Paris Behind Bars

Posted by Beth Lynne Jun 13, 2007

Paris Hilton is famous for many things—at present, she is famous for being incarcerated, then not incarcerated, and then incarcerated yet again. The media is having a field day with Ms. Hilton’s misfortune—public opinion is swaying toward, “oh, good, she got what she deserved!” and “what kind of influence is she on children?” It seems that the public (influenced strongly by media) feels that because Ms. Hilton is rich, attractive, and has fun with these attributes, that she should be ridiculed and insulted because she broke a law and is serving time for it. Many celebrities quietly serve time without such attention. Is the media delighting in this celebrity’s calamity because she inherited her wealth and seemingly does not work for her fame? One of the criticisms is that she is not handling jail time with the proper “dignity,” allowing for comparisons to how Martha Stewart handled her prison sentence by not yelling for her mother. Doesn’t Ms. Hilton get points for modeling strong family values?

Just who decided that Paris Hilton is supposed to be the poster child for decency and values? Certainly not Paris Hilton. Not one of her actions has demonstrated that she is or ever was a positive role model for youth. So, if the media decries her as such, it is their mistake (These are the same vultures who are offering up to a reported half a million dollars for a picture of Ms. Hilton on the prison toilet. Camera phones are allowed in prison?). The media should turn their attention toward more virtuous celebrities if they are looking to promote moral decency, rather than trying to find these characteristics in someone who has not shown an intention of doing so. Given the public’s preferences in choosing their idols, this should not be so difficult.