Reflection 03: Somebody Think of the Children—Celebrity Kids and the Paparazzi

It's generally understood that when it comes to modern-day fame, the paparazzi are part of the package. Yet, today's celebrities are only marginally protected against these intrusive and aggressive photographers (whose actions are largely constitutionally protected). So bad is it that now even the children of celebrities must also routinely endure throngs of overly zealous photographers. In fact, competition for photos of celebrity kids is so fierce that it has become a burgeoning industry unto itself. Meanwhile, many of the kids themselves, including Suri Cruise and Violet Affleck, seem increasingly stressed, even exasperated, with the situation. What do you believe is the long term effect of all this attention on the kids? As famous offspring, should they be fair game? Do celebrity kids have a right to a day at the park or to go out for ice cream like any other kid? And what should be the role of the law? Finally, if you were a celebrity, what would you do to protect your children from intrusive photographers?

Include at least three of the following in your discussion:

• "Leave Sage and Suri Alone" (Salon)
• "Paparazzi Turn Lenses on Stars' Kids: Fair Game or Cheap Shot?" (ABC News)
• "Are Celebs' Kids Fair Game for Paparazzi?" (USA Today)
• "Christina Applegate Slams Paparazzi: 'Taking Pics of Kids is Sick!'"(Huffington Post)
• "Angelina Jolie’s Children Paparazzi Law: An Idea Worth Celeb Lobbying" (The Wrap)
• "Halle Berry Talks Paparazzi: 'Our Children Should Be Off Limits'" (Access Hollywood)

Requirements:

• MLA Style
• Two full pages in length
• Works cited page

Find a sample reflection HERE.

Due: We 02.13