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Italy has officially outlawed reporting on gossip — unless it “helps make a larger point about the figure in question” (e.g., Britney carrying kid on lap while driving = um, questionable parenting skills; Pamela Anderson getting boob implants = insecure woman; Mel Gibson getting DUI = anti-semitic drunk — hey, if this blogging gig doesn’t work out, I could always pursue a career in International Gossip Law!).
Upon announcing the ruling, the Rome court said it would “remove gossip that exists only for gossip’s sake.” But according to Hollywood Reporter, critics said it will have little impact on content producers who are talented in the art of spinning (i.e., all of ‘em).
“Everyone will abuse the gossip rules, but now those who do will risk being sanctioned,” said one television producer. “The rules cannot be enforced universally, but some will have to worry about their rivals using the rules against them.”
The rules apply to television, print and radio media.
Huh. Kind of ironic, considering the word “paparazzi” is Italian.
Seems they’re trying to uphold good values.
I’ve heard Italian men should win an award for Most Improved cause they no longer ogle women in public.
But…and it’s a big but…gossip is human nature.
I had a psyche professor who thought gossip was merely a form of “venting” that lowered stress.
November 19th, 2007 at 5:08 pm - ReplyGood luck enforcing that. “Unless it helps make a larger point about the figure in question”?? WTF?
November 20th, 2007 at 1:26 am - ReplyItalian men do still ogle women in public. But the thing is, they have a much different way of doing it than what’s done here in North America.
November 20th, 2007 at 9:35 am - ReplyThis is hilarious, yet believable, primarily because Italy is a country of contradictions:
devoutly Roman Catholic, but enthusiastic
about divorce;
strongly “traditional” about women’s roles,
yet the absolute capital of fabulous, single,
stylish women, single and otherwise;
Old World in many ways, yet completely
modern in their assessment of, for example,
politicians who have mistresses and “children
out of wedlock” (also see: FRANCE in this
regard).
They’re just so…Italian!!! Viva Italia!!!
Now, ride off on your Vespa.
November 20th, 2007 at 4:33 pm - Reply