Spartan Echo

Section: Opinion

It's humorous, ironic even, that as a society we find undeniable interest in issues and individuals that directly conflict with our own morals. But everyday, on every news stand, in all entertainment news programs and littered on thousands of web sites, we find one of America's guiltiest pleasures-gossip.

What's more newsworthy than a juicy political scandal? Of the numerous that have been reported and the others that have been quietly swept under the rug-we are now able to add former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer's affiliation with a New York prostitution ring, to a long list of political disgrace.

After resigning from his position as governor, Spitzer, known for being tough on Wall Street crimes (and even tried two cases involving the solicitation of prostitutes), received little more than a slap on the wrist after admitting to acting "in a way that violates my obligations to my family, that violates my or any sense of right and wrong." A productive tenure and forced resignation stained by a few alleged rendezvous with prostitutes is almost the equivalent to honorable discharge from the military. But Spitzer, as many successful politicians do, walked away with his wife by his side and shameful reputation left behind.

But what is the fate of his alleged would be call girl? Will she shamefully go into hiding due to media mockery? Will her future be less than grim with the public remembering her only as the "Spitzer Call Girl"?

Well, whatever the future may hold in store for Ashley Alexandra Dupre, she is taking full advantage of the publicity. From Inside Edition to Extra, Dupre has used her publicly broadcast private lifestyle to propel her long awaited celebrity status. Her Myspace.com page, open to the public, received several thousand profile views within the days following the allegations being brought to public attention. The headline from her profile reads "what destroys me, strengthens me." With the hopes of pursing a career as a singer in the R&B/Pop arena, Dupre has used this opportunity to capitalize on all of her "talents". Footage from a 2003 edition of Girls Gone Wild has recently been released and in this video Dupre was a mere seventeen years of age, dancing provocatively atop a table for male gawkers.

So while this scandal has ultimately ended Spitzer's political career, it may have opened a wealth of opportunities for a call girl turned over night celebrity. While her Myspace views, Inside Edition coverage and Girls Gone Wild debut may not guarantee longevity to her fame, it has made for interesting gossip. In the meanwhile, former Governor Spitzer will walk away from this ordeal held virtually unaccountable and the media will continue to exploit and seemingly glamorizes the lifestyles of individuals whose closed door escapades have leaked into public domain.

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