IMPORTANT

PLEASE NOTE:

THE DESCRIPTIONS USED REGARDING CELEBRITIES AND SITUATIONS THEY FOUND THEMSELVES IN ARE NOT FACT AND WERE EITHER EMBELLISHED OR MADE UP TO FIT WITH THE DEMANDS OF THIS PROJECT. THIS BLOG IS NOT FACTUAL IN THE CASE OF CELEBRITES.

Note: descriptions used for the four theories were directly influenced and paraphrased from information detailed in Evans et al., 1998 and Gardner, 1993. (See "Reference" post).

WHY POP THEORY?!

It can be difficult trying to engage students actively in discussions about seemingly abstract concepts like theory. There is a negative mystique that exists around studying and learning about theory. Even as a student in the College Student Services Administration program, I too suffer from the challenges that exist around trying to take these grand theories and imagine how they apply to students. In an attempt to make theory more entertaining for myself and fellow cohort members, I have created the opportunity to view theory from the Hollywood perspective. Utilizing a blog-like format (mirroring Perez Hilton) I have used Hollywood celebrities as subjects to discuss four student development theories: Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development, Belenkey, Clinchy, Goldberg, and Tarule’s Women’s Ways of Knowing, Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, and Schlossberg’s Transition Theory.

Lawrence Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

Lawrence Kohlberg began his research at the University of Chicago studying the moral reasoning of young boys, utilizing the work of Piaget who explored moral development of children (Evans et al., 1998). After much research and revision, Kohlberg came up with his theory of cognitive-development for moral decision-making. Kohlberg’s work centers directly on how people make moral judgments. At the heart of moral reasoning, Kohlberg stressed that justice was the core principle for making such judgments. “Justice, the primary regard for the value and equality of all human beings, and for reciprocity in human relations, is a basic and human standard” (Kohlberg, 1972, as cited in Evans et al., 1998, p. 173).
Kohlberg’s theory has six stages grouped in three levels, each defined by its sociomoral perspective which is, “the point of view the individual takes in defining both social facts and sociomoral values” (Kohlberg, 1976, as cited in Evans et al., 1998, p. 173). Each stage represents a different relationship between the individual making the decision and engaging in moral development and society’s rules and expectations. Kohlberg also asserted that only when disequilibrium occurs or when an individual is exposed to higher-stage thinking is when growth in moral development can occur.

Stage I: Heteronomous Morality

Fake, Fake, Fake! Ashlee Simpson was CAUGHT IN THE ACT of lip syncing on Saturday Night Live, a show that, from its title, delivers LIVE performances for its live and tv audience. Behind this mess up was the one and only JOE SIMPSON—father, controller, and authority-figure extraordinaire. Sources confirm that Joe’s such an authority figure in the life of Ashlee that she was too afraid to go against his wishes and commands. Ashlee didn’t want to get punished, so she simply followed his rules. Ashlee is going to need to stand up for herself one of these days, because making these decisions based on avoiding daddy’s big, bad authority is causing Ashlee to make decisions that have no consideration for others. HELLO….what about the people who paid to see her perform live or stayed up to watch her on TV?! Thanks a lot, Ashlee—we clearly see you would rather avoid daddy’s wrath of punishment than make a decision on your own!

Stage II: Individualistic, Instrumental Morality

Drunky, McDrunkerton hires a chauffeur rather than checks into rehab! Klohe Kardashian was recently cited and jailed for drinking and driving. Many peers, friends, and legal counsel advised her that she should check into rehab to get this drinking problem handled. Instead, KLOHE HIRED A DRIVER! Klohe’s license has been suspended, so instead of taking the time to go get well, she is following the rules in a sneaky way! Essentially making a deal with the court, Klohe continues to follow the rules by not driving but is acting in a way that is best for her, rather than what might be best for the greater good. Klohe had the opportunity to go get help and set an example for those who look to her as a role model, but instead she did was it best for her and letting others know they can make their own decisions on what is best for them. To her defense, hiring a driver does satisfy the court conditions, but her family and friends have needs and interest that really conflict with Klohe’s decision. This sneaky little devil; she certainly assured the satisfaction of her needs and is minimizing the risk of possible negative consequences from the court. Klohe said, “Rehab might be for Lindsey Lohan and you all might think that I need it, but what is best for me is not to be behind the wheel, so that’s what I’m doing. I made a deal with the court, and that’s that! Back off!”

Stage III: Interpersonally Normative Morality

Poor Katie Holmes! She has such convictions about fitting into the perfect mother and wife role that she has essentially given up everything she used to be! That fun-loving, quirky lady we once knew is now the one who sits quietly as her hubby Tom Cruise has told her to be. Being surrounded by other Hollywood mom’s, Katie is making sure she fits into the social structure and system of what it means to be this Hollywood mama. She has had to spend all of her time forming to Tom’s expectations of a wife. She just needs to be kind, quiet and considerate before anything else! So no more films? What about Broadway? I guess Katie is too busy maintaining her “perfect mom” image and gaining Tom and Hollywood’s approval than pursuing or caring for her own interests. Oh, Katie, we miss the real you!

Stage IV: Social System Morality

No drinking for Miley, according to…MILEY! In a recent interview, Miley Cyrus stated that while most of young Hollywood is caught out at the clubs or drinking underage, this Disney diva won’t be doing either. She said that her decision isn’t a personal one, but it is a decision that was already made for her. The law states that anyone under 21 can’t drink, and well, that’s Miley! “I don’t question the law, I just know that right now I am under 21 and that means I can’t drink. So, whatever, I won’t! It’s better that way. We all have to follow the law—everyone—so that’s what I’m doing!”Miley is doing what is right---upholding the law established by society and carrying out its duties. Maybe Miley should let those other under-21ers know they have the obligation to follow the law too!

Stage V: Human Rights and Social Welfare Morality

Natalie Portman is one amazing lady. As a dual citizen of both the USA and Israel, she has really taken to heart the law of the US. Noting that we all have rights in this country to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Portman is taking that legal point of view to heart as an ambassador to FINCA, a nonprofit group that helps women in impoverished countries start their own businesses. Natalie believes in the equal treatment of all people, and while it is a law here in the US that needs to be upheld, Natalie believes there is the possibility to change or question laws in other countries that afford those same opportunities. Natalie is working with FINCA to show the world that the rightness of laws and social systems are evaluated on the basis of the extent to which they promote fundamental human rights and values and in the countries that Natalie is serving as an ambassador for, she is working to change these laws and show that the legal system does not promote human rights and social welfare. Natalie, you go girl!!!

Stage VI: Morality of Universalizable, Reversible, and Prescriptive General Ethical Principles

Do you know what day I loved most in Hollywood? One day before President Obama was sworn into office, Hollywood celebrities made pledges to do great acts of service for the nation as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on January 19th. What a great day for Hollywood celebrities to use their fame to bring attention to how important service is. It doesn’t get much better than honoring the one and only MLK Jr. This man is the face of morality. This well-respected individual, who was able to consider all points of view before making a decision, helped lay the foundation for being good stewards of our nation. MLK Jr. made decisions based upon principles that apply in every situation, like human rights and equality for all human beings. As celebrities pledged their service, it reminded all of us about MLK Jr. and how this great man was able to make decisions and act in a ways that upheld the highest ethical principles. We should have Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service EVERYDAY! Two thumbs up, Hollywood!

Belenkey, Clinchy, Goldberg, and Tarule’s Women’s Ways of Knowing

Belenkey et al., (Evans et al., 1998) researched cognitive development with the paradigm that there is more to know about development in women, beyond the masculine-dominated theories that exist. The researchers focused on, “what else might be important to note about women’s intellectual development” (Evans et al., 1998, p. 147). The researchers conducted 135 interviews with women to get at the ‘what else’ part that women add to cognitive development. Their book, Women’s Ways of Knowing, shares their observations, emphasizing core concepts like the importance of a voice in intellectual and ethical development, as well as denoting the five perspectives which guide their theory.

Silence

Mia Farrow has ended her hunger strike to bring attention to the injustices in Darfur, especially the women of this war-torn country. Mia Farrow, as instructed by her doctors, was forced to end the hunger strike because of health concerns, but noted that the women of Darfur don’t have the luxury like she does to be watched after by doctors or given necessities like healthy foods. Much of the abuses in the Darfur conflict directly affect women. These women are raped, abducted, and forced to do things unimaginable by most standards. Their captors flex the greatest amount of force and power over them, and they are truly voiceless in this struggle. The women of Darfur are truly incapable of making decisions, being proactive to save themselves and their families, and thinking and knowing on their own. The fear instilled in them and the pain and punishment they suffer daily, forces them into a voiceless state of shock. The injustice they face forces them to rely on their captors, the authority figures, for all decisions. Their existence, their lives, and all of their decision making, continues to be at the hands of these unjust individuals. If we as a country and global society do not continue to bring attention to these women, like Mia Farrow attempted to do, these women will never have the chance to regain their lives or develop individually, cognitively, or healthfully.

Received Knowledge

How could anyone forget Miss Teen South Carolina 2007 and her UNBELIEVABLE response to the question why she thought 1/5 of Americans are unable to locate the USA on a world map. Her answer, on live TV mind you:

“I personally believe that, U.S. Americans are unable to do so, because some… people out there in our nation that don’t have maps, and I believe that our education, like such as in South Africa and the Iraq, everywhere like such as, and I believe that they should… our education over here in the U.S., should help the U.S., er, should help South Africa and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries so we will be able to build up our future.., for our children...”

WHAT!? Are you kidding me?! Don’t people get paid big money to train these women on how to answer questions and educate them on worldly events? Clearly whoever Miss South Carolina’s interview coach is didn’t do her job. I am sure Miss Teen South Carolina worked tirelessly to listen to her coach and repeat back directly the “correct” or “appropriate” answer to possible interview questions. Miss South Carolina shouldn’t have just banked on memorize information or listening to her authoritative pageant coach for the interview portion of the competition. Clearly, Miss Teen South Carolina lacks a whole lot of self-confidence; she just receives and reproduces the knowledge, rather than creating it herself. Miss South Carolina shouldn’t have spent all of her time just listening to her pageant coach and being in awe of what she thought was intelligent information being presented to her. Poor girl!

Subjective Knowing

Britney thinks she knows it all! Still under the conservatorship of her father and even after a restraining order from former ex boyfriend Adnan Ghalib, Britney reportedly is staying in contact with him! Whatever this gut feeling is that Brit is relying on, she sure is confident that she has a superior way of knowing than the court or her own father! Even though Brit has had a back and forth relationship with her father, at times being skeptical of his care for her after her tumultuous breakup with K-Fed, Britney still thinks she knows best and can be an authority in her own life. Rallying against authority, Brit is making sure the world knows that she knows herself best. She is walking away from her past of letting men, like K-Fed and her dad make decisions for her, and she is trusting that infallible intuition and choosing herself and own interest over others. Wow, let’s hope Brit can open her eyes and realize that maybe she doesn’t know everything and she isn’t superior in knowing than those around her.

Procedural Knowledge

Shakira is a Bruin! That’s right; reports have been confirmed that this singer and her infamous hips have enrolled at UCLA to work towards her degree in the history of western civilization. Instead of shaking her hips on stage, this Columbian star desires to know more and enhance her way of knowing. This self-proclaimed know-it-all recently said that she has recognized contradictions and errors in her own, personal beliefs and intuition, and is ready to gain knowledge that is objective and rationally derived, where she can learn from multiple and varying perspectives. This free-thinker is looking forward to the rules, techniques and skills that are taught in formal education as a way to learn and know more. Hollywood thinks that Shakira will be a nice mix of two kinds of students. First, as a separate knower, Shakira will be flexing her critical thinking skills, listening to reason, but definitely doubting what she learns as a way to critically reflect. As a connected knower, Shakira she will base a lot of truth from her own personal experiences, rather than the authority figures like the classroom professors. This empathetic and caring woman will show a lot of trust and patience in the classroom towards her fellow classmates as they embark in the process of knowing. Shakira rocks!

Constructed Knowledge

Angie, per usual, looked AMAZING at the latest red carpet event! Beyond her stunning good looks and spot-on eye for fashion, this mother of six never ceases to amaze us! Pop culture’s obsession with this woman goes beyond on lavish lifestyle and handsome partner, but it is her intelligence that keeps us captivated. Angie’s ability to flex her authentic voice, sorting through all the pieces of her life and expectations of society makes her a wonderfully authentic knower. She continues to stay extremely up to date on the current issues in our world. Angie understands that she is an intimate part of what is known. She is definitely described as articulate, reflective, caring, self-aware, concerned with separation and connection, engaged in the constant struggle to balance the extremes and of her, and continues to fight for her voice to be heard. Passionate and able to talk about the truths and realities in her life and the lives of others make this woman outstanding. She listens to others, like talk show hosts, gossip columnists, Hollywood friends and more, but never ceases to lose her voice. Angie, you make it look so easy!

Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Gardner’s theory capitalizes on the belief that cognitively, all individuals differ in their intelligences and the ways that they are expressed. Intelligence is best described, “in terms of a set of abilities, talents, or mental skills” (Gardner, 1993, p. 15). Gardner asserts that all individuals possess each of these skills and abilities to a certain extent but individuals vary in the degree of skill they have and the combination of abilities (Gardner, 1993). In Gardner’s definition, intelligence, “entails the ability to solve problems or fashion products that are of consequence in a particular cultural setting or community” (Gardner, 1993, p. 15). Gardner’s list of intelligences is derived from biology and valued in cultural settings and identified from evidence from several different sources, like information about cognitive skills under conditions of brain damage and studies of exceptional populations (Gardner, 1993).
Gardner’s seven, now nine, intelligences are broken out into short descriptions to better profile each intelligence; however Gardner asserts that the intelligences operate in isolation. The intelligences will constantly work together, molding together with one or many in the lives of unique individuals.

Linguistic Intelligence

Madonna, the queen of pop, has put down her microphone and switched it out for a pen and paper for her new series of children’s books she has authored. One of her books, Mr. Peabody’s Apples, debuted #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list. With this kind of success, Madonna may begin to rival the best linguists of our time. Authors like T.S. Elliot and Mark Twain are the embodiment of the world’s best linguists. Their ability to read, write, and communicate eloquently with words all make them stand out as intelligent polyglots. It’s not surprising that Madonna would want to challenge herself to succeed in the linguist world, as she has created so many other successes elsewhere. Similarly, Madonna knows that being able to read, write and communicate is the most valued in the traditional classroom, and in her quest to be a humanitarian, she wants to give children the chance to succeed in the educational world. Look for more books soon!

Musical Intelligence

World, get ready to turn off your radios because the world’s worst pseudo-celebrity, Heidi Montag, has released another pop song! Heidi’s song Look How I’m Doin’ could be the demise of the music world as we know it. So much for trying to live up to the standards of the world’s most musically inclined like Gershwin, Bach, or Beethoven, whose uncanny ability to make and compose music and use rhythm and patters for expression all made them world-class artists. Heidi Montag is essentially slapping them in the face with her poorly performed, arranged and executed pop-anthem. Heidi doesn’t even try to hide the fact that she might not be the most intelligent when it comes to music. In a recent interview, she revealed that she wasn’t good at memorize tunes, and absolutely cannot play any instruments. She said that while she can’t create a pattern, or rhythm, she knows how to shake her hips and looks good in a music video. Beethoven is turning in his grave! If he were still alive, that musical genius would no doubt find a way to DEcompose Heidi and her music!

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Gardner were spotted with their adorable tot, Violet, leaving the New York Goudreau Museum of Mathematics in Art and Science. The family of three spent the day wandering the math museum on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Paparazzi followed the family through exhibits and displays all about math. This was clearly the most excitement the museum had seen as it was unprepared for the mayhem this famous family brought. In a statement to People Magazine, Jennifer Gardner said that she enjoys doing different things with her family, breaking away from traditional outings like movies and big parties and galas. Gardner said that the appeal of this museum was that it taught math in a fun, exciting way to any age level. The museum was interactive with games, puzzles, and mixed art with science to show how fun math can be.
The museum was built in honor of late mathematician Bernard Goudreau, who was an outright mathematical genius. His ability to create patterns, use reasoning and think logically made him a leader in the math world. Beyond being an independent brainiac, this math-man understood that logic and math is highly valued in the classroom and through his dedication to being a teacher and educator, he wanted to impart skills of experimenting, analyzing and solving math problems so that children had the abilities to succeed in the classroom. This museum is an attempt to honor Goudreau and his knack for all things math.

Spatial Intelligence

Calling all television commercial fans! Recently, a poll was released about the most popular commercials on TV right now. Guess who claimed the #8 spot? DYSON! That’s right—the guy with the magical accent who engineered a vacuum that moves on a ball! Apparently, Americans are voting based on individuals’ ingenuity rather than entertainment value! The Dyson commercials are catching people’s attention with this line:

You know the feeling when some everyday product lets you down. 'I could have designed this better myself', you think. But how many of us turn our thoughts into actions?
James Dyson does.

So the Dyson story goes, this entrepreneur had used common household items like vacuums but they continued to let him down. He would constantly think in the big picture and envision items that would more highly function. Dyson’s ability to see this mechanism in his head, get a plan, and execute the creation of this product landed him #8 spot on top commercials as well as a company that has sold over $6 billion worth of products worldwide. Too bad the vacuum costs 10x the cable bill I need to pay to just watch the commercial. Oh well, way to be intelligent!

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

It’s official—there is one less bunny in the bunny hop! Kendra Wilkinson, former Playboy bunny and girlfriend of Hugh Heffner, has disclosed she is moving out the illustrious mansion and is engaged to football star, Hank Baskett. NO WAY! Kendra said that while she loves Heff and the mansion, it’s her athletic soon-to-be hubby that has stolen her heart! So who is this Baskett character?

Hank Baskett is a receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles football team. An alum of New Mexico, #84 is known for his tremendous size and incredible athletic ability. His coaches rave that the ease of how his body moves and his ability to quickly solve problems on the field with his speed and agility makes him a real force on the turf. His ability to jerk left and sprint right helps him manipulate his opponents and take advantage of the game because of his natural athletic talent. Look’s like Kendra got herself a certified athlete! She is going to have to bunny hop a lot quicker to try and keep up with this speed-demon!

Interpersonal Intelligence

Oprah, Oprah, Oprah! That is what one woman will be living and breathing for an entire year of her life. A Chicago yoga instructor has decided to enact a social experiment and follow Oprah’s every piece of advice from what to buy, what to read, what to eat, how to act, who to be friends with and more. This woman is CRAZY but she claims that Oprah is a true interpersonal genius and wants to be able to have the skills and abilities that Oprah has. This woman claims that it’s Oprah’s ability to communicate, learn through and with others, and easily interact with diverse people that makes her traits so desirable. The Oprah-wannabe stated that the empathy, care, cooperation, negotiation and motivation that Oprah possesses are all things that she wants to more fully adopt in her own life. Oprah’s ability to motivate others, understand the needs and desires of others, lead by example and create an organization that is not only high functioning but astute to worldly needs are just a few of the things this mini-Oprah is set on obtaining. She will keep a blog of her experiences throughout this process….but, why would we read her blog when we could watch the true genius on TV?!?!

Intrapersonal Intelligence

There is a new fad in tinsel town! According to gal pals Gwyneth Paltro and Wynonna Ryder, YouYoga is to thank for not only their rockin’ bods but the calm, problem-free lifestyles that they lead. YouYoga, practiced out of a high-end Manhattan yoga studio, claims to be a leader in intrapersonal wellness. That’s right, you too (for a small price of a few grand) can sit on a yoga mat and reflect, analyzing and contemplate your problems in peace and quiet. Assessing your values, beliefs, and feelings are trademark services offered by YouYoga. Instructors of YouYoga assert that only when individuals can self-reflect, set goals, consider their pasts and think about their futures in quiet, calm, and introspective ways is when true health, wellness, and balance can be accomplished. Paltro and Ryder both claim that YouYoga is the real deal if you prefer quiet, meditative thought. Hmm…maybe when I am not spending every moment trying to make a salary to buy groceries is when I can blow some money to sit on a mat and think to myself!!! Nice try, ladies!

Naturalist Intelligence

Scratched, itchy, and swollen, our favorite gal from The Hills, Lauren Conrad, was spotted leaving a Los Angeles hospital after a morning hike with gal-pal Lo Bosworth. Lauren apparently thought it would be fun to hike through some “pretty, green grass.” That afternoon jaunt left her with some serious damage to her legs. What she didn’t know was that luscious grass was actually cluttered with poison ivy and other infectious plants. Lauren should have taken a lesson or two from outdoorsman-extraordinaire Bear Grylls, whose brilliance in the natural world allows him to make distinctions around the great outdoors. His knowledge around plant and animal classifications and hierarchies helps him experience the outdoor world in a safe and fun way. Maybe if Bear ever comes out of the woods, he can teach Lauren a thing or two about nature!

Existential Intelligence

Look who we found scantily-clad reading in Central Park?! One Blake Lively was taking a break from her busy Gossip Girl schedule to catch up on some reading. The shocking part: she was reading Nietzsche! Who knew this blonde bombshell was into existentialist thought?! We are used to seeing blondie-Blake considering things like what to wear on the red carpet or which flashy car to drive out on the town, not considering things like why she exists or what the meaning is life is. Apparently the great existentialist Nietzsche and his thoughts around the absurd and abstract world have struck a chord with this Hollywood hottie as she has begun to consider the bigger picture and reflect on if her purpose is to really be the Blonde GG bitch! We think so…!

Nancy Schlossberg’s Transition Theory

Schlossberg’s theory focuses on the impact of transitions in individuals’ lives. Her theory focuses on the transition, the individual, and the environment and how the interaction of the three will determine the degree of impact of the transition (Evans et al., 1998). Schlossberg also focuses on coping mechanisms and stratigies to apply to help with the change (Evans et al., 1998). Schlossberg (as cited by Evans, Forney, & Guido-Dibrito, 1998) defines a transition as, “any event, or non-event, that results in changed relationships, routines, assumptions and roles” (p. 111). Similarly, transitions can only exist if the individual experiencing it deems it a transition.

Schlossberg, Waters & Goodman (1995) created a transition model to better define the theory of transition. Schlossberg’s et al., model focuses on three main areas: transitions, the transition process, and coping with transitions.

The Blog Year in Review!

What a year it has been for the blog world! Here at PopTheory, we have worked long and hard to bring you the juiciest updates on our favorite celebrity friends. A lot has gone on this year for our glamazons, and we want to take this time to acknowledge a few big stories that all deal with change that we have seen throughout the blog year!

What we saw coming! (Transitions)

A big story this blog year was the Hollywood support of President Obama. We definitely anticipated this! After the election win, PopTheory knew we would see a lot of celebs pop in the spotlight to support the President. Let’s get this straight though. The context of the Hollywood up rise was the result of someone else’s (President Obama’s) transition to the White House, not the celebrities! Obama’s transition to President definelty impacted our world at PopTheory because it caused celebrities to want to speak more about political things, rather than our usual gossip lingo.
(Type: Anticipated; Context: Relationship to Obama, someone else’s transition; Impact: Change of content in blog)

You saw it here first—from beginning to end (The Transition Process)

Lindsey Lohan’s relationship with Samantha Ronson was always a top story on our list. PopTheory followed the story from beginning to end. Moving into their relationship, we captured the pair trying to avoid paparazzi as they left clubs together or were spotted shopping or out to dinner, before confirming anything. Once LiLo and Sam announced their exclusive relationship, PopTheory was there to follow them for appearances on the red carpet, out to movie premiers, out at bars and clubs and we moved through all of the ups and downs of this hot, Hollywood relationship. PopThery was also there when it seemed like the end of this big event was nearing, as Lindsey and Sam began ending their relationship. Candid photos of them fighting, appearances made without each other, and comments from family members all noted that they were moving out of the relationship, ending the big transition they had made in their lives being together. Lindsey stated that her relationship with Samantha was a big transition in her life. She had never dated another female or loved someone as much, and as she ended this transition, breaking it off with Samantha, she continues to state that this monumental event in her life produced a lot of growth in her life. Lindsey constantly says that it was hard to deal with her transition of dating and then breaking up with Samantha, but it was something she eventually had to face. We have a feeling this isn’t the last LiLo and Sam story PopTheory will be running!
(Moving in: beginning the relationship; Moving through: the relationship and activities that occurred; Moving out: the break up).

SITUATION: How did they deal? (Coping w/Transitions)

How could we forget the SITUATION Madonna and Guy Richie found themselves in as they had a big transition in their lives: DIVORCE! PopTheory found that the trigger for this transition was Madonna’s busy lifestyle and her lack of care for investing time in Guy. The timing of the big divorce was pretty “off time.” Madonna was getting ready for another world tour and it was not expected, at least within our social clock, that her and Guy would initiate a divorce. Pretty bad timing! PopTheory had a lot of statements from both Madonna and Guy. Guy said that he felt like he had no control in the situation and that the divorce really blind-sighted him. Madonna on the other hand said she saw this coming and she feels like she can control how to deal with it and the next steps to take to make this transition in her life go by smoothly. Guy and Madonna’s roles have definitely changed in the eyes of their children. Now single mom and single dad, Guy and Madonna no longer exist in the married-couple role. It is nice to know, however, that both Guy and Madonna had experienced the end of long-term relationships before and seen many of their Hollywood friends move through divorces, so their experience with a transition like a divorce was not foreign to them. Lots of stress existed around the divorce as Madonna was embarking on a world tour and looking to adopt another child, and Guy was beginning to film a movie, not to mention their fight for lots of $$$! However, after all was said in done, Madonna and Guy assessed the relationship through various statements to magazines and talk shows and said they were both a part of the big transition in their life and each of their behaviors played a role in the reason why they couldn’t stay together. It was a sad story for PopTheory but a popular one to run!!!
(SITUATION: Trigger, timing, control, role change, duration, previous experience with a similar transition, concurrent stress, assessment).

SELF: How did they deal?! (Coping w/Transitions)

Let’s also remember the new girl on the block this year! Freida Pinto, the stunning beauty from Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, burst onto the scene not afraid to talk about her SELF and how her transition to Hollywood royalty has affected her sense of self. Freida became a hot commodity to follow and talk to after the giant success of the Oscar flik. Freida talked a lot about her personal and demographic characteristics. She discussed her upbringing in Mumbai, India and the difficulties she faced growing up as a young female in a poor area. Freida discussed a lot of the factors in her life that made the transition to becoming a celebrity hard, like the experiences she had in India and how different life as a young woman in America is. Freida recounted that her ability to cope with her newfound life in Hollywood and celebrity status has a lot to do with her psychological resources, like her outlook on life and her values which are very much guided by her religious upbringing. Freida constantly attributes her successes to making this big change to living in Hollywood to her commitment to her faith, family, and ability to do good in honor of those she left behind in India. What a woman!
(SELF: personal and demographic characteristics, psychological resources).

SUPPORT: How did they deal? (Coping w/Transitions)

A big story we followed this year was the weight-gain for Kristie Alley! She went through one hell of a transition; putting on nearly 83 pounds after her she lost so much weight being a spokeswoman for Jenny Craig. Kirstie’s story had a lot to do with the SUPPORT around her as she transitioned back to her previous weight. Kirstie said that as she continued to put on weight, she constantly had support from her family and friends that no matter what she weighed, she was still a great person. Institutionally, Jenny Craig reached out to her and let her know they would support her if she wanted to try and drop the weight again. Kirstie said that as she put on weight, her friends and family (and the public) were very honest about the effect the weight gain was having in her life. Kirstie said that her children functioned as honest individuals who told her the truth about her weight gain and how it would likely affect her health. Jenny Craig continued to function as help and a resource for aid, stating they would help her when she is ready to get serious about weight loss. Overall, Kirstie said that the support she received as she put on this weight was both stable and changing. Many friends stopped supporting her because they didn’t want to have overweight friends in Hollywood, while others have continued to love and support her, no matter her weight. Kirstie, we love you no matter how you look and we will always support you!!!
(SUPPORT: types, functions, measurement).

STRATEGIES: How did they deal? (Coping w/ Transitions)

One of the biggest stories this blog year was the Rihanna and Chris Brown beat down! Stupid, horrible, woman-beater Chris Brown found himself in quite the debacle, dealing with the repercussions of his horrific actions against Rihanna. As Chris transitioned into life in the public eye and his responsibilities for his actions, we saw his legal team pull in some big STRATEGIES to try to ease the transition that Chris was going through. In an attempt to modify the situation, Chris’s attorneys tried to talk about the situation using things like placing blame on Rihanna and alcohol and other things that would shift the paradigm of the jury. As a way to control the meaning of the problem, Chris’s attorneys were vocal to the press letting them know the “truth” about the situation, hoping that they could do some rumor control with all the supposed false statements that were going around. Similarly, Chris was obviously stressed in the transition from pop-icon to most-hated and we heard many statements from his family talking about how they were trying to help him manage his stress in the event he goes to jail for his actions. It was also evident that Chris was using a lot of coping modes as this story became so popular. Chris and his attorneys sought a lot of information from the judge, the press, and Rihanna’s lawyers to make sure the truth was actually coming out. (Let’s be real, the black eye is truthful enough!). Chris took some direct action as his public image changed and retreated from the public eye as a way to cope with the allegations and hatred from the media. At one point, we saw Chris’s inhibition of action as he actually went and visited Rihanna as the case was still pending. What a fool! Regardless, Chris has gone through quite a transition this year from soulful singer to one of the most hated in Hollywood, and PopTheory has been there every step of the way to see him cope with this change.
(Strategies: categories, coping modes).

References

Evans, N. J., Forney, D. S., Guido-DiBrito, F. (1998). Student development in college. San
Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Gardner, H. (1993). A rounded version. In Multiple intelligences: The theory in practice (pp. 13-34). New York: BasicBooks.