-Caveat Lector- <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/"> </A> -Cui Bono?- Opinion Rules the World. And what influences opinion ? That's the beast one has to slaughter. Peter http://underwire.msn.com/underwire/bodyworks/be/64eclectic.asp Exploit me, baby, One more time By Carla A. DeSantis A recent Rolling Stone cover featured a pedophile's dream photo spread: suggestive bedroom pics of 17-year-old pop sensation Britney Spears ("Hit Me Baby, One More Time") posing in underwear and high heels with her little girl dolls on the shelf behind her. Another equally exploitative shot of the former Mouseketeer shows her in short shorts with the word "Baby" written in rhinestones on her butt cheeks. In this one she is holding the handlebars of a little pink and white girl's banana seat bike. As if she were a "finger-lickin' good" menu item at KFC, the article begins with a description of Spears' "honeyed thighs" and quickly works its way up to "her ample breasts pushing against her T-shirt." The illustrations and the accompanying piece were not written with the intention of exploring Britney's impact as a singer or pop phenomenon, but simply to exploit Britney as nubile and sexual. What was particularly disturbing to me was the lack of reaction from several people I shared these pictures with. Although a few were outraged, many others were nonplussed. "It's a sign of the times," said one. "Her parents must think it's okay," said another. "I've seen worse," said yet another. As a retired fulltime female musician now serving as publisher of ROCKRGRL, a music trade publication devoted to breaking stereotypes and barriers for women in the industry, I am acutely aware of the critical eye and constant media scrutiny that women - especially women in the entertainment realm - are under. Time and again I've noted that the media prefers to write about a female musician's looks than her dedication to her craft. I have nothing against lightweight bubble-gum pop or plastic surgery. What does bother me, however, is that cultural body obsession means that a whole lot of remarkably talented female artists may get overlooked because they are neither 16 years old nor wrapped in a perfect size three package. It's unlikely that any of my personal musical idols of the '60s and '70s - Patti Smith, Carole King, Janis Joplin or Joni Mitchell, among them - would ever have a shot at a record deal today because none of these artists possess perfect Barbie-doll looks. Even punk rock's most notorious bad girl, the lipstick-smeared Courtney Love of the early '90s has little in common with the fashion-conscious Courtney of today. Not only has she toned down her music but she has also toned up her body. Today's Malibu Courtney bears a striking resemblance to the blonde teen doll who owned her own beach house. We are about to go on a Journey. All Aboard http://sites.netscape.net/gsussnzl/poleshift <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soap-boxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
