Every fan of entertainment in the Hollywood industry knows that celebrities, whatever there occupation, is simply in the lime light of the public. Everyone always enjoys seeing there favorite actor, actress, singer and so on. The paparazzi provides that, whether its view from video or photo. Its obvious, from the constant story’s, that the paparazzi push and push for that video or photo. There are those celebrities that embrace the issues or simply tolerate it and there are those who completely loath being followed by the paparazzi. Are the paparazzi friend or foe? The best answer is, both. Whether people can believe it or not, the paparazzi are nothing more then news media, they just push more, a lot more.

The reason’s behind them being a foe to the celebrity is just a given fact that they push so hard they can be dangerous to the person they are following. Also, which we see everyday with people like Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, they can be totally exploited for there questionable habits and ways. These are the things celebrities fear everyday. Even so, I don’t understand why celebs don’t use the paparazzi to advantage. Many many people, just go about there business when they are being chased by people with video and still camera’s. Then there are those that are down right mean and end up embarrassing themselves. I’ve noticed that celebs that do speak to the paparazzi are usually treated with respect and usually get by without incident. Truth be told, the paparazzi are free advertising. Whenever a paparazzi shows up with his/her camera, get it out there that your working. Use them to throw out to the world what projects your working on, what’s coming up. Smile at the camera’s, show the fans your happy to be working and that you appreciate there support. I’ve always dislike some celebs for using fowl language towards the paparazzi or how some celebs threaten to quite the business because they never have privacy from the paparazzi or the fans (Evangeline Lilly). I have no respect for that type of attitude.

All that said, I do agree that the privacy of the celebrities should be maintained. I wouldn’t want someone with a camera waiting for me in front of my house, that’s ridiculous and stalker-ish. Even so, some celebrities seriously need to be aware of there actions in public. Even though I think its hysterical, I’m tired of seeing money shots of certain people, because they forgot to wear underwear, like Britney Spears. For the love of god, you’ve let yourself go woman, and I don’t want to be reminded what mess you have under your skirt every other day. Then you have your celebs that are wasted drunk every night of the week. Then because the paparazzi see them, they follow them, and we watch them drive the streets putting peoples lives in danger (Lindsay Lohan), and that’s not including the public drug use.

Unless a new law can be created to limit what the paparazzi can do, which in effect would probably turn out to be a constitutional violation, this will never end. I’m not defending the paparazzi or saying that I support them. I’m saying that there is simply no way around it. I celebrities are really bothered by them, then learn to avoid being seen with them. Hire people to walk your dogs (Jessica Biel), hire people to go food shopping, or pick up your kids and so on. Sure, that does limit what you can do, because celebs are regular people like you and I, but if that’s what it takes to be left alone, then you got to do what you got to do.

Overall, if you can’t avoid the paparazzi, use them to advantage, and promote yourself in a respectable way. Let the world know that you exist, your working and you appreciate the support. Watch your actions, don’t get loaded, don’t do drug’s in public, or ever for that matter, and by god wear underwear….. Unless your hot, then its ok. To the paparazzi, respect the privacy of ones home and personal life, and please do not put people in danger just so you can get a picture. Also!! Will you please not stand so close to Britney Spears when she’s driving. Haven’t enough of you gotten your feet run over enough?

-Phil