The Power of a Kiss
From the Northen Star
What could be construed as a fantasy come true for some caused quite an uproar among others.
The controversial kiss between Britney Spears and Madonna at Thursday’s MTV Video Music Awards has sparked debate on whether or not the duo’s behavior was publically acceptable.
Why is the kiss considered such a big deal? If it was a kiss between two people of the opposite sex, no one would have gave it a second thought.
The First Amendment allows individuals freedom of expression, and that expression shouldn’t be hindered by the beliefs of those who don’t agree with homosexual rights.
If children can be subjected to pictures and video of war violence, they more than likely won’t be tainted by a picture of two famous singers out to get attention.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta’s major daily newspaper, apologized to its readers Monday after running a photo of the two pop stars locking lips on the newspaper’s front page.
“If guys smooched, many would object …” one reader responded. “It makes me wonder whether it is getting this kind of coverage because it is every straight man’s fantasy. Would a kiss between Eminem, Justin Timberlake and 50 Cent be treated in the same manner?”
Another reader blasted the newspaper for exposing children to what he claimed was an inappropriate image.
Managing editor Hank Klibanoff responded to readers, comparing the picture to those from the war in Iraq.
“We have a high standard of presentation that is in line with community sensibilities,” he said in a letter. “We want the paper to be appropriate to the widest possible readership … that is sometimes a tricky balance. Usually, I think, we do this well. With this photo, we did not.”
While the odds are probably grim that Spears and Madonna are newfound lovers, their expression should be viewed as it was intended — a publicity act.
