Analysis: Britney Spears’ battle is a lasting consequence of the age of the most ruthless celebrity gossip

Through squeegee

In fact, Britney Spears is always talked about. The icon was only 16 years old when her schoolgirl dress and “…Baby, One More Time” braid changed pop culture in 1998, branding the image as profound and lasting as it was. Michael Jackson’s white gloves or a pair of blue suede shoes.

Since that time, she has captured a global passion that seems to never go away, including her troubles.

What do these women have in common? They are all young, beautiful, rich and successful. They’ve all driven a lifetime of fame, many of whom have made the arduous transition from child stardom to young, independent adults.

And in the nascent cathedrals of the internet gossip world, they deserve to be taken down.

“We love to see people get up and fall again, come back up and fall again,” said Erin Meyers, an associate professor in the Department of Communication and Journalism at Oakland University.

“Especially someone like Britney Spears, who came out in Disney movies and then became a teen star.”

Out of the forest

The advent of social media helped end the highly influential grip of tabloids and gossip blogs as it allowed celebrities to control their stories. With a well-organized tweet or Instagram post, a star can effectively defuse any hysteria on a blog or detract from paparazzi photos, while also building a presence that resonates with people. fans more accessible than even the most beloved gossip.

“Prior to this point, the best way for celebrities to redefine their image was through their professional work,” says Meyers. “Spears did this too. Songs like ‘Piece of Me’ and ‘I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman’, although not written by her, were clearly in response to the replies. criticize and own her narration.”

“But with social media, suddenly, celebrities can say exactly what they want to people, when they want to say it.”

The question is when will it be Spears’ turn?

Farther to go

“I just want my life back,” she said.

Among the revelations about her life under the installation, she gave a brief summary of what it was like to live on opposite sides of public opinion; be envied, but ridiculed. Idolized, but demolished.

“I thought people would mock me,” Spears said, explaining why she was hesitant to talk about past situations. “Or laugh at me and say, ‘She’s lying. She has everything. She’s Britney Spears.”

Many of Spears’ contemporaries have voiced their support, and notably many of them have weathered their own traumatic seasons in the public eye.

After years of being haunted by ruthless gossip headlines and unforgettable images of her lowest moments, Britney Spears has finally spoken the most important voice in her story. : She.