James Bond 007 "BLUBBER LOVER" ????

One day a few weeks ago I found myself abandoned at our local Wal-Mart while my wife decided to pick up a few things for dinner. To kill the time I nursed a coffee at the in-store Timmy's and grabbed a copy of the "National Inquirer" off the stand next to me to catch up on the latest "news" that "inquiring minds" want to know. NOT!

There is what seems like an endless supply of glossy “mags” that demonstrate for all us regular people what the "standard" for what "hot" men and women should look like. It has been a long time since I looked at the "National Enquirer". This magazine appears to have an editorial policy that seeks to maintain readership by exposing picture perfect celebrities for the real people they are; just like you and I. [They Just have more money]. In doing so they go the extra mile to photoshop their own images to highlight, physical imperfections.
Well, imagine my (almost) surprise when I saw the article they published last month about Pierce Brosnan (of “007” James Bond fame) and wife Keely Shaye Smith. They had no other story to tell except that; ”the couple have never been closer, Pierce is as in love with Keely today as the day they met. He still believes she’s the sexiest woman in the world. Pierce is proud to show her off. He’s always grabbing, hugging and kissing her in public.” AND THEN just to remain true to their editorial policy they add their own introduction; “Pierce Brosnan’s EVER-EXPANDING WIFE, Keely Shaye Smith, has packed on more than 75 pounds since they met.”

But what really got to me was the title for this piece; “Blubber Lover”. In two words the editors and staff at the National Inquirer degraded a women to the non-human status of “blubber” and her husband (as he could surely do better) a “lover of blubber”. In what other context would the National Inquirer get away with these kinds of debasing comments? I’m guessing none.

I am aware that this “rag” has a standard to uphold, and their readers expect it. This however for me is a “bridge too far”. We do not tolerate these kinds of degrading comments in any other context, why do we tolerate them here? The story of a faithful, devoted husband, who loves his wife unconditionally, is not good enough; they need to tear him down because he does not fit the dysfunctional stereotypes we are so accustomed to seeing in the entertainment industry. With our silence and our purchasing power we continue to support this glorification of demeaning others. I wonder if the staff writers and editors at the National Enquirer would look any better if they allowed me to follow them on a daily basis with my camera, and to publish their “best” attributes for the world to see, along with MY commentary?

Pierce Brosnan was chosen in 2001 by People Magazine as the sexiest man alive. Even at 61 few would doubt he could still have any woman he wanted, AND HE DOES. He wants Keely Shaye Smith! This appears to be a problem for many who consider his wife to be unworthy to stand next to the bigger than life “man of all men” - James Bond.