Re: like a virgin...
 

The sexualisation of pre-pubescent kids by Western popular culture is a very interesting topic, but I'm still not sure exactly what the topic of this thread is so I'll not start on about that just yet. Suffice it to say that I think Britney and others, who market themselves at that age group, bear a share of the responsibility. Kids look up to their role models and they want to be like them. If their role models start playing on their sexuality, they will want to follow. It's not rocket science and I don't think recognising the fact makes you a jumped up little madam.

Re: like a virgin...
 

I have to disagree, the music she makes, or the way she acts is not perposely aimed at that age group - or it wasn't originally, the young ones take it upon themselves to watch it, then the businessmen realise the market and move in with mercendice.

People should be able to act how they want, it's the press which spreads the word.

Re: like a virgin...
 

That site is wrong. That song is by System Of A Down.

People like her get on my nerves though. Someone who has made some change/decision, and suddenly think they are some kind of deity and think they treat all other lesser human beings (meat-eaters/people that have sex etc.) like idiots, and/or patronise them. Because I have a different point of view or lifestyle, that means you are better than me.

Re: like a virgin...
 

So why do you disagree? If the businessmen have indeed realised the tweeny market is there, and are now targeting it, as you say, then what I am suggesting stands. Britney is complicit, whether by design, or by her failure to object.

Re: like a virgin...
 

Well noticed! I think it's funny that someone submitted it there, though. SOAD are great! I saw them live a few years ago, and twas brill!

Perhaps there is a smear campaign on other popstars being waged across lyrics sites on the net, lol.... ;)

Re: like a virgin...
 

I merely think the whole idea of these celebrity role models is stupid, David Beckham for example has a job that virtually no-one can relate to, resources beyond that of the average person, and yet is described as a good/bad role model based on the hair cuts, the fathering or the cheating. If he isn't a good role model, they should find someone who is.

If for whatever reason you or I were put in the public eye and children respected us would we want to be told how to live or lives for sake of role-modelling?

"Don't spend so much time on the computer" "Don't talk to wierdos on the internet" "I want my child to be studying, not helping strangers with computer problems"

Of course, it could be a matter of culture that kids only respect those who aren't good role models, so changing to suit them won't help as they will probably find someone else.

Re: like a virgin...
 

No Russ, you're being a bit oversensitive there. The only time relgion was mentioned was in the article and by you.....

My opinion on that young lady has nothing to do with her religious beliefs. It's her appallingly jumped up attitiude about other peoples actions not conforming to her high standards. What ever happened to live and let live???

Re: like a virgin...
 

It is simple psychological fact that growing children need role models. The people kids look up to are the ones who have jobs that they dream of having - footballer, pop star, etc - and who are portrayed as being glamorous by the media the kids subscribe to. I think it is quite right that it is stupid that some random 11-year-old should adore Beckham and want to copy him because I know that Becham's life and circumstances are so utterly different than those of the 11-year-old - but the 11 year old doesn't know that and you can't expect them to just ditch Beckham (or Britney) simply because their parents tell them to.

Personally I do think these people have a responsibility towards those that made them rich in the first place, whether by buying their albums or their merchandise, or turning up to watch them perform on stage or on a football pitch. I hope that if I were ever a role model I would find it easy enough to be careful of my public behaviour. It might be an intrusion on my personal freedom, but then don't I owe anything to the people who made me rich?

Re: like a virgin...
 

Yes, but David Beckham and Britney Spears do not specifically target children through their 'work'. Beckham is respected by all ages who like football and Spears the teenage - young adult groups who like pop music - among other things.

If posing nude on a magazine is appropriate for one half of your public but not for the other, what can you do? Loose the young male audience, (which probably has the most money) or appease the parents of the young ones, who you never meant to attract in the first place.

Re: like a virgin...
 

The point is, Britiney did mean to attract the young audience in the first place, and it is this radical change of image that is now part of the problem. And Beckham does specifically target children - the range of kids clothes at Marks & Sparks called 'DB07' is one (admittedly lame) example. Britney Spears is a brand, and as any marketeer will tell you, brands need to build a relationship with the consumer to survive. I think that relationship ought to be a two way thing and those responsible for promoting it, whether Britiney directly or her marketing agents, are responsible to ensure that the relationship is not abused. That's not to say that Britiney can't change her image as she grows up, but she should be prepared to let go of the 'tweenie' market at the same time. Does the range of merchandise, type of advertising and kind of magazine she gives interviews to these days support that?

Re: like a virgin...
 

Can she do that? Maybe she sold the rights and has lost control of it I don't know. Kronas?

Re: like a virgin...
 

All i have to say is Go Neil! :D In your support for Ms Spears!

Re: like a virgin...
 

As I said earlier, the marketeers themselves share the responsibility here. I don't know whether she has sold all rights to her own name for marketing purposes, but personally I would think her very stupid if she has. I know I wouldn't want to lose control over my image for any amount of money.