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What Fascinates Us About Paris?
It was quite a day at work on Friday.
I was in the studio taping the show and during each break, we were all running into the green room to watch the mintue-by-minute coverage of Paris Hilton being taken back to jail.
It was interesting watching the national news outlets go back and forth with the international news and the news coming out of West Hollywood, California. While Paris certainly dominated, at many points, they had to use their "split screen" - on the left had side, the latest news on President Bush's trip to Germany and on the other, Paris Hilton being placed into the police car. And Paris' screen was larger than the President's.
I have interviewed Paris on several occasions and it's a question that I have trouble answering. What is it about this young woman that fascinates us so? . . .
And why did so many people want to see her serve more time in jail? I'm not sure it's simply because she is wealthy and attractive because there are many good-looking, rich celebrities that people really like and would not want to see in the slammer - George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Beyonce, Denzel Washington. No one would want to see them go to the Big House.
Maybe it's because many people see Paris as ONLY standing for that: being rich, famous, and beautiful and nothing else. And that bugs many. Maybe we see it as okay to be a celebrity as long as you aren't flauting it and we see you genuinely caring for others. As long as you seem to have a little humility about having cash, we're okay. Maybe we want to know that you have hardships too, just like the rest of us. And when life seems to be too easy for you while we are working hard and struggling, and working paycheck to paycheck, we don't like it.
So, does that mean we are jealous of Paris Hilton? Are we ragging on her because she doesn't seem to have any troubles at all? Come on. How many of you would just love to be filthy-rich and famous and not a care in the world, ride around in your Bentley, sail the south of France on a yacht, buy expensive jewelry and just go to parties all the time? We would have all loved it if our parents were wealthy and gave us a trust fund worth millions. Maybe we just don't like it that she didn't have to work for anything she has.
Drunk driving is a serious crime. In 2006, close to 20-thousand people were killed by drunk drivers and many don't think the punishment is severe enough. On the other hand, it is certainly true that many who are caught driving with a suspended license, and are sentenced to 45-days in jail, serve only HOURS. Not right, but true because of jail overcrowding.
But, what of this "medical condition" that Sheriff Lee Baca says lead him to release her early to her lavish home (there I go again, why did I say "lavish"? Envious, maybe?) with an electronic monitoring device? But, there are people in jail with AIDS, cancer, diabetes who stay put until their sentences are over. Could Paris go to the MTV Movie Awards, tape "The Simple Life", do a cover photo shoot with BAZAAR Magazine, with a "severe mental condition"?
Maybe we're a little bugged that she got that "spray-on" tan right after she was released (the first time) as she was reportedly preparing for a party at her home to celebrate her "freedom". And no, I don't know how they sprayed underneath the electronic ankle bracelet.
Why do we look at that picture of Paris crying in the car with just a little "glee". Come on, you do. And when you heard she was screaming and yelling, "Mom!" when they were taking her out of the courtroom, you smiled - just a little, be honest.
What is it about Paris Hilton?
And see. I haven't told you anything about President Bush's trip to Germany.
And you don't even mind. Be honest. You'd rather talk about Paris.
Shaun
www.myspace.com/ShaunsSanctuary
She is a NOTHING!!!!! I had much rather see a story on Larry Burkhead and how he is doing as a Daddy!!!!!
I have to admit with all honesty I DO NOT feel glee when seeing Paris bawling in the backseat of a squad car. Having been in her position, I too would have gone to jail had I not met my probation requirements. However, I'm reading over and over how "we" want her treated like one of us...with no preferential treatment for being a celebrity. Then I open up a tabloid website to see photos of 1/3 of Hollywood camped out at her house watching her being escorted back to court. Is this treating Paris like ordinary people? Why would we expect her to get the same treatment as the average JOE in court or prison if we refuse to treat her ordinary by respecting her privacy? This is not a laughing and joking matter. We all make mistakes. My mugshot was not plastered on the internet, nor should hers...I didn't have Paparazzi stalking me overnight in jail...nor should she. We never have treated her ordinary. Let's be consistant.
I believe everyone is truly sick of Paris Hilton. I don't know why you reporters give her the time of day. We readers have no choice. I read the papers to get info on other celebs but it's you guys who decides who makes the news. Leave her off the news. Everyone is sick to death of her. Just stop reporting it please!!
paris hilton acting like a crybaby/spoiled brat while going back to jail was completely uncalled for.
She has singlehandedly ruined her very snobby family's reputation.
The media overkill of her going back to jail is way too much, but her very sleazy attention-getting tactics during that moment is also way too much for me, too.
Enough with paris hilton already!
She's a celebrity, sure, but sometime she needs to let others have the spotlight instead of always hogging it for herself all the time.
When a story/person is repeatedly jammed down your throat you end up having an opinion. You may not have cared, originally, but you will eventually form an opinion. Those of us who watch entertainment programs and read the tabloids for fun have had Paris, and her counterparts, jammed down our throats- for no real reason. We talk about her- not because she is rich and pretty- but because she has no respect for anyone. She is known to regularly do drugs- not only prescription- which is what the media labels as "partying" as to keep away the lawsuits..she drives under the influence- endangering everyone on the road........she is a racist..she has no problem egging her friend on when he is calling another a "firecrotch" on camera.....she has no problem making a sex tape with someone else's equally nasty husband..she has no problem selling unflattering stories to the tabloids about people..she has been out on the club scene since she was about 14 years old..this is the problem with her- not that she is rich and pretty. If she lived in the real world people would still be saying the same thing about her- it just wouldn't get news coverage. We smile because she is finally getting what she has needed for a long time- consequences.
i still cant understand why people love tormenting innocent paris hilton?
i hate all the people who keep tormenting famous people like Lesliey Iconn and Paris Hilton simply because they are all jealoua of the fact dat these young beautiful girls are priviledged,rich,successful females.
I can't say I like Paris she does seem to look down her nose at people like me who she would consider beneath her because i don't have money but I am very touched by the fact that she was crying about going back to jail, I would to. I would be totally scare to death and it would be horrible to be in there with nothing to do it would make a sane person flip out and if you are put in with someone else I would be more scared. But I was taught if you do the crime you pay the time. I admire Kathy for being able to stand back and let Paris take her medicine. I believe her mother could have made sure she didn't go to jail but she was strong enough to let it happen. I can't imagine my 25 year old daughter going, it would just about kill me. I'm sorry Paris you had to go to jail but I thank you Kathy for sending a message to not only children of the privleged but the common children also that there are consequenes. No one should be above the law.
i think it is a shame the way the news media and the public have judged paris. she is a very pretty young lady. what she does is really no one's business. everyone who has wrote or said nasty remarks about paris is really just jealouse of her.so if everyone is tired of reading or hearing about paris can turn the tv off and don't read the papers. get a life and leave her's alone.