Family Ties Are Supposed To Bind
Lauren Keaton
At this time of year, I am very grateful for my family.
With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas on the horizon, it seems as if all I do is spend time with them, and I am reminded how much they mean to my life.
But, I am also reminded of people who are not as blessed.
Like millions of Americans, I watch reality television and keep up with Hollywood news.
With programs such as "Entertainment Tonight" and VH1's "Hogan Knows Best," we are brought into celebrities' homes and into their families' lives.
In 2004, we watched as Britney Spears got married, later had children and has now lost custody of them to her more responsible and seemingly less crazy ex-husband, Kevin Federline.
Regardless of how you feel about Britney and her situation, I think the bigger problem is that she just doesn't care anymore.
And why should she care about herself if those around her only see dollar signs amid her downward spiral?
At the end of the day, no matter how much stuff you own or how many millions of people know your name, if you don't have anyone who truly loves you for you, why would you love yourself?
But, we see this with other stars as well, parents and friends who are there for the cash and the cash only.
I was watching "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" the other day on E!
In case you hadn't heard about this new reality comedy/drama, it follows the family of the late lawyer, Robert Kardashian, who was best known for close ties with O.J. Simpson during his murder trial.
Daughter Kim Kardashian, who reached notoriety after a homemade cinematic project with ex-boyfriend Ray-J leaked to the public, adds the essential spice to the program.
Running around with her two older-but-less-wiser sisters in 6-inch heels, shades and mini-skirts, their escapades are shocking and humorous, making for a fabulous guilty-pleasure sitcom.
But one episode that struck me as odd was when Playboy asked Kim to pose for them ... not odd in and of itself but the ensuing chain of events seemed strange.
At first, Kim was reluctant.
She was worried what it might do to her reputation.
If you are thinking that seems a little backward, you are right.
Maybe she thought everyone who saw her amateur video fast-forwarded through the distasteful parts... so she might have some pride left to salvage.
Regardless, she wasn't sure about the career move - admirable, I guess.
But, then her mother and expected voice of reason, Kris Jenner, actually began pushing for the racy photo shoot.
The 50-something-year-old woman looked at the camera after convincing her daughter to strip for America, sighing "I know it's a little strange, but I have had this life-long dream of posing for Playboy."
Classy.
So, how can you expect America's youth to make good judgment calls when their parents are worse than they are?
Minutes later in the show, there is Kim draped in nothing but strategically placed pearls as the camera snaps away, her public and self respect deteriorating.
It made a lot more sense when I figured out Kris is her daughter's manager- with a nice little 5 percent cut.
No wonder Kim's mother didn't turn away the big dollar deal.
But, that is the problem, though, isn't it?
Family, in its purest and ideal form, is supposed to support and protect each other.
I think it is safe to say that if Playboy called me, my mother would go into a moral tailspin. Forget about her weighing the pros and cons for my career.
So, when I spend Christmas with my family this year, I will continue being thankful for the supportive people I have in my life.
It would be a mistake to take that for granted.
Even though many of us are not wildly wealthy like the red carpet walkers, we probably have one or two things they may not have: people who don't think "What's in it for me?" every time they say "I love you."
With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas on the horizon, it seems as if all I do is spend time with them, and I am reminded how much they mean to my life.
But, I am also reminded of people who are not as blessed.
Like millions of Americans, I watch reality television and keep up with Hollywood news.
With programs such as "Entertainment Tonight" and VH1's "Hogan Knows Best," we are brought into celebrities' homes and into their families' lives.
In 2004, we watched as Britney Spears got married, later had children and has now lost custody of them to her more responsible and seemingly less crazy ex-husband, Kevin Federline.
Regardless of how you feel about Britney and her situation, I think the bigger problem is that she just doesn't care anymore.
And why should she care about herself if those around her only see dollar signs amid her downward spiral?
At the end of the day, no matter how much stuff you own or how many millions of people know your name, if you don't have anyone who truly loves you for you, why would you love yourself?
But, we see this with other stars as well, parents and friends who are there for the cash and the cash only.
I was watching "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" the other day on E!
In case you hadn't heard about this new reality comedy/drama, it follows the family of the late lawyer, Robert Kardashian, who was best known for close ties with O.J. Simpson during his murder trial.
Daughter Kim Kardashian, who reached notoriety after a homemade cinematic project with ex-boyfriend Ray-J leaked to the public, adds the essential spice to the program.
Running around with her two older-but-less-wiser sisters in 6-inch heels, shades and mini-skirts, their escapades are shocking and humorous, making for a fabulous guilty-pleasure sitcom.
But one episode that struck me as odd was when Playboy asked Kim to pose for them ... not odd in and of itself but the ensuing chain of events seemed strange.
At first, Kim was reluctant.
She was worried what it might do to her reputation.
If you are thinking that seems a little backward, you are right.
Maybe she thought everyone who saw her amateur video fast-forwarded through the distasteful parts... so she might have some pride left to salvage.
Regardless, she wasn't sure about the career move - admirable, I guess.
But, then her mother and expected voice of reason, Kris Jenner, actually began pushing for the racy photo shoot.
The 50-something-year-old woman looked at the camera after convincing her daughter to strip for America, sighing "I know it's a little strange, but I have had this life-long dream of posing for Playboy."
Classy.
So, how can you expect America's youth to make good judgment calls when their parents are worse than they are?
Minutes later in the show, there is Kim draped in nothing but strategically placed pearls as the camera snaps away, her public and self respect deteriorating.
It made a lot more sense when I figured out Kris is her daughter's manager- with a nice little 5 percent cut.
No wonder Kim's mother didn't turn away the big dollar deal.
But, that is the problem, though, isn't it?
Family, in its purest and ideal form, is supposed to support and protect each other.
I think it is safe to say that if Playboy called me, my mother would go into a moral tailspin. Forget about her weighing the pros and cons for my career.
So, when I spend Christmas with my family this year, I will continue being thankful for the supportive people I have in my life.
It would be a mistake to take that for granted.
Even though many of us are not wildly wealthy like the red carpet walkers, we probably have one or two things they may not have: people who don't think "What's in it for me?" every time they say "I love you."
FAQ
Search Forums
Log in
Register
