Journal 14

TJ Montgomery
Stephanie Gai
English 100
04 April 2009

Questioning the text: Scenes from the Exhibitionists

Kay S. Hymowitz suggests that the celebrities who expose themselves too much are naïve about the effects that too much revelation will have. I believe this to be true. I don’t think half of the celebs know just how damaging one photo can be. Sure many celebs know what it’s like to be the latest joke or the number one search inquiry on Google, but do they know how their family feels? Do they know if their parents are ashamed of them? Do they know who their real friends are? Maybe they do, but it seems as though, through their actions, they do not. Being naïve isn’t harmful within itself; it’s being naïve around people that know you are naïve and looking to benefit from your lack of wisdom.

She doesn’t mention the non-famous as much the famous, however, I feel that for this situation it is ok to single out one class over another. The reason being this, the not all women are exhibitionists, not even in their own minds. Using average women as examples may have hindered her ability to gain the reader’s attention. Many women, who do not identify as open or comfortable sexual beings, may feel that they do not understand or connect or relate to the subject and become uninterested. But using popular figures with familiar faces will allow the average citizen to feel they, in some way, identify with the topic. It’s not always about the what; who may be just as important.

I do believe that a lack of discretion threatens the identities of average citizens. Maybe, not in the same as others, but I do. Too much information can be damaging to anyone in any situation. Opening a window can let air in and out. The average citizen can be greatly influenced by those under the spotlight. When Paris, Brittney and Lindsay indulge in their naïve shenanigans, they let information flow out of the window and right into some young teens gaping window. If the average citizen were to start committing the same open acts, they run the risk of being shamed by their friends and loved ones. Their sales won’t increase. They won’t get a huge signing bonus. They won’t be rewarded with front cover ads. They only thing come to them is shame and disgust.

On the other hand, not all individuals are susceptible to the behavior showed in the media. I have faith in the common. They are common because they don’t step out of the ordinary are make daring attempts to be the hot new thing. People that are satisfied in their safe bubbles are not facing any major issues by lack of discretion made by others. And I doubt that they themselves will be flashing anybody’s camera.