What's the Inside-Scoop on Paparazzi?

There was a time when I'd hear celebrities complain about how they had no privacy because the paparazzi hounded them wherever they went, and I'd say to myself, "what are they complaining about? That's the price of celebrity, a small price for the privilege of being one of the glamorous people. Celebrities shouldn't complain, they should be thankful for having fame and fortune, and stop being babies about having their picture taken."

No more. I've come to recognize the unique danger that celebrities are under and why the paparazzi needs to be reigned in. You see, celebrities have a special power, a power that comes from the people. The media can't control them, nor can the government. Once an actor or singer reaches a certain level of fame, they are free to think for themselves and say what they want, and they can have an enormous impact because of this.

There are many out there who don't like what certain celebrities are saying and they have a multitude of options available to derail them. They can slam them in the press, try to get them black-balled, spread rumor and innuendo, or otherwise try to bring them down in any number of ways. And this is why the paparazzi is so dangerous.

Think about it; if someone wants to take a celebrity down, the first thing they'll do is try to gather dirt. Los Angeles is notorious for guys bugging, trailing, and spying on people (just remember Howard Hughes). The paparazzi has become such a part of life that it's easy to establish an identity as a celebrity-stalking photographer hiding in the bushes or peeping through windows to get that one money shot to sell to right-wing rags like the National Enquirer.

Of course, we're not talking about photographs here, we're talking about actual physical harm of the Lady Di-variety. The paparazzi have a unique way of getting close to celebrities and staying close for long periods of time with no accountability. Not only do they harass and annoy their prey, they can be a very serious threat. The paparazzi push many open and sensitive people into terrorized and reclusive captives of their own fame.

The tables should be turned. Instead of having fist fights with the photographers who get in their face, celebrities should hire their own photographers and take pictures of the paparazzi. They might find that those lovable losers trying to make a buck are actually imposters intent on sabotaging careers and destroying lives.

If you know of anyone posing as a paparazzi and whose real intent is something else, or who is working at the behest of someone else, here's your chance to bring them out into the open.