We'll Always Have Paris...Unfortunately

One of the reasons Americans seem to be hated in much of the world (not that a reason always seems to be necessary) is that our popular culture is viewed as decadent and immoral. A little decadence isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I think we can all agree that we've managed to go over the top.

Consider Paris Hilton.

Here's a girl who - literally - has everything. She's a beautiful, fabulously rich heiress living a wild, vulgar, partying lifestyle devoid of restraint and responsibility. If she appreciates what she has, or recognizes that, as a celebrity and role model, she has a responsibility to moderate her behavior, I've seen no sign of it. This girl is a social and moral train wreck, and if she's got a Dorian Gray-style portrait tucked away in her attic, I can't imagine how hideous it must be.

Young Ms Hilton may finally spend 45 days in jail for her transgressions, and that's not a bad thing. All of us, even spoiled young heiresses, need to realize that there are consequences for inappropriate behavior. But more importantly, young girls who look up to irresponsible glamourati like Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and Lindsey Lohan need to understand that they are not appropriate role models.

Who is?

Regular readers of this blog know that I'm a strong advocate of the responsible middle. Extremes are never a good thing. Most young girls won't grow up to be either Mother Teresa or Paris Hilton...they'll probably end up somewhere in the middle as they learn life's lessons, and it's the responsibility of parents to teach those lessons. My daughter went through all the phases of rebellion and outrageous behavior before finally settling down to become a respected professional and - soon - mother. I'd like to think that I had something to do with that, but I know that we all represent the sum total of the influences with which we grow up. My granddaughter will, I think, grow up to be a fine young lady because her parents are doing a fine job of teaching her the right things and making sure she knows what is and isn't appropriate.

The job of parents is always critical, but it's even more critical now than ever.

Because, unfortunately, we'll always have Paris.

Have a good day. Be the right role model.

More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo