Flashing Lights! Is All Publicity Really Good Publicity?

Everyone has heard the famous saying, "All Publicity is Good Publicity." but is it really? Pop Star Christina Aguilera seems to think so, "being objectified in magazines comes with the territory, you have to take it with a pinch of salt. In terms of reading bad opinions, I tend to see all negativity and criticism as a good thing. Because people are at least talking about me, so they must care in some way." I would agree with her to a certain extend. Ridicule does come with the territory of being a celebrity, but does it mean you should have to give up your personal life completely to live your dream? The fact is the only reason why the media cares about you is because they can profit off of you in some way. It's all about money, not respect or genuine concern for your well being.

If you're making a new movie or music album I can see how publicity, either good or bad can bring you more attention and therefore increase your tickets sales. However, submitting yourself to the public eye does come with several drawbacks. When you become apart of the entertainment world you sacrifice a large part of your privacy, and your peace of mind. The cameras are flashing away while you are smiling and waving at award shows, movie premiers, and special VIP only venues, but what about when you're in the privacy of your own home? You can't control when the infamous paparazzi will strike next! The more famous you become the less privacy you have. The glitz and glamour of it all does not come without a price. Some people would give anything for their chance at the spotlight, and others well...I'm sure they could do without it. It makes me wonder, is there such a thing as too much Spotlight?

The recent tragedy with singer/actress Jennifer Hudson and her family was publicly displayed on every website and magazine across the country. The American Idol star turned Oscar Winning Actress had gone from enjoying tremendous success and prosperity, to enduring a life changing tragedy. Jennifer Hudson who is best known for her role as Effie in "Dream Girls" is a beautiful starlet who sings with such force that it sends chills down your spine. She touched millions when she belted out the hit song entitled, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" as she stood alongside costar Jamie Foxx. After watching her performance in that movie, it's difficult to walk away and not feel moved by her talent. Since then Jennifer has landed several movie roles such as, "Sex and the City," "Winged Creatures," and her most recent project "The Secret Life of Bees" starring the talented Queen Latifah, and Alicia Keys. Over the last several years Jennifer's success has been at an all time high, but when this tragedy struck it went from bad to worse. The cameras were no longer flashing smiles, and tears of joy, but sadness and pain.

The various speculation behind the motives of the killings are still unclear, but one things for sure the tragedy was an unfortunate loss. After the murders took place Jennifer received tremendous support from various people such as Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump, and President-elect Barack Obama. The pain of losing a loved one is difficult; however, losing a large part of your family all at once is an even harder weight to carry. Jennifer lost her mother, brother, and her nephew all in one week. The hardest part about the ordeal is that she had to constantly be reminded of the deaths of her loved ones every time she opened a paper, turned on the TV, or browsed the internet. I think a lot of times as "spectators" we lose sight of the fact that celebrities are people too, and they hurt, bleed, and cry just like us. They are not immune to death or misfortune, and sometimes for them it's even more difficult to deal with hardships because they are constantly being watched, and scrutinized.

During this very difficult time of mourning all Jennifer wanted was privacy. ABC News released the following statement from Jennifer Hudson's representative, Lisa Kasteler shortly after the murders took place, "We can confirm that there is an ongoing investigation concerning the deaths of Jennifer Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson. No further comment will be made and the family has asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time." However, every time you turned on the TV there was a reporter pushing their camera in someone's face asking questions. The media was all over the Hudson family home in Chicago, and also at the private funeral service during the burial. Aggressive reporters were standing outside the private ceremony stopping anyone that passed by. Although it was obvious that the murder investigation would be heavily televised, I still feel the reporters could have displayed more tact in their approach, especially during the funeral. Realistically they were doing their job by reporting the news and updating the public, community, and Jennifer's fans, but sometimes you have to know where to draw the line.

I'm sure even though Jennifer did receive tremendous support from hundreds of people she would give anything for some privacy and peace in her difficult time of mourning. Hudson who had recorded the hit song entitled, "Spotlight" just several months prior to the murders was enjoying great success from her upcoming album debut, and she was also celebrating her recent engagement to her fiancé David Otunga. This particular case is one example of how living in the spotlight can have a negative impact on your life. During a difficult time such as death of a loved one, depression, or any kind of adversity everyone needs a break, but when you're a star getting a break from the world can be almost impossible. The fact of the matter is the media can be good and bad. They can either help make you a star or destroy your career. Their words can make you laugh or make you angry, but the reality is their interviews and stories are critical to the entertainment industry. From the outside looking in "The Spotlight" appears to be glamorous, and fascinating but again let's not forget at the end of the day "Celebrities" are just people like you and I. The only difference is their career is public, whereas ours is private.

Ultimately I feel all publicity is not good because at times it can tarnish someone's character and reputation. Whether it's just a rumor or meaningless gossip, words and accusations can have a negative impact on your family life and your career. Celebrities have given up a part of their life to be in the public eye, and in some ways they should let us into their world because we support them financially, and physically. However the fact still remains the life that our admirers live is their own, and they should be able to give as much or as little to the world as they choose. The moral of the story is "Flashing lights" can ultimately get too bright, and just because scrutiny is part of the business that doesn't make it right.

Sources:

Christina Aguilera: 'Criticism Is Good'- Contact Music 04/30/2008 http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/aguilera%20criticism%20is%20good_1067258

Jennifer Hudson Tragedy: Chicago Tribune

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/hudson-slayings/

Jennifer Hudson: Jennifer Hudson's Nephew No Where to Be Found Post-Slayings by SHEILA MARIKAR Oct. 25, 2008

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/Story?id=6110751&page=1

Jennifer Hudson Funeral Video

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/11/services-held-for-slain-hudson-family-members.html