EMILY STODDARD Christina Aguilera is simply too 'Dirrty' for some tastes

When you make even Britney Spears look a little classier, there's a problem. In what seems to be a music biz battle over who can shed more clothing, Christina Aguilera has clawed her way to the top by being more porn star than pop star. In her latest attempt at music video artistry, aptly titled "Dirrty," Christina can be seen on guys and girls alike, moving in a way that makes me wonder whether she learned those moves at dance class or in a strip club.
Apparently, if you ever need to cut corners on a music video budget, clothing is the first thing to go. Honestly, would any respectable young woman really wear red underwear and a small bikini top while dancing for the likes of an MTV audience? Oh, wait -- I forgot that "respectable" isn't in pop culture lingo, which explains why Christina has no problem wearing and doing what she does while a camera captures her every move.
Really, Christina. At least Britney kept her pants on in the dark moment known as "I'm a Slave 4 U."
It's practically legal to be a prostitute in this country, but we hide that fact with a trendy term: pop star. Think about it: Girls like Christina and Britney are paid big bucks to shed their clothing and instigate sexual fantasies. They prowl around for a director and a video camera, crooning songs filled with outbursts of "Get nasty!" and "Ow!" and "I need that to get me off."
Imagine Christina or Britney on a street corner in your hometown, wearing their pop princess apparel (yes, the whole square inch of it) and saying exactly those things. Don't you think a local police officer might have something to say about it? Of course. So why is it acceptable for them to act this way in our home, all via MTV?
What's needed
It shouldn't be acceptable -- end of story. Yet while the music business needs an overhaul, I realize it won't happen overnight. What it needs to start that overhaul, though, is a strong reaction from people like you. Changing the channel is not going to be enough anymore -- not while a 10-year-old girl in another state will still be watching..
We know that young girls are watching and admiring Christina. Apparently Christina doesn't know this, but if she isn't going to think twice about her behavior, someone should. React to what you see -- remind the young people in your life that pop music videos are not reality. Inspire others to be participants when watching television, not passive spectators. Furthermore, the power of words is what motivates this column every month. Imagine what your own words could do if you were to write a letter of concern. (To point you in the right direction, "Dirrty" comes to you courtesy of RCA Records.)
It's time Christina, Britney and their fellow pop royalty learn that just because they want to lose their clothes and get frisky doesn't mean we want to watch. Christina is free to be as "Dirrty" as she wants, but in the end, all she's earning is a stained reputation. As for me, I think I'll earn my keep and keep my clothes on -- all at the same time.
XEmily A. Stoddard, 18, of Grand Rapids, Mich., is a columnist for Blue Jean Online. Read more articles and reviews by young women at http://www.bluejeanonline.com, or check out the book "Blue Jean: What Young Women are Thinking, Saying and Doing." Blue Jean Online is looking for teen correspondents.