Brief 2: What is the Problem with Supermarket Tabloids?

       Supermarket Tabloids, such as the National Enquirer and Star Magazine, can be found in checkout lanes across the nation. There are big, bold letters pasted on the cover. They have intriguing, and often shocking headlines, drawing the customer in to buy a copy before they leave the checkout line. While these tabloids may be interesting to read, how much can you actually rely on the information being displayed? And, is it really okay for the tabloids to make such accusations?

     The National Enquirer is notorious for their outlandish headlines, such as "Cher's Deathbed Tell-All". Although, there are no definite signs pointing to
her death in the near future. This article features "insider" information, which is not verified and unreliable. Anyone can be an insider if they claim to have a relationship with the person under the wrath of the tabloids. This insider said that Cher "has been so freaked out by her poor health that she wants to set the record straight before she dies." The insider goes on to predict the disclosure of Cher's "secret lesbian love life" and her "coming clean about her numerous plastic surgery procedures". This article could be mentally detrimental to a person reaching the age of 70. Displaying ones mortality for ones own gain is ethically wrong and nauseating.


     Star Magazine is known for their celebrity gossip. Who better to talk about than the Kardashians? In one of the many recent headlines involving the Kardashian Klan, Star Magazine writes about "Kris Jenner Taking a Tragic Turn with 72 Pound Weight Gain". A "Kardashian source" estimates that "she gained 72lbs in the second half of 2015". They also discuss her "hitting the bottle again" and display a picture of her drinking a single class of wine at an event. A "tipster" said that "she couldn't keep up her healthier lifestyle." How accurate is this information? They make it seem as if she has a drinking problem, however, in the picture displayed it is clear that it was taken through a window at a social event, where a glass of wine would be common. Especially since there is a man holding a glass next to her. The article is also riddled with images exploiting her weight gain. Star clearly is blowing pictures out of proportion and making her out to be a drunk, as well as shaming her for her body.

     Yes, it is was ethically wrong to make possible false claims on Cher, and exploiting her mortality. It is also wrong to portray Kris Jenner as a drunk and body shaming her. However, this is being done legally as far as the tabloids lawyers are concerned. These awful headlines and articles clearly violate most peoples morals, but, we're buying. These headlines are aimed toward the public. They talk about things we are interested in and are continuing to profit out of consumers thirst for gossip. So, what's really the problem?

Articles Cited:
(http://www.nationalenquirer.com/celebrity/cher-dying-scandals-secrets-national-enquirer/)
(http://starmagazine.com/photos/kris-jenner-weight-gain-depressed-meltdown-kuwtk/photo/259253/)