Kristen Stewart compares fame to rape.

[bicker]

Before folks criticize her for using the word outside of what they would consider a proper context, they should establish whether or not she's actually been raped. None of us know, and none of us have a right to insist on knowing, and in the absence of knowing, she deserves benefit of the doubt. Do keep in mind that Stewart is attuned to the issue of rape, having recorded a documentary on teen rape over a year ago. She's not just some kid talking about something for which she doesn't have any idea the gravity of.

Beyond that, using the word "rape" in a simile is not uncommon, and the idea that using something in a simile disparages, in some way, the gravity of the object of the simile is ridiculous. I don't think anyone wants to live in a world where we are prohibited from thinking of things in terms of other things, where we have to address all comments in the absolute, building every thought from first principles. Metaphor and simile are here to stay.

The purpose of these contructs is to help explain, within some other context, the nature of something else. So I could describe a certain computer software user-interface design as being "like a spicy meal", not trying to imply that you could literally eat the user-interface, but that its nature within the realm of user-interfaces was similar to the nature of a spicy meal within the realm of dining.

I don't think there can be any more suitable analog to rape, within the context of being famous, as what Stewart alluded to, i.e., being photographed by paparazzi. What part of being famous comes even close to being that bad? Folks shouldn't forget that it was most likely the actions of paparazzi that led to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

 

[luvsJack]

I despise the paparazzi and have long boycotted all gossip magazines and shows. I wish that everyone would do the same so that these people could live in peace. Being in movies does not give others the right to constantly harass you IMO.

However she could have certainly chosen a better word.

I agree with your feelings on the paparazzi. I wish the job they do would be outlawed.

Why is it that we think just because someone is a talented actor, actress or singer, we have the right to see every aspect of their lives? And because we feel this need, these vultures are paid big bucks to get "the" picture. And of course when one gets tired of the constant harassment and throws a punch like Sean Penn or goes after them with a board like Johnny Depp did in a restaurant in France or even just says something that may have not been the right choice of words like Kristen Stewart; we suddenly want to jump on them and say they have anger issues or they are an idiot or they need to get thicker skin. I don't think a single one of us could deal with the constant harassment these stars get from these hyenas that follow them around.

 

[luvmy3]

See I don't see the big deal... her quote was ""What you don't see are the cameras shoved in my face and the bizarre intrusive questions being asked, or the people falling over themselves, screaming and taunting to get a reaction," she tells the new issue of Britain's Elle. "The photos are so ... I feel like I'm looking at someone being raped"

Most people know that Kristen is very shy and does not do well with all the attention. I'm sure that being mobbed by the paparazzi constantly has made her feel very overwhelmed and probably even seriously scared her.. Rape is a violation of mind, body and soul. Rape is humiliating and degrading. So I can see where being as shy as she is how she could have made the connection between being attacked by the paparazzi and and "seeing some being raped..."

 

[Rora]

I don't care what her intention was.. as a victim of date rape, I am horrified and offended by this statement. How dare she compare fame to rape.

Maybe for those who have never experienced the horrors of being a rape victim don't understand why this is an incredibly painful statement.

I hope she learns quickly to think before she speaks.

EDIT: go ahead, flame me, whatever. Leaving this thread before my personal experiences are used against me to support Kristen Stewart's insensitive comments. I would take fame over what I went through ANY DAY.

 

[Jennasis]

I agree with your feelings on the paparazzi. I wish the job they do would be outlawed.

Why is it that we think just because someone is a talented actor, actress or singer, we have the right to see every aspect of their lives? And because we feel this need, these vultures are paid big bucks to get "the" picture. And of course when one gets tired of the constant harassment and throws a punch like Sean Penn or goes after them with a board like Johnny Depp did in a restaurant in France or even just says something that may have not been the right choice of words like Kristen Stewart; we suddenly want to jump on them and say they have anger issues or they are an idiot or they need to get thicker skin. I don't think a single one of us could deal with the constant harassment these stars get from these hyenas that follow them around.

She is an idiot and DOES need to get thicker skin, IMO (As stated previously on this thread). Anyone who knowingly goes into that business should be prepared to deal with scandal, paparazzi, tabloid journalism etc. It is literally the price of fame.

Do I condone that stuff? Heck no! Do I buy it? Never.

I am simply saying, her statement was stupid, and fame is what it is. Deal with it, or get out of the business. OR lobby for change. I forget what country it is, but paparazzi journalism is illegal (is it Italy??). Perhaps Ms. Stewart should put her thoughts into action and lobby for a change in law.

The good news for her is that in a few years she'll be a washed up has been and nobody will give a hoot who she is. That is also the nature of Hollywood. Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy. Ring a bell anyone? Once at the tip top of their game and HUGE fodder for the tabloids.

 

[bicker]

It is literally the price of fame.

The point, though, is that it is a price. That's precisely what she was saying.

Everyone's experiences are unique. Judging the feelings of others, and telling them to not feel what they feel, is pretty insensitive. So let's not go down that path.

I am simply saying, her statement was stupid, and fame is what it is.

Your assertion here is contradictory, because she was describing fame from her perspective. She wasn't denying what it was.

Deal with it, or get out of the business. OR lobby for change.

What makes you think she's not dealing with it? What makes you think that expressing her concern in these terms isn't precisely how she deals with it, and works to shape public opinion to facilitate the change you refer to?

I forget what country it is, but paparazzi journalism is illegal (is it Italy??).

Monoco. That's what spiked my earlier reference to Princess Diana.

 

[Jennasis]

The point, though, is that it is a price. That's precisely what she was saying.

Everyone's experiences are unique. Judging the feelings of others, and telling them to not feel what they feel, is pretty insensitive.
Your assertion here is contradictory, because she was describing fame from her perspective. She wasn't denying what it was.

What makes you think she's not dealing with it? What makes you think that expressing her concern in these terms isn't precisely how she deals with it, and works to shape public opinion to facilitate the change you refer to?

Monoco. That's what spiked my earlier reference to Princess Diana.

AHA! yes, Monaco. thanks!

Things like this make me think she isn't dealing with it.

 

[bicker]

She hasn't punched any photographers. She's ahead of the game.

 

[Jennasis]

She hasn't punched any photographers. She's ahead of the game.

She's young. Still got plenty of time to dole out a paparazzi beating. Frankly, I'd like to help her do it.

 

[bicker]

The failure by some to accept the concept of analogy has prompted Stewart to apologize for the statement she made:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37510482/ns/today-entertainment/

Of course, this just gives folks who were bent on criticizing famous people another opportunity to disparage her, this time to criticize her apology, perhaps -- or maybe, along with the concept of analogy, they might also reject the concept of apology.

 

[Rora]

I'm very happy she apologized. I think it's ridiculous that people are critcizing her for apologizing. While it was incredibly hurtful to hear such a statement, she did in fact apologize and admit she was wrong. As a victim I accept her apology and if a victim can accept it, everyone should be able to as well. Just my 2 cents.

Bicker- thanks for posting the link and updating the thread. I didn't want to come back but was happy to see your link that let me know she made a statement.