Sex Tapes Make Stars Out of Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton, but at What Cost?

Sex sells. But has it gone too far? Hollywood has never really been modest, but the raunchy factor continues to rise. Film, music and television continue to cross new sexual boundaries. Stars look for new ways to be edgy and controversial. Women looking to enter the entertainment industry use sex to their advantage. Gone are the days of risqué photos, and songs about sexual exploration. It's all about the dollar now. Young socialites, actresses and singers are stepping their game up by having actual sex for the camera. Why waste time simulating it in music videos and blockbuster films, when you can go Full Monty with a video camera in hand? When one considers the big payoff, along with low production cost, a sex tape becomes even more appealing.

It seems like a celebrity sex tape can resurrect or jumpstart a career in Hollywood! No one heard of Kim Kardashian before her sleazy vivid video with Brandy's brother. Paris Hilton's sex tape made here a household name! What does that say about American society? Are the celebrities who are exploiting their bodies rare examples of the sexual insecurities, or are they a direct example of the state of sex in the United States?

Celebrity sex is simply another facet of the ridiculous indulgent behavior that is exhibited by many of the world's biggest starts. Celebrity sex has gone too far though! From the sex tapes, sleazy wardrobes, public exposures, and revolving bedroom doors, Hollywood's rising stars need to keep it in the pants. Perhaps they should try making a film, or an album that displays artistry, integrity, and substance.

The media adds to the obsession with celebrity sex. Websites like TMZ, Perez Hilton, and Media take out jump on any celebrity sex story. Sex tape distributors make so much money because they don't even have to pay for promotion. They get it for free! Grocery store tabloids cover everything from the latest hookups to the latest breakups. They have good reason though.

The American public eats this stuff up! Magazines like People, sell millions of copies every week. Gossip blogs get tons of traffic as well! Americans can't get enough of sex, especially young people. 1/4 of high school girls have STDS, so it appears as if stars aren't the only ones who are showing some bedroom discretion. Celebrity sex has tremendous influence on the actions of young people.

Stars like Paris Hilton, Pamela Anderson, and Britney Spears think nothing of exposing themselves. They do all this just for a little bit of attention. They have so little faith in their talent, that they would rather flash their crotch or make an erotic home video in night vision. This shows an astronomical amount of insecurity. These women aren't setting a good example. Do they have an ounce of self-respect?

There is nothing wrong with being in touch with one's own sexuality. It becomes a problem when an individual lets other people turn them into an object of sexuality. Human beings should not have to use sex to gain attention or notoriety. American media outlets should stop overexposing celebrities, both literally and figuratively. People are not objects! A great photo or article can sell a magazine, but at what cost?

The American public has the greatest responsibility. Hollywood does not make this stuff up! Hollywood is an exaggerated excessive reflection of American society. Average Americans take just as many sexual risks as stars do, they just don't have a camera following them around! Record labels, magazines, and production companies aren't parents either. They can't be blamed entirely for the actions of young people. Parents still have the greatest influence over their children.

Sources:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/03/11/teen.std.ap/