By Tony O’Reilly And Sheila Mckenzie-
The world media has been inadvertently glorifying pornography by referring to Stormy Daniels(pictured) as a porn star.
However, amidst the sensationalism and scandal, a troubling trend has emerged in the media’s portrayal of Daniels – the unwitting glorification of pornography by referring to her as a “star.”
Outlets such as The Independent, New York Times, and Daily Mail have all been guilty of this oversight, perpetuating a narrative that blurs the lines between fame and infamy, ultimately exposing a lack of adequate care and responsibility on the part of news bosses.
Outlets such as The Independent, The Newyork Times, The Telegraph, and The Daily Mail have all been guilty of this oversight, perpetuating a narrative that blurs the lines between fame and infamy, ultimately exposing a lack of adequate care and responsibility on the part of news bosses.
Stormy Daniels- a former prostitute who gained global fame after she revealed allegations that she was paid $300,000 in hush money to conceal a sexual affair she had with former U.S president, Donald Trump.
The media landscape has been rife with discussions about Stormy Daniels ever since the American made headlines for her alleged affair with former President Donald Trump and subsequent legal battles.
Today, a number if analysts within the Eye Of Media.Com and outside of its internal team by the way of its thinktank discussed the worrying trend in subconsciously falling values when it comes assigning correct labels to certain individuals.
Last year there was similar uproar after former Health Secretary was invited as a guest to television series, I am A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.
Critics were alarmed that a man who broke Covid rules and cheating on his wife in breaking those rules was described as a celebrity after ending both his marriage and that of the woman with whom he was cheating.
The concerning poor values calls for a need for news and broadcasting bosses to be more conscious of standards and not prioritize financial gains over highly valued societal standards.
The Misnomer of “Star”
The term “star” connotes a sense of admiration, achievement, and excellence.
Historically, it has been associated with individuals who have achieved notable success and recognition in their respective fields, whether it be in film, music, sports, or literature. However, when applied to Stormy Daniels, a pornographic actress known primarily for her explicit performances, the term loses its luster and becomes a misnomer.
An understanding of the gravity of this misappropriation can be gained by exploring the history and etymology of the concept of stardom.
The notion of stardom traces back to ancient civilizations, where celestial bodies such as stars were revered and associated with divine significance.
Over time, the concept evolved to encompass individuals who achieved extraordinary feats or embodied qualities worthy of admiration and emulation.
In the realm of entertainment, stardom took on a new dimension with the rise of the film industry in the early 20th century.
Actors and actresses who captivated audiences with their performances became synonymous with the term “stars,” achieving widespread acclaim and adulation.
However, alongside the glamour and prestige of Hollywood, there existed a darker underbelly – the exploitation of performers, particularly women, for their physical attributes and sexual appeal.
The Dichotomy of Fame and Notoriety
Throughout history, there has been a dichotomy between fame and notoriety, with the former symbolizing honour and respectability, while the latter connotes disgrace and disrepute.
Yet, in contemporary society, this distinction has become increasingly blurred, as individuals achieve fame through scandalous and controversial means.
Stormy Daniels epitomizes this phenomenon, catapulted into the spotlight not for her talents or achievements but for her involvement in a salacious scandal involving a sitting U.S. president.
While some may argue that her actions demonstrate courage and defiance against abuse of power, it is essential to recognize the context in which her “fame” has been attained – one that is rooted in exploitation and objectification.
The Ramifications of Misrepresentation
Media outlets that refer to Stormy Daniels as a star inadvertently perpetuate the normalization and glorification of pornography, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and attitudes towards women in the industry.
This not only trivializes the experiences of those who have genuinely earned recognition for their talents and contributions but also perpetuates a culture of objectification and commodification of practices like pornography.
Most analysts examining this issue agree that although the pornographic industry exists legally for its own purposes, this is not something to be celebrated for any reason, including celebrating a woman just because she may have exposed a wrong deed in a much vilified man like Donald Trump.
Psychologist, Jo Daley, said: ‘The use of euphemistic language to describe Daniels undermines the seriousness of the issues at hand – namely, the abuse of power, the erosion of democratic norms, and the pervasive influence of money and influence in politics.
‘Sanitizing and sensationalizing Stormy Dniel’s story could lead to the media perpetuating a narrative that prioritizes scandal over substance.
‘It is incumbent upon media outlets to exercise greater discretion and responsibility in their reporting, particularly when it comes to sensitive and controversial subjects such as pornography and political scandals.
Eye Of Media’s editor Gabriel Princewill, said about the misnomer: ‘Rather than unwittingly glamorizing and sensationalizing individuals like Stormy Daniels, journalists should strive to provide balanced and nuanced coverage that sheds light on the broader societal implications of their actions.
‘News bosses must recognize their role in shaping public discourse and influencing public opinion, acknowledging the power and responsibility that comes with their platforms.
‘Refraining from using misleading and inappropriate terminology to describe individuals involved in pornography or other controversial industries can help foster a more informed and empathetic society’.
Stormy Daniels has been giving evidence in the Hush Money Trial of Donald Trump.