Brittney Spears Controversy

[Dr. Shane]

I suspect many have heard the news. I saw it on the morning news yesterday and later on the internet. The big stir that Brittney Spears performed some song at the MTV awards in a bikini. Well, exposing flesh at the MTV awards is nothing new that should cause a stir. The issue here, I guess, is that Brittney was not as skinny as some critics thought she should be. From what I saw, which wasn't extensive, she looks to have a healthy body weight and while I don't personally think performing in a bikini is entirely appropriate, I wouldn't see an issue with her wearing such a thing to the beach.

In focusing on weight, which we do a lot of in our home, I think we need to focus much more on health rather than glamor. The world seems to focus on glamor, ever looking for that fountain of youth. We all get old. Women have children. However being overweight does increase our chances for a host of illnesses to the point that we should strive to maintain a healthy body weight. But if our reason for avoiding excessive weight is only to look good, that seems a bit vain.

[Gregory Matthews]

In my mind, BS was healthy, and not erotic.

It is sexist to expect women, as they age, and have children to fit some artifical standard as an erotic object, maintained for our pleasure.

Whether or not her atire was appropriate, that is another issue.

As to the quality of her performance, that also is another issue.

[Dr. Shane]

I have been on some beaches and in some theme parks where over-weight women were wearing bikinis and their bellies were just rolls of fat. In my opinion, that just lacks good taste and is best kept inside the home or the backyard pool. Brittney is not in that category. She looks like some of the Dove girls that caused a stir a couple of years ago. They have a healthy body weight and not the artificial standard that Hollywood wants to establish.

[olger]

Fortunately we don't possess a TV.

:)

[DrWhoCompanion]

Shane,

As much as I'm sick of hearing about this girl, thanks for posting. I agree she looked healthy (can't escape the news... gee, I'm glad there's nothing else going on in the world, like wars or poverty!).

I'm really tired of our society's views. I'd love to start a magazine where airbrushing and computer-modifying photos is absolutely banned. Imagine the difference in our girls' self esteem!

[Kountzer]

Worldly fame and acclaim is very fickle. You can be fabulous and famous one day, and considered flabby and infamous the next.

BS knows all that, or she should. She shopped her looks and attractiveness, and as a result has become a multi-millionaire. The exploitation goes both ways.

As for the stuff in her personal life, that's her business. but, she should of been better prepared to perform on live TV in front of millions of people, especially in an outfit like the one she wore.

[Dottie]

Ver-r-r-y In-ter-est-ing!

All of the above comments are by men. I didn't see the show, but can't we all talk about someone more noteworthy than Brittany Speers? (intended spelling)

[Dottie]

Well, I made a serious error. Sorry, DWC!

[Dr. Shane]

Some of the comments by men have been very interesting:

"In focusing on weight, which we do a lot of in our home, I think we need to focus much more on health rather than glamor."

"It is sexist to expect women, as they age, and have children to fit some artificial standard as an erotic object, maintained for our pleasure."

"I'm really tired of our society's views. I'd love to start a magazine where airbrushing and computer-modifying photos is absolutely banned. Imagine the difference in our girls' self esteem!" [not sure Dr. Who is a male]

Sound to me like we have some men of integrity on this forum. tu

[Kountzer]

Nobody, male or female, held a gun to Brittney Spears head over the past 20 yrs and said "here, take these millions of dollars and do what you do." She chose to perform, and act like she wanted to and she was good at it. At least she made a lot of money, a boat load of money.

As for the weight issue, I thought she looked good, all things considered. The criticism, real or imagined, she gets from this forum is extremely mild compared to what the worldly media is saying.

Also, it was reported that she stayed out and partied til 3am the night before her performance. She showed up the next day in time for only 1 hour of practice, with a drink in her hand, a frozen daquiri. They tried to put more clothes on her, but she refused.

Add it all up, and she should of been better prepared.

Now how you jump from that to all this 'male exploitation' jibber jabber is beyond me.