Readers say, ‘Leave Britney alone!’

A little bit of both
I do not think that the media is to blame, but now that there are facts about that she is suffering from mental issues, I think that it is time for the paparazzi to back off and let her heal. I realize that she is a star and with that you lose a lot of privacy, but to be followed the way she is is just despicable. The press was berating her for running over photographers’ feet for goodness sake, but the photographers were practically on her car, it was their faults they were run over. there really needs to be some kind of law to contain these paparazzi monsters, they are going to seriously hurt someone one day with this kind of behavior. I love my gossip, but I don't want anyone hurt for a silly picture.
— Evile, Torrance, Calif.

I think the issue of privacy often gets extremely distorted when the public and media are referring to celebrities. Yes, these people should expect a certain loss of privacy, but sometimes the public is bordering on violation of a person's human rights by hounding them for a picture. Sadly, this problem is two-fold: the celebrities and paparazzi need each other in equal amounts. I am hesitant to blame the photographers for this, but rather the public for purchasing (and therefore supporting) these tabloids and magazines. When I heard the news that Heath Ledger had died, it made me upset and I felt the loss of a very young and successful person... But I do not think that exploiting that gurney ride, (or the one that Britney took to Cedars Sinai!) really made me feel any more. In fact, it seems to cheapen things quite a bit. I think there should be a code of ethics and higher moral ground that everyone aspire to so that young people are not being disrespected in this fashion. I do not read stories about Britney Spears, though it is quite difficult not to. The main reason I think anyone would want to read about her is simply curiosity. She is a “current event,” much like Fidel Castro stepping down, the housing situation, and the '08 elections. And more than these current issues, we fans feel like we “know” her and much about her life. I do not think the media is to blame for her problems, but I think that she (and whoever is managing her at the moment) is trying to stay in the spotlight at all costs. And sadly, I think her own “people” may be exploiting her (possible) illness.
— Lital, Sherman Oaks, Calif.

I don't think the media is too "blame"for Britney's problems, but, with the problems that appear to be present they need to back off. I do not believe she doesn't want her children, I do not believe at this point, that any of this is for attention. She's gotten off track and doesn't have enough healthy influences in her life to help guide her back to a balanced life. It breaks my heart to read and see that people still are disgusted with her and are loving raking her over the coals. The public gets all involved when situations like this happen and then if a "tragedy" strikes everyone pipes in with their all-knowing advice of how she could've been saved. I read Britney's stories at this point because I truly am hoping to read about a positive change for her. I'm a mom of two boys, I'm not what you would call a huge Britney fan (I'm 38) but I have enjoyed her music and performances from time to time. I wish her and all the other young gals (and Guys) out there nothing more than a little "peace" and that can only be found through oneself.
— Sarah, Wenatchee, Wash.

I think the media is partially to blame and yes the press should back off. If Britney is having mental health issues how can she bear any of the responsibility? I read the stories in part because I just can't help myself but mostly out of concern. It's about time her family stepped in ... what took them so long? It's apparent the poor girl doesn’t have any real friends, or they would have done something to help. For that matter you can't tell me her ex-husband didn't know she was having issues. But why would he help ... I'm sure he gets more money if he has full custody of the kids. I hope her story has a happy ending. It would be great if she could get it together and make a comeback. The media would have anything to write about if she was doing well. Thanks for the article. It's nice to read that someone is sticking up for the poor girl.
— Sharon, Dearborn Heights, Mich.

Mr. Ventre is right on with everything he said in this article. Celebrities have lost their privacy, but that comes with the money, fame...etc. But why in the world does it matter to people so much where and what a person does everyday ... watch them on stage and what they do ... leave them alone, leave their families alone. They are people just like everyone else. If I had cameras following me around all the time, and snapping pictures of my children, I would have been in jail for breaking cameras and going after the paparazzi. It is ridiculous for it to be at this point. Leave the girl alone, and for once the people and paparazzi that drive this strange habit need to find something better to do with their lives. Take pictures of your own family and friends. Honestly, who cares where Britney ate breakfast or dinner? Why does that matter to anyone? If it were up to me, I would have all the paparazzi thrown in the slammer and left there!
— Zeemer, Seattle

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