Analysis and Arguement on Britney Spears Facebook Page - Research Paper Example

?Analysis and argument on Britney Spears’ facebook page In this modern world, continuous presence within social networking sites determines one’s social acceptability in the mainstream society. Most of the famous personalities make use of social networking as an innovative tool to communicate with their fans and to increase their acceptability in the society. Within this context, Britney Spears’ image as a globally marketed cultural icon and her facebook page represent the same thing, a carefully crafted product. To be specific, Britney Spears’ facebook page does not surpass her image as a popular culture icon. Instead, her facebook page is carefully crafted to communicate with her fans/audience. Thesis statement: The analysis and argument on the statement(s) made by Britney Spears about herself to her audience and her carefully constructed facebook page proves that both the statement(s) and facebook page reinforces her public image as a popular culture icon. Analysis and argument by using ethos pathos and logos: construction of Britney Spears’ facebook page A. Analysis (by using ethos pathos and logos): Statements(s) made by Britney Spears about herself to her audience Most of the public figures who communicate with the audience make use of the theory put forth by Aristotle in his work ‘On Rhetoric’. To be specific, the theory of rhetoric consists of the essential qualities that a public figure should have to gain social acceptance. For instance, ethos consists of the trustworthiness of an individual (say, the speaker), pathos consists of the ability of and individual to create emotional attachment with the listeners and logos consists of the ability of the speaker (say, logical arguments) to communicate with listeners. Within this context, Britney Spears’ statements about herself to the audience is interconnected with logos, she is ready to lose her individuality to satisfy her fans. To be specific, Britney Spears’ status as a cultural icon hinders her from behaving like a mature person because she needs to present herself as a myth. So, one can see that Britney Spears’ statements on trustworthiness or loyalty towards oneself is interconnected with ethos. Besides, Britney Spears’ statements and opinions on other female singers (Madonna and Janet Jackson) prove that she is able to create her own space within the context of popular music. Britney’s commitment to music, especially singing and stage presence helped her to create emotional attachment with her audience. This emotional attachment is an important element of rhetoric, i.e., pathos. One can easily identify that Britney Spears’ emotional attachment with her audience is one of the factors behind her success as a popular culture icon. From a different angle of view, Britney Spears’ public identity as a celebrity does not hinder her personal life. Christopher R. Smit stated that “In late 2001 Britney’s image/marketing changed bearing in mind that much of her audience had grown up in the meantime” (5). To be specific, her ability to communicate (say, with logical arguments) with the public helps her to divide her public and personal domains into two distinct areas. For instance, Britney Spears is an ordinary individual in her private life. Within this context, her logical arguments/opinions on defining herself, childhood dream to become a singer, harsh media reviews, sexuality, physical limitations, inspiration etc prove that the same is interconnected with logos. B. Argument: How does the construction of her page reveal the statements? Britney Spears’ facebook page reveals her statements because she made use of unique techniques to communicate with the subscribers. For instance, Britney Spears’ facebook page layout is simple and attractive to the subscribers. Within this context, family photos, especially with her family members and friends are important. Besides, her facebook page helps the subscribers to know more about her as an individual, not as a myth. One can see that Britney Spears’ facebook page is symbolic of her definition as a person who is attached to one’s family. Besides, she does not hesitate to upload her family photos. This proves that Britney Spears makes use of her facebook page as an innovative mode to communicate with her fans and well-wishers. In addition, her facebook page is symbolic of her childhood dream to become a singer because she used to promote her videos, stage shows, campaigns etc through facebook. From a different angle of view, Britney Spears’ provide less importance to harsh media reviews because her updates on facebook are related to campaigns promoting her iconic status. In addition, the number of views, comments, likes and share on her snaps prove that she is able to maintain constant touch with her subscribers/fans. As pointed out earlier, she does not hesitate to reveal her opinion on other singers. For instance, her comment (on facebook page) on Madonna proves that she does not consider her as an opponent. Instead, her words prove that she consider Madonna as the source of her inspiration to become a singer and performer. In addition, the subscribers value her comments on TV shows and campaigns. For instance, Britney Spears’ comment on the Super Bowl (game) gained thousands of likes. This proves that Britney Spears is aware of the taste of her fans and tries her level best to maintain healthy relationship with them. The photos uploaded by Britney Spears on her facebook page reveal her interest in motorbikes, her fans, stage performances and friends/family members. This is utmost important for a public figure to create positive influence among the fans/subscribers. To be specific, the construction of Britney Spears’ facebook page reveals her statements/opinions. Summing, Britney Spears’ facebook page is one of the best examples for the proper usage of social media to communicate with fans and well-wishers. Her daily update on her facebook page mirrors her statements and opinions. Besides, the number of shares, likes, comments etc on her facebook page proves that social networking is an innovative tool/medium for a public figure to gain social acceptance with ease. So, one can see that Britney Spears’ facebook page is carefully constructed to reinforce her image and she makes use of the same to back up her comments and opinions. In short, the modern world allows fans to intrude into the private space of celebrities. On the other side, the celebrities like Britney Spears make use of this intrusion as a mode of communication and ideological tool of self marketing. Works Cited Smit, Christopher R. The Exile of Britney Spears: A Tale of 21st Century Consumption. Norderstedt: Intellect Books, 2011. Print. Read More