On the forums at WipeoutZone we occasionally have discussions which go waaaay off topic. When I say way off topic, I mean like this thread that was started regarding post counts which then became a debate on the merits of Britney Spears and Sophie Ellis-Bextor!
There are very few forums where folk are relaxed enough to allow this kind of thing to just wander off without being all arsey about it, in a “this is my topic” kind of way. It’s one of the reasons I’m so proud to be part of that community at WipeoutZone and help to play a part in its continuity.
The Britney discussion developed when a forum member justified his interest in Sophie by comparing her favourably to Britney. Like a mad man, I took the batton and ran with it, sticking up for Britney and putting my rep on the line.
Why? you might ask.
Well, the reason I stick up for Britney is because on a scale of one to Aguilera, Britney has done very little to be ashamed of. I find it truly startling that someone of her age can be subjected to some vicious critical attacks.
The abuse Myleene Klass received for being in Hear’Say got to the point where she ends up breaking down on national tv recounting a story of how she was jeered in the street. To para-phrase her, she didn’t kill anyone, harm anyone or do anything to any kind of extreme that should cause the hatred she was receiving. All she did was win a tv show competition to form a band.
The fact she is a talented classical musician who ended up in a manufactured band due to her vocal prowess was something that should give her a jot more credibility, I thought. But no – being absolutely stunning seems to make the fat, ugly bitches who write gossip columns turn on you with a vengance!
Sure, celebs are well paid and live very well for their troubles, but I don’t think you can judge someone until you’ve been standing in their shoes. Nor does their celebrity status give anyone the right to victimise or slander them.
Heat magazine in the UK is legendary for pointing out Victoria Beckham’s imperfect feet or Kate Winslett putting on a bit of weight, yet in their staff photo they are a complete gaggle of unkempt trolls. Nobody is perfect after all, and, to my knowledge, none of the celebrities on the wrong end of a lashing from the press ever claimed to be.
Anyhow, the Britney vs Sophie debate ended up inconclusive, despite some fantastic motor racing analogies we had going.
I quoth myself:
Comparing Britney with Sophie Ellis-Bextor is a bit like comparing Ferrari and BAR. Yeah, they both look like go-ers, but one is a bland, has a small fan base and probably wont last the distance, while the other is expensively produced, looks it, sounds it and can turn every red blooded male’s head within gawping distance.
…
My point is, at the very basic level they are both chassis built to similar spec – curves, air-box, twin air bags (maybe not!), etc. Just that one has had more of a cash injection and is far more recognisable to the mass market. I doubt there would be a huge difference in the ride quality at the end of the day, but I know which one I’d rather wrestle round a tight bend.
Analogies are my favourite! :o)
