When you hear the word 'Hollywood', what do you think of? For me, it's celebrities, and with celebrities comes over-obsessive, reckless, creepy, "stalkarazzi". Many celebrities at first think of the paps as a "blessing", but without a single chance to take back their normal life, they're being constantly stormed by the paparazzi. One celebrity that I have the most sympathy for, although I sometimes envy her, is none other that Ms. Britney Spears.

With over 100 people following her non-stop everyday, no wonder she had a mental breakdown. Every single day people are haunting her to get that million dollar shot. Britney is the #1 Internet search in the world, and 1 of her videos gets more viewings than the hit t.v. series 'The Sopranos'. But why are we so obsessed with one (mostly) normal human being? Maybe it's because she has millions of dollars, a ginormous mansion, or because she could get anything she wants (besides the custody of her 2 sons). In reality, she has to put up with the paparazzi chasing her every more and putting peoples lives in danger, whether it's Britney's herself, or Innocent bystanders. They recklessly chase her, pacing high speeds, not caring if they get sent to jail.

At 17, Britney Spears was the highest paid teen in America. She had hit songs like "Hit me baby, One More Time", had a killer body and her whole life ahead of her. But with all of this work, she didn't have time to have the normal 'teenage rebellion'... that is until her early twenty's, and that's when she shocked the world. She shaved her head, married her childhood friend, then filed for an annulment 48 hours later, went into public without any undergarments, was questioned if she was on drugs and the list goes on. The sad truth was Britney was going through a mental breakdown in the public eye, and the world was enjoying it as entertainment. If she were a normal, average salary single mother would we still be laughing? I don't think so. But then why are we laughing at her? Even more unfortunate, when she performed at the '07 MTVVMA's, it was uhmm.. not her greatest performance to say the least.. This let the paps have a field day and they were all over it, especially criticizing her skimpy outfit with her less than perfect body image, although she looked like an average woman. Her first role in her career is singing, not being a 00 size couture model, she why didn't the media make fun of her vocal performance?

While Ms. Spears was going though her breakdown, the paparazzi didn't help the situation at all, they actually made it much worse. Thankfully in 2008 she checked herself into rehab. We didn't hear much from her, but more from her sister. Jaime Lynn Spears, 16, was pregnant and had a baby girl at the very young age of 17. The tabloids were extremely interested in her and her boyfriend troubles. Mrs. Lynn Spears is even publishing a book on parenting (I wonder how that's going to work out.)

In September 2008, rumours leaked that Britney was on the set list to perform in the '08 VMA's. She was in the tabloids and everyone, including myself, awaited the moment when she took the stage. She finally appeared in an amazing silver dress and received a standing ovation from the entire crowd. Although she didn't perform (which could've been for the better), she looked beautiful and got great feedback form the paps.

Now onto Miss Lindsay Lohan, another stalkarazzi obsession. Her hit song "Rumours" was made directly for the paps, although the video was much more geared for boys. Miss Lohan has had multiple DUI's, been caught with cocaine a few times, been accused of having fake boobs, and most recently 'come out of the closet' with DJ Samantha Ronson. (who? :S) If I was caught with a sh!tl00004d of cocaine, like herself, I would definitely be in jail for a very very verrrryyyy long time. But her? She can just buy her way out and keep doing it.

Many celebrities want to fight back, and are sick and tired of being followed. The main reason why they aren't fighting back is because they don't want to appear hypocritical or whining. The L.A government has also created the "Britney Law" which gives celebs a 20 yard personal safety bubble. i really agree with this law because they really do need their personal space. If this law was created a long time ago, maybe Princess Diana wouldn't have been killed in a very tragic accident believed to be caused by the paparazzi. Ever though she had gone through a divorce, eating disorder, and depression, Princess Diana was always graceful, calm, and a great role model. It's such a shame this wonderful woman was killed by the paps.


On a happier note, I feel that although celebrities get a lot of special attention, they still need their personal space, and that the paparazzi need to back off. If they continue getting worse then who knows if another tragic accident will happen like Princess Diana's. As for Ms. Britney Spears, I hope that since she got such good feedback from the 08 VMA's, I think she'll make an extreme comeback and because a nice, 'normal' human being, and get back on her feet and her head straightened out.