More and more it seems like entertainers from music, movies and all other pop culture mediums have been attempting to break into the world of social culture and politics. Many times, the tabloid big-star phenomena have made pretty big headlines in attempts to do so'everyone remembers Kanye West's statement, which appeared on national television, that governmental inaction in Katrina-ravaged areas clearly showed the president's distaste for Black Americans. It is unfortunate that this trend of pop-culture icons attempting to give their two cents about serious subjects, however, recently there has been an opposite trend.

I respect journalists. Citizens depend on them for clear, accurate and honest news. I believe that the outlet for journalists to put in their own ideas and two cents is the opinions page, and I respect these journalists just as much, obviously. A few weeks ago one journalist pulled, what is in my opinion, a completely embarrassing, unrespectable move. Ann Coulter, syndicated conservative opinions columnist, tried to pull the opposite of the aforementioned celebrity-to-socio-political-activist/critic trend when she referred to former vice presidential nominee John Edwards a 'faggot.'

Now when I first heard of Coulter's comments, my first thought was that the Bias Related Incident Team (BRIT) here on UD's campus would have an absolute field day making charges against Coulter.

My second thought was that such a comment was so outrageous that it reminded me of a celebrity desperately hoping for the limelight once again. Coulter must be an intelligent enough woman to know that calling someone a 'faggot' publicly would send a shockwave through the media. But the thing is that it had about the same effect on CNN as Britney shaving her head. Coulter's action is even similar to Britney shaving her head. Britney is recognized by her blonde hair. Coulter is known for her pretty blatant and offensive jabs at this or that. Both took something they were known for and decided to abuse this characteristic trait for attention.

To me, Coulter's comment was a desperate act to put herself on a celebrity status and to put her name in the headlines. Which, in my opinion, discredits her as a respectable social critic'she tried to use her status not to simply give an opinion or support a certain set of socio-political standards, she used it to get some more name-recognition and to take herself from the D-list to a little bit higher. I personally find this desperation obvious and a little pathetic. The woman already has some hurdles to face to get thinking, educated people to listen to her words since she is so incredibly one-sided that it comes off as being ridiculously close minded. Also in this state of politics I bet she has more trouble as well, since Bush's Republican administration is on thin ice with the American people.

Usually I would say, 'whatever floats your boat, Ann.' But come on, was that really the best way to give your opinion about John Edwards or to try to put your name in the headlines? Let me answer for you'nope.