Britney Spears- the World Watches a Life Unravel

I've been watching, along with the rest of the world, a very sad unraveling of a human life. The recent events in the life of Britney Spears may not be anything new in the world of celebrity, but it certainly has been one of the most "put on public display" breakdowns in recent entertainment history. I was talking to my children last night about how truly sad the whole situation is, and how more people need to comprehend that even if they were never a fan of Britney or her music, they still need to realize that this is a person who is struggling and definitely in need of help. I have read countless statements by people who have gone as far as to say that she should just "give up and die already.....I'm tired of hearing about it." That is one of the more appalling statements I've seen.

I will go on record as saying I have not ever been a fan of her music, or thought she has made the best choices in her personal life perhaps (at least in how these things were portrayed in public), but in no way would I wish what she is going through on any human being. As someone who interviews musicians all the time, and now 1 celeb as well, it is more than ever clear to me that they are regular people like the rest of us. Would we expect to be treated that way if we were struggling? Does being in the public eye mean they put themselves out there for public ridicule and should just deal with it? I can only say that if she were my sister or daughter I would be in tears every day to see her suffering so publicly this way. I will never understand how we treat each other in this world.

How can anything good come out of this? The only thing that I think we can gain from the turmoil surrounding Britney's life is the opportunity as parents to talk to our children. So many kids have dreams or aspirations to be in the entertainment industry, whether it be as an actor or musician, etc. Even athletes fall into the realm of super stardom, which automatically puts them in the public eye 24 hours a day. Every musician I've ever interviewed leads a very hectic, pressure and temptation-filled life. It is no surprise how often we hear of musicians going into rehab, having seen the lives they lead first hand. Actors are no different, and the younger set of entertainers in the industry have so much laid at their feet on a daily basis that it is easy to let your life take control of you. I think it is important to share these things with our children, to bring the reality of success and celebrity into complete focus. I would never discourage my child from pursuing their dreams, but if they go into it blindly and unprepared I can only blame myself.

My good friends in the band SubmerseD posted this video that someone created in their blog today. The background music is a SubmerseD song, 'The Price Of Fame'. It really hits home with all this. There are words of wisdom by John Lennon to wrap up this poignant video. Please take a few minutes to watch it, think, and let it all sink in. Thanks.

Christina, editor
Rock On Request Magazine

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