So...are we proud?

During the controversial war with Iraq, many pundits claimed that the media played a key role in the war actually happening by “aiding and abetting” George W. Bush’s agenda to get rid of Sadam and introduce democracy in Iraq. Similar accusations have been made against the media, (and in particular the paparazzi) who many claim are partially, if not mostly, to blame for the death of Princess Diana. Today, economists warn us that the media has spoken so much of recession, that we may actually be talking ourselves into one.

So this begs the question. Are we partly to blame for what is going on with Britney Spears, or is her current meltdown under the media spotlight all on herself? Its true that bad news travels faster than good news and that people can’t take their eyes off of a trainwreck. But at some point, which we have well passed, it becomes more of a concern than a novelty, and people should point the finger back at themselves to see if they may be part of the solution – or the problem. There is no doubt that the constant spotlight on Britney, especially in recent months, has had more of a damaging effect on her personal life than a positive one. And know, serious questions remain about her physical and mental well being. This is now no longer cute and something to talk about over a beer with friends. This is the part of the party where everyone is passed getting drunk. This is the part of the party where people are vomiting and don’t have a ride home. In looking at your role of this, perhaps we could give the Britney story a little breather and pick up an issue or two to tackle. According to Al Gore, the California coastline is in serious danger of going extinct during our lifetimes. We should be reading up on things like that instead.

Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t be writing this article if I didn’t find the whole media vs. Britney ongoing relationship a bit fascinating. But its time the bartender gave us a moderation speech and cut us off. Overindulging takes many sizes and shapes, and I think in this case we’ve overdone it a bit on the Britney thing. Hopefully there will be a time where it is acceptable to make fun of her again, but that time is not right now.