Response to: A Fashion Show, A Symptom of Hollywood

This essay argues that parents pressure their children into becoming involved in the world of modeling, singing, and acting, a world that ultimately triggers the physical and emotional deterioration of an individual.  There are undoubtedly many examples throughout Hollywood actors/actresses, singers, and models that can attest to that argument. The author gave many good examples, such as the anorexic Lindsey Lohan and the conceited Paris Hilton. The ample examples presented in the article give a clearly negative view of the Hollywood scene; therefore, the idea that parents would want their children to enter this world becomes hard to believe. 

The author's trip to a child fashion show was an uncomfortable experience. He/she took notice of several details in the children's behavior that made him/her think that many of the children did not actually want to be there. Yet, the unusual point is that the author's niece, whom she had gone to see in the show, wanted to be in the fashion show through her own wishes. The author had no thought towards the possibility that perhaps the other children wanted to be at the fashion show as well. A specific example the author gave about the behavior of some of the children was that: "The majority of the children started to run off the stage once they got close to behind the curtain, but you could still see them." It is not for sure that the children were scurrying off stage because they didn't want to be there. Perhaps it was just an example of naivete considering the children were amateur models. 

The common misconception is that all of the children who participate in events such as child fashion shows have been forced to do so by their fame-hungry parents. The fact of the matter is, though, that many children have the personality and character that draws them to events such as those fashion-shows. Children with confidence and an outgoing nature may see actors, models, and singers on television and aspire to be just like them. It wouldn't be right for a parent to suffocate the dreams of their children.  

Acting, singing, and modeling can be maintained as professions free from drama if managed properly. Paris Hilton's parents clearly didn't enforce any sorts of disciplinary guidelines on their daughter, otherwise she wouldn't have been allowed to party the way she did from such a young age. The lavishness of her life is due to her parents having spoiled her. They could have instead maintained a more conservative and modest lifestyle by donating to charity more often or simply not spending as much on materialistic, flashy items. The reputation one acquires is a reflection of their personality and behavior, whether you are an average joe or the highest grossing actor of the year.