What's up with the Rolling Stone journalist asking Justin Bieber about abortion, American politics and religion in an interview for the magazine? I’m not quite sure who’s the worst offender here, a professional adult or a professional kid.
I’m going with the former.
It befuddles me to think Rolling Stone is targeting the teenage set to sell a magazine intended for a more mature readership by placing the teen pop-sensation on the cover and then carrying out an interview as if he were an older and wiser pop icon.
The Canadian born singer answered the prodding journalist's questions and got answers from a kid who probably hasn't been in a classroom in a while nor is likely to watch the news enough to be able to give informed opinions about our country's political system—not his own.
When asked about his thoughts on abortion the singer said: “I really don't believe in abortion. I think [an embryo] is a human. It's like killing a baby. [In the case a rape], I think that's really sad, but everything happens for a reason. I don't know how that would be a reason. I guess I haven't been in that position, so I wouldn't be able to judge that.” (By the way, this is a corrected quote attempting to smooth out the ensuing backlash after the reporter had left out a sentence—a typical move to achieve the sensational attention-grabbing crap the media pulls)
Then he was asked if he would consider becoming an American citizen and he quipped: “You guys are evil; Canada's the best country in the world. I'm not sure about the parties,” Bieber said when asked which political party he would choose if he could vote. Then he added, “But whatever they have in Korea, that's bad.” (Way to dodge this question, Biebs!)
It looks like the “Baby” singer was baited and cooperated with the journo by giving half-informed answers fitting of a 16 year old—and should be treated as such.
However, be careful of a slow Hollywood news day.
After AJ Hammer of HLN and every other Hollywood news outlet jumped on the Bieber-bashing wagon, there was no stopping the Hollywood spin doctors regarding this child’s opinions. Yes. He's still a child regardless of what Elizabeth Hasselbeck said on “The View” about Bieber's impact on young kids, and therefore his words carry more weight than most.
Is this the age of kids (mis)guiding kids? Let's not start another Miley mess, please. Let the kid be.
It would have been much more age appropriate (and less controversial) to ask Justin Bieber things like what hair gel or shampoo he uses, or what he has for breakfast so his fans can 'connect' with him on a mundane level.
This is the type of wholesome stuff teenage magazines feed adolescent readers, and is more suitable than asking the Canadian boy wonder if he'd chose to be a Republican or a Democrat, or about his Christian faith, or if abortion is OK in the case of rape.
Did the RS journalist have a personal agenda? This almost smells like a set up since the media turned right around and blasted him for his naive replies.
This interview was out of line, and in my opinion the magazine should be the one scolded for these purely money-grabbing headlines at the expense of a kid.
Rolling Stone, unless you’re planning your own spin off magazine aimed at the 18 and younger crowd, stick to your regular mature industry content and leave the kids alone.
Speak Your Mind