It was refreshing to read Christina Aguilera's blunt, no apologies declaration in the September 1, 2000 issue of TV Guide. In response to continued accusations that Christina and Britney are corrupting a generation of girls, Christina went on to say, "I basically shoot it down with, 'Whatever I do, it's my business,' and continues, "Britney tries to deny it a little bit. And I think she has nothing to be ashamed of."

Amen!

In the same issue of TV Guide, 'N Sync heartthrob Justin Timberlake is quoted as saying, "These pants are so tight it's like I'm having sex with myself." And a few pages away, R&B star and "Thong Song" songmeister Sisqo is captured in various states of undress. Will any of these guys catch heat for being too provocative? For being "poor role models" to a generation of boys?

Um... well, no. Of course not!

That kind of criticism is reserved for girl singers... especially for girls who are ambitious and successful and likely to inspire envy in others... specifically to the likes of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Basically, even post-millennium, a midriff-baring girl singer is "bad," while her male counterpart is free to bare more skin, shake more bootie, and spice up his conversation with sexual innuendo with impunity.

If you point out to Britney or Christina's critics that girl singers and girl groups have been showing their mid-sections and wearing short skirts since time immemorial, these people will defend their judgemental attitude by whining, "But she's too young to dress that way!"

Ironically, even "older" female entertainers are not immune to this kind of judgement. The ridiculous "E!" network has even had a "fashion expert" declare that "women over thirty should never bare their bellies."

Okay, so where does that leave women? What is the window during which a woman can safely display her midriff without garnering heaps of criticism? And more important... should Shania Twain put out a recall on all of her CDs and music videos?

Where does the judgement end?

Maybe, just maybe... with you and with me. By speaking up and arguing back. By not accepting the status quo. Or maybe with people like Christina speaking up and offering radical (and true!) notions like "it's not my job to parent America."

Let me say it again... amen!

      Q   Which entertainer is rumored to have had breast augmentation?

(a) Britney Spears

(b) Lisa Nicole Carson

      A   The answer is (a) Britney Spears... as you can see, there is ample reason to suspect that Britney has had "help," whereas Lisa Nicole looks completely natural ;o)