Celebrity Baby Pictures for Sale

I used to think baby photos were priceless, but now I realize that there only worth a few million dollars - if you're an A-list celebrity that is. E! News reported tonight that Advertising Age is negotiating a $4 to $6 million dollar deal for the first photos of Jennifer Lopez's twins. It's nothing new - other celebrities who have been paid for their child's photos include Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, and many others. Now, I can't say I really blame these parents. If someone waved a pile of money in front of me for my kid's baby photos, I'd probably give them a copy. I would however, feel bad about it afterwards, because I would have just turned my infant into a simple commodity.

Even if the money is destined for charity-as was the case with Brad and Angelina-there is something very disturbing about monetizing the children of celebrities. We have watched countless child celebrities implode later in life. Off the top of my head, I can think of one who went to prison and two who became drug addicts. We've also seen the results of allowing children to grow up famous without actually accomplishing anything (think Paris Hilton). Knowing the risks, it hardly seems fair to thrust a newborn into the harsh light of fame at birth. Is it possible that he or she will be able to grow up well-adjusted and suffer no ill effects from the media attention that their parents' loving parents will demand? Of course, but we all recognize that there are risks to living in the limelight, and we applaud those celebrity parents who shield their children from the media. Why then do we also applaud those who sell their infants' images knowing full well that the already have enough money to live comfortably for the rest of their lives? Wish fulfillment perhaps; it's certainly not because we think it is a good idea.

One might argue that the celebs are just making a strategic first move. After all, the paparazzi would certainly get a picture of their infant at some point. Why not sell those precious first pictures and keep the money out of the hands of a sleazy photographer who wants to exploit their fame? Honestly, that is hard logic to argue with. While I applaud any maneuver that keeps money out the hands of media vultures, I still believe there is a world of difference between someone stealing your infant's privacy and actively selling it away. No parent, celebrities included, can protect their children from all the world will throw at them. That does not mean that we should thrust them into the storm.

In the end, I remain glad that my kids can enjoy the songs and movies that celebrities produce, safe in the anonymity of their childhood. As for my baby pictures-they're yours for $4,000,000.