relationship is a joke. Someone said see you later first. Relationships never mutually end. It has to start somewhere. In this case, either Britney said to X-Factor, thanks but no thanks, or X-Factor said to Britney, your services are no longer required.
The first rumor to come out was that X-Factor would not ask Britney back for another season. Then, the rumor changed to Britney was quitting the show. What's right and what's wrong?
Some people want to believe that both parties got together and decided to go their separate ways. That's a highly unlikely scenario. What's more likely is that either low ratings scared X-Factor into deciding to move on or Britney was afraid X-Factor would dump her and chose to go on the offensive.
Whichever scenario is correct, someone is gonna look bad. If X-Factor tosses Britney aside, it makes her look less important. If Britney walks, it makes X-Factor look less important. You always want to leave a situation; you never want people to think you were removed. That's why you'd quit a job before you let your boss fire you.
It makes more sense that Britney got her walking papers (or, more specifically, didn't get any papers), then to think she chose to leave. At one point during the show, she said when asked if she'd return, "Yes, definitely." Later on, she changed her story to, "I have to think about it." But you can imagine her change of heart was more for negotiation sake (and probably at the request of her management team).
X-Factor, on the other hand, paid $15M for Britney, got marginal ratings, and was left in the end with three choices. Of those three, were they going to bring her back at the same price, give her a raise or let her go? There was no chance of her getting a raise, since the ratings for her season were lower than season 1. They could have offered her another $15M, but that's a lot of money to pay someone to judge the third most watched singing show on TV.
Really, they had one option (because offering her less money would have been a slap in the face, especially since she was quite competent at her job (and at times the only reason to watch)). Unless the ratings trended upward from episode one to the finale (and they didn't) they had to let her go.
For Britney's part, she had to get it out there that she CHOSE to leave to focus on music so she wouldn't look weak. J. Lo did the same thing when she left Idol. And it seems people are buying it.
I'm sure she and Fox will come to terms on some sort of mutual press release where both parties look good. They'll all say they agreed to part ways. Fox will miss Britney. Britney will miss the show. Yada, yada, yada. No one has released an official statement yet, but you can expect one to be forthcoming soon.
I enjoyed Britney's time on the X-Factor, but am of two minds about her inevitable departure. I'll miss seeing her twice a week for four months. Then again, I won't miss watching another singing show.
I'm sure once she's officially gone, writers will have a good time penning stories about how she was a massive disappointment, a waste of $15M, etc., etc. I don't know if that's really fair, though, since it's quite difficult to crush something on your first try.
If anything good came from this, it was the fact that Britney proved the doubters wrong. They said she'd be a trainwreck, yet she was composed and professional. However, the doubters claimed victory by calling Britney a boring judge, which to them is akin to being a trainwreck because both mean failure. In fact, many critics and doubters, after the fact, wished it had been a trainwreck (of course, had it been, they'd have claimed victory; though, they still claim it, even though she wasn't a mess at all, meaning Britney was in a no-win situation).
Years from now, we'll look back at Britney's X-Factor run the same way we do with Ellen DeGeneres on Idol. It happened, we saw it, but it ended up being pretty meaningless in the long run. Britney hasn't built a new career for herself as a TV judge. Probably for the best, since her original career is far from over.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Pop Goes the Music
Now that it's over, 2012 was not a banner year for pop music. You don't realize how much you miss the Gagas and Britneys of the world until they don't release anything.
Sure, Carly Rae gave us a huge song and other good songs, and Taylor Swift and Ke$ha both released albums. There was Maroon 5 and Bruno Mars, too, which is nice. But when the biggest impact is made by a Korean artist with a dreadful song, you know it was a bad year for pop.
Thank God, then, that Britney, Gaga, Beyonce, Katy, Avril, are all due to release albums this year (or sooner than later). We need a great album like Femme Fatale or Teenage Dream.
Don't get me wrong, rock and alternative put out some great music courtesy of Neon Trees, Imagine Dragons and Walk the Moon. And hip-hop contributed with albums from B.o.B. and others. That's why pop is in danger, because other genres are stepping it up.
Rihanna had another big hit with "Diamonds," but the album is average at best. Maroon 5 had two big hits, but their album kinda sucks. Taylor Swift tried to carry the genre on her back and did an admirable job, just like Adele earlier in 2012, but she needs help.
Therefore, I'm hoping the aforementioned ladies can come through. The genre is begging for greatness. So to Katy and Gaga and all the rest, step it up. It's time to take the charts back.
However, we don't want Femme Fatale 2 or Teenage Dream 2 (or even Blackout 2.0, sorry Britney fans). We demand new and innovative. Most of all, make it good.
Less Beiber, more Britney!
Sure, Carly Rae gave us a huge song and other good songs, and Taylor Swift and Ke$ha both released albums. There was Maroon 5 and Bruno Mars, too, which is nice. But when the biggest impact is made by a Korean artist with a dreadful song, you know it was a bad year for pop.
Thank God, then, that Britney, Gaga, Beyonce, Katy, Avril, are all due to release albums this year (or sooner than later). We need a great album like Femme Fatale or Teenage Dream.
Don't get me wrong, rock and alternative put out some great music courtesy of Neon Trees, Imagine Dragons and Walk the Moon. And hip-hop contributed with albums from B.o.B. and others. That's why pop is in danger, because other genres are stepping it up.
Rihanna had another big hit with "Diamonds," but the album is average at best. Maroon 5 had two big hits, but their album kinda sucks. Taylor Swift tried to carry the genre on her back and did an admirable job, just like Adele earlier in 2012, but she needs help.
Therefore, I'm hoping the aforementioned ladies can come through. The genre is begging for greatness. So to Katy and Gaga and all the rest, step it up. It's time to take the charts back.
However, we don't want Femme Fatale 2 or Teenage Dream 2 (or even Blackout 2.0, sorry Britney fans). We demand new and innovative. Most of all, make it good.
Less Beiber, more Britney!
My Favorite (2012) Things
My 10 favorite albums from 2012:
B.o.B. - Strange Clouds
Ke$ha - Warrior
Neon Trees - Picture Show
Halestorm - The Strange Case Of . . .
Walk the Moon - Walk the Moon
Graffiti6 - Colours
Imagine Dragons - Night Vision
Aerosmith - Music From Another Dimension
Bruno Mars - Unorthodox Jukebox
Kid Rock - Rebel Soul
My favorite singles:
B.o.B. feat. Taylor Swift - Both Of Us
Bruce Springsteen - Land of Hope and Dreams
Carly Rae Jepson - Call Me Maybe
Halestorm - Here's to Us
Imagine Dragons - It's Time
Little Boots - Every Night I Say a Prayer
Neon Trees - Everybody Talks
One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
Nicki Minaj - Starships
Slaughterhouse feat. Cee-Lo Green - My Life
My favorite non-singles:
Aerosmith - Out Go the Lights
Boys Like Girls - Life of the Party
Bruce Springsteen - Shackled and Drawn
Carrie Underwood - One Way Ticket
Halestorm - Freak Like Me
Ke$ha - Gold Trans Am
Kid Rock - God Save Rock n Roll
Killers - Miss Atomic Bomb
Neon Trees - Moving in the Dark
Taylor Swift - Red
B.o.B. - Strange Clouds
Ke$ha - Warrior
Neon Trees - Picture Show
Halestorm - The Strange Case Of . . .
Walk the Moon - Walk the Moon
Graffiti6 - Colours
Imagine Dragons - Night Vision
Aerosmith - Music From Another Dimension
Bruno Mars - Unorthodox Jukebox
Kid Rock - Rebel Soul
My favorite singles:
B.o.B. feat. Taylor Swift - Both Of Us
Bruce Springsteen - Land of Hope and Dreams
Carly Rae Jepson - Call Me Maybe
Halestorm - Here's to Us
Imagine Dragons - It's Time
Little Boots - Every Night I Say a Prayer
Neon Trees - Everybody Talks
One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
Nicki Minaj - Starships
Slaughterhouse feat. Cee-Lo Green - My Life
My favorite non-singles:
Aerosmith - Out Go the Lights
Boys Like Girls - Life of the Party
Bruce Springsteen - Shackled and Drawn
Carrie Underwood - One Way Ticket
Halestorm - Freak Like Me
Ke$ha - Gold Trans Am
Kid Rock - God Save Rock n Roll
Killers - Miss Atomic Bomb
Neon Trees - Moving in the Dark
Taylor Swift - Red
You Fat Fuck
Britney Spears is not fat. And I would confidently say she's never been fat, ever, in her whole life. She's been pregnant, twice, but never fat. Her weight may fluctuate a few pounds here and there, as happens to 99 percent of women, but never to a serious degree.
Therefore, it pisses me off when people take shots of Britney's body. It happens way too often on her supposed fan sites. Just today I saw someone post an outtake of the Lucky Magazine shoot she did and nearly every comment was negative. Not, "I don't like that picture" negative, but "Britney looks fat here" negative.
This shit happens to most celebs, I'm sure, but I see it all the time with Britney. Her own fans love to take cheap shots at her body. I'm assuming it's because they have their own body issues and lash out at Britney to make themselves feel better. It's cheap and it needs to stop.
Without even getting into the discussion of what exactly is fat, the bottom line is that it's Britney's body and she can be whatever size she wants. If you comment on her weight, then that shows that you only like her for her body. That makes you a sad, pathetic person.
These people seem to take pride in pointing out Britney's flaws, as if she doesn't already see them. If you think Britney wakes up everyday, looks in the mirror and says, "I look perfect today," then you're a fucking idiot. I'm sure she sees her imperfections, just like you see your own.
Fortunately for you, 100 people on a message board aren't obsessing over your photo, pointing out your flaws, your wrinkles, your rashes, all the while mentioning how much weight you could stand to lose. I understand that's part of being famous. What I don't understand is if her own fans are trashing her, and the people who don't like her are trashing her, then who's saying the nice things? Who's defending her?
Britney is not a size 0 or a size 2. I don't know what size she is exactly, but it seems to work for her. Jennifer Lawrence recently said that in Hollywood she's considered obese. Well, if she's obese and Britney's fat, then I guess I'm a chubby chaser. I'll be a proud one, too.
I hope these people who throw around the word fat have little sisters. And those little sisters develop eating disorders that cause the older sibling to wonder how they could have developed said disorder. Britney may be able to shrug off negative comments, and Jennifer may be OK with being considered obese. I doubt, though, that some 15-year old feels the same way. I mean, if Britney's fat and Jennifer is obese, what are they?
You would think as Britney ages, her fans would mature along with her. I guess not.
A few years ago a picture of Jennifer Love Hewitt surfaced in her bikini where her backside looked bigger than normal. Everyone seemed to have a negative comment, as if having a big ass somehow made her a bad actress or less attractive. I'll never understand people.
Someday people will grow up. I hope.
Therefore, it pisses me off when people take shots of Britney's body. It happens way too often on her supposed fan sites. Just today I saw someone post an outtake of the Lucky Magazine shoot she did and nearly every comment was negative. Not, "I don't like that picture" negative, but "Britney looks fat here" negative.
This shit happens to most celebs, I'm sure, but I see it all the time with Britney. Her own fans love to take cheap shots at her body. I'm assuming it's because they have their own body issues and lash out at Britney to make themselves feel better. It's cheap and it needs to stop.
Without even getting into the discussion of what exactly is fat, the bottom line is that it's Britney's body and she can be whatever size she wants. If you comment on her weight, then that shows that you only like her for her body. That makes you a sad, pathetic person.
These people seem to take pride in pointing out Britney's flaws, as if she doesn't already see them. If you think Britney wakes up everyday, looks in the mirror and says, "I look perfect today," then you're a fucking idiot. I'm sure she sees her imperfections, just like you see your own.
Fortunately for you, 100 people on a message board aren't obsessing over your photo, pointing out your flaws, your wrinkles, your rashes, all the while mentioning how much weight you could stand to lose. I understand that's part of being famous. What I don't understand is if her own fans are trashing her, and the people who don't like her are trashing her, then who's saying the nice things? Who's defending her?
Britney is not a size 0 or a size 2. I don't know what size she is exactly, but it seems to work for her. Jennifer Lawrence recently said that in Hollywood she's considered obese. Well, if she's obese and Britney's fat, then I guess I'm a chubby chaser. I'll be a proud one, too.
I hope these people who throw around the word fat have little sisters. And those little sisters develop eating disorders that cause the older sibling to wonder how they could have developed said disorder. Britney may be able to shrug off negative comments, and Jennifer may be OK with being considered obese. I doubt, though, that some 15-year old feels the same way. I mean, if Britney's fat and Jennifer is obese, what are they?
You would think as Britney ages, her fans would mature along with her. I guess not.
A few years ago a picture of Jennifer Love Hewitt surfaced in her bikini where her backside looked bigger than normal. Everyone seemed to have a negative comment, as if having a big ass somehow made her a bad actress or less attractive. I'll never understand people.
Someday people will grow up. I hope.
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