Gossip Queen
48I have a terrible addiction and I'm deeply ashamed. Only my family knows my secret, but today, I've decided to share it with all of you. I'm addicted to....
Gossip! Gasp!
There, I've said it. I don't know why I care who is sleeping with whom. Who is pregnant or in rehab? But I do. I read 5 magazines regularly: In Touch, Star, Life & Style, Oprah and Self. Does reading Oprah absolve me from my other sins?
Why are we so fascinated with the lives of others?
I think it has always been this way. As cave people we probably gathered around the camp fire with our fellow tribesmen and swapped stories about Krug dragging Tora to his cave to make sweet monkey man love. Our circle of acquaintance has grown through the media and technology. We now have instantaneous photos and videos of public figures no matter where they are. What was once fodder for family and friends only has become a multi billion dollar industry to feed the public's insatiable appetites.
The ugly underbelly of the monster I, and other gossip connoisseurs, have created is visible every time Britney Spears makes a run to her local Rite Aid for a soda pop and pregnancy test.
Swarms of paparazzi descend, pushing and shoving one another to get the "perfect" shot for this week's cover. Along the way, they've endangered countless lives, driving erratically and at high speeds.
"...Lindsay Lohan was injured last week when a photographer allegedly intentionally crashed into her car." BNET
"There have been numerous instances of car accidents occurring because a celebrity or other notable figure was being followed, chased, and stalked by members of the paparazzi." Romow
Innocent bystanders are harmed by this seemingly harmless pastime. All decency for human suffering is discarded in favor of a headline. None more intrusive than when an unexpected death occurs, as evidenced this last week...
"In a crush of spectators, photographers and video cameras, the body of Heath Ledger was moved from the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel in New York -- in an outpouring of curiosity and grief reminiscent of the deaths of John Lennon and Marilyn Monroe." TMZ
Reports about Britney manipulating the paparazzi have begun to surface. I often wondered why some B or C list celebrities continue to appear in the gossip columns, while A list actors are unmolested. I think many celebrities court the press to boost their careers. Paris Hilton is a perfect example of a non celebrity who became famous simply because she showed up at trendy nightclubs to have her picture taken. Only after people knew her name from gossip magazines, did she do a reality TV show, movies, ad campaigns and an album.
I guess we just have to face facts. Celebrities who crave attention will continue their crazy antics and some photographer will be nearby to catch it on film.
And I'll read about it, secretly and shamefully.
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Comments
I'm taking the fifth. Perhaps my hubby is a bit hairy.
Hey Lisa,
Here is what I think is happening and NO you are not alone and No it is not your fault. I hope that makes you feel better but that does not “cure” the addiction.
First, being interested in others is not a bad thing. On the contrary it is a good thing and it it’s human nature. That tells me you are indeed 100% human;-) Someone once said (a famous Philosopher) that individuals who do not take an interest in other people’s affairs are very dangerous to the society.
It is the amount of interest one takes in other people’s affairs that makes it an addiction and throws things out of balance and anything including “good things” when out of balance are not “healthy”.
I have to agree with you as to the “game” the media plays on us for profits. Media knows how to “push our buttons” and how to create a “hero” form a nobody and then crush the “hero” to the ground when their purpose is no longer served. Meanwhile we have joy and sadness along the way. The story ends and countless new stories begin to satisfy our appetite for “gossip”.
While there may not be any “definite” cure nor magic pill and no known Chinese remedies for this kind of addiction, one thing to remember is that we are “creatures of habit”. Habits are hard to break (good or bad our mind does not differentiate). That being the case…
Possible actions to be taken to balance and or diminish the level of interest in every “celebrity gossip” or any type of gossip media feeds on us could be to try to find something else, something more meaningful that occupies our time. It is a fact that if we simply do not have the time we are more likely to engage though on the other hand time can always be found for a pathological addiction.
The other thing we may consciously do is to find a reason not to do it because we feel angry of the way we are treated. This one worked for me many years ago. Let me explain.
Some 12 years ago, the anti smoking campaign by the Canadian Government was intensified to a point where they double and later tripled the cost of Cigarettes. I was a chain smoker and there was no way I could get rid of this addiction (which is said to be 10 times more addictive the some narcotics).
BUT I did Quit.
Gradually I became so angry with myself being such a fool and paying ridiculous prices “on demand” That was the build up of anger that ultimately took over the desire to smoke and won.
In the “gossip” case may work if one get angry by being manipulated by the media and being spoon feed with nonsense most of the time.
I hope this helps!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE gossip. Don't be ashamed. Dlisted.com is my fave. the guy is so funny! p.s. the way that pup is staring KILLS me. i love it!
Hi,
In regards to my first comment on how media can make or brake you accidentally I found a story that I believe is worth reading and so relevant.
So sad but so real!
I say accidentally because I searched for this phrase : A business lesson from the lady at the deli … and in Google this came first place on first page… I got sucked in and read it all… Unbelievable but true.
Here it is: http://texasfred.net/archives/568
Very interesting story from Texas Fred. The media is certainly a heartless beast! But not nearly has heartless as tobacco industry. Yikes...I'm glad to hear you quit. I did too, because I got pissed at being controlled by a substance. At least I've never driven to the corner store at midnight in my PJs for a People Magazine, which I have done for a pack of Marlbolos. Once upon a time...
Hi Michelle..I wish I could claim the puppy, but she's not mine. Although with that look, you just know she did something baaaad.
Great Lisa...I think we are a little guilty of the gossip game...I know right before I leave work at the end of the day I have to have celebrity fix. Most of us, though, are afraid to admit it.
Reading Oprah does not absolve you from your other sins. The Power of Christ compels you!
Love,
Tayler!
just to let you know..I'm not sleeping with anyone...
Ohh.. I'm sorry to hear that Funnebone! I think Lisa is talking about celebrities not hubbers.
Tayler!
working
Hoodala says:
6 months ago
What the hell is sweet monkey man love? Are you high woman? I'm laughing though.