A Bit Nippy on “American Idol”

Janet Jackson, move on over…

A sexual (but not really sexy) controversy is brewing on “American Idol.” Rickey.org is reporting that during Wednesday night’s episode of the Fox talent competition, a shot containing a clear image of a young girl’s right nipple was aired completely uncensored. The girl, a presumably preteen relative of an aspiring “Idol” contender, was waiting in the lobby with other family members as host Ryan Seacrest interviewed them.

While the nipple shot itself was inconsequential in regard to what was happening in the scene, the fact that Fox failed to catch it is baffling considering that A) she was standing in front of everyone else and almost centered in the frame, and B) she even realized her overexposure and immediately (and noticeably) fixed her shirt to hide the scandalous bit of skin.

While I’m certainly no advocate of child pornography and I’m sure the FCC will be issuing Fox a pretty hefty fine for their oversight, I do wonder if there would be such an uproar about this whole matter if it had been a young boy flaunting (accidentally or otherwise) his chest to the world.

I’ve never really understood that double standard. In the case of children in the entertainment industry, it’s why Vanity Fair was lambasted for risqué pictures involving teen pop star Miley Cyrus, while actor Taylor Lautner’s shirtless shots in GQ Magazine and Twilight: New Moon (both projects from when Lautner was only seventeen years old) were not only accepted, but drooled over incessantly by adoring fans, adolescent girls and “cougars” alike. 

This issue is just as bad for the adult players in showbiz. Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino can constantly and unapologetically flash his pectoral muscles on MTV’s “Jersey Shore,” but a woman wanting to bear her breast on television faces blurring, pixilation, and, worst of all, misogynistic criticism (“What a slut!,” “That skank!,” etc.). 

I am not saying that I want girls/women to become sexual objects in order to feel proud of their bodies. I do not think, however, they deserve to be any more (sexually) suppressed than their male counterparts.

Natalie Portman Wins Golden Globe for "Black Swan"

“We love you, Natalie.” “I wanna fuck you, too!”
Congratulations on your award, Ms. Portman.

Let's hope her name ends up on the Oscar ballot (to be announced on Tuesday, January 25).

Just Hours Before the "America's Next Top Model" Cycle 15 Finale: My Winning Prediction

Tonight, it all boils down to Ann versus Chelsey-- who will be America's Next Top Model? Here's my take on the likely outcome. I wonder if I'll regret this later...

"Dancing with the Stars" is NOT Racist (Brandy's Elimination)

    

     Did Brandy get cut from "Dancing with the Stars" because she's black? No way, José. Here's the true (i.e. OBVIOUS) reason was she eliminated...

CORRECTION:

I realize that I accidentally referred to Bristol and Brandy as the bottom two in this video. As others have pointed out to me, though, there is nothing to indicate that Bristol actually received the second least votes. Excuse my poor oversight.

The iPeriod: Mother Nature is Calling!

    
     A friend of mine recently informed me of an application existing for the iPhone, which is geared specifically toward women and is entitled the iPeriod. Not the punctuation mark, mind you. Yep, we’re talking about full fledged menstruation-- a menstruation tracker, to be precise. This iPeriod product description explains its purpose:

     “Enter in the first day and last day of your period for  

     at least two consecutive cycles, and iPeriod

     calculates your average duration, cycle length and

     estimates the dates of your next expected periods. A

     must have for doctor’s appointments, event planning

     and estimating when to leave the house prepared!”

     I feel conflicted on this one.

Should Pregnant Celebrities Get Heat for Showing Their Buns in the Oven?

     More and more pregnant celebrities are posing nude on the covers of magazines. Intriguing or disturbing (or both)? See what PopEater.com has to say and then watch my response.

     Also, let’s give a little shout out, shall we? Everyone should go read "Musings from an Incorrectly Wired Brain" from my friend Julie (thanks again, Julie, for helping with this recording).

Top 20 "America's Next Top Model" Fights-- Possibilities for Feminism?

     So, you may have noticed that I did not get around to publishing a new blog entry last week. My apologies. I partially must blame it on being an overworked graduate student. However, I must also acknowledge that YouTube has been distracting me from my blogging duties.

     I recently discovered that Sasquii at YouTube has posted a series of the top 20 best fights in the history of America’s Next Top Model. Clearly, I would be a fool not to take an extensive break from my work to relive all of the Top Model drama, right?