How Far?

Being an avid blog-reader and website-searcher, I have come across a variety of blogs that discuss anything from sports to love lives to artistic pictures. With the internet, people have the power to write just about anything on their blogs. One very famous (some may say infamous) blogger is Perez Hilton. Personally, I haven't visited his site until now - celebrity gossip isn't exactly my forté. However, there are hundreds and thousands of people who do follow Hilton's site on a regular basis. Several of my own friends constantly check the website for the latest updates on celebrities and T.V. shows. Hilton's approach to blogging involves much humorous criticism of well-known actors, actresses, and other starlets. From his home page, I did find myself laughing at some of the comments Perez made about certain celebrities. But how far can you take sarcasm and jokes?

Apparently, too far, according to Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am. The well-known rapper took Hilton's comments very personally and when several Black Eyed Peas members, including Fergie, asked Hilton to stop, Hilton did not seem to heed the warnings. The result? Violence, according to Hilton. However, we won't go into details of that matter. The topic at hand is the extent to which people criticize celebrities and the resulting reactions of these celebrities.

Tabloids, television shows, websites, and other types of media coverage incorporate a lot of celebrity gossip - which includes both criticism and positive feedback. You can constantly find pages in magazines like People or US Weekly that focus on what outfits were fashionable, or horrendous, on the red carpet at the latest awards show, or who's cheating on who. As celebrities, they are prepared for the ultimate "bashing" and harsh criticism that the public may have in store. But where does the criticism start and end? There's a fine line between objective, constructive criticms and blunt rudeness - not that there's anyone to stop the rudeness. So, how should celebrities react to negative comments and rumors? These rumors are usually ignored, but will.i.am. is one of the few celebrities to take physical action.

Do you agree with the alleged violence that will.i.am. might have taken against Hilton? Perhaps there are several other celebrities who would like to do the exact same thing to any other critics? One will never know...but until then, tell me your thoughts!

To look at Hilton's comments pertaining to the Black Eyed Peas, click here.

For more information, click here.

Summertime is...Funtime?

Finally, with semester final exams over with, I can get some rest. It's time to tan, swim, eat, sleep, eat some more, and relax! Summer time is a chance for teenagers to recharge after the labor-intense academic year. We can all hit the mall, eat ice-cream (or is frozen yogurt the latest trendy froen snack), and go to the beach - there are no worries...Right?

Unfortunately, for many, this fantasy will remain just that - a fantasy this summer. A large percentage of teenagers will be job-hunting. Many of my own friends have been anxiously looking for openings at the nearest Yogurtland, Jamba Juice, and Oakley store. However, their earnest searches have produced
nothing but rejections. So...I asked myself...Why?
Why are all these energized, intelligent young individuals being denied the opportunity to work?

Teenage unemployment this year has increased over the past years. Last year, as of July 2008, the teenage unemployment rate had been had its highest in 15 years (Read More Here). This year, as of February 2009, the unemployment rate for teens hit 20%. Though it may be more devastating to families for the adults to not be able to get a job, I, being a teenager, think it's also important to note that teenage unemployment might be something to pay attention to. Since jobs are becoming harder and harder to find, many adults will likely try to take the easy, non-experience required jobs. Hence, when the employer comes to the decision to choose between an inexperienced teenager and a more mature, possibly more experienced adult, it's obvious that the adult is a more favorable candidate for the job. However, depriving eager young adults of the capability to work might be denying them opportunities to gain not only job experience, but real world experience that might be useful in the future.

So...my fellow teens, what will you do this summer? If you find yourself having nothing to do but watch T.V., check Facebook, or sleep, you might try volunteering (if you're not already). The nearest community center, YMCA, assisted living center, hospital, or park could probably use your help! You can even drag your friends along - you'd be surprised at how fun volunteering can actually be. If not...I'm sure you can make a lemonade stand on the corner of your street.

25 cents anybody?

To read more about Teen Unemployment:

Click Here
or
Click Here

Photo Credit: KEWL Magazine