The infantilization of Brittany Spears 

 

Brittany Spears endured 13 years of conservatorship so that she did not waste her finances. Instead, her family controlled everything she did. The result was a state-controlled stripping of her basic human rights. Even though no crimes had been committed she became beholden to the very people who had exploited her during her childhood rise to fame.

It is worth pointing out that men are almost never subjected to “conservatorships”, when they are hospitalized. Men as breadwinners, are imbued with qualities, that many don’t actually possess, their finances, poor financial decisions or competency is less likely to be questioned.

Numerous wealthy and famous people have spent all their money, or most of their money. Some have ended up broke, including some with a larger asset base and less marketable talent than Brittany. No one has stepped in and confiscated their assets; they have been permitted to spend all their money and endure the consequences for it. This can devolve into state of “inurement” that is protected under the law and not policed for loss of rights. 

The answer to me seems quite simple, why not just employ a business manager and accountant, people with business and accounting degrees who can help steer her in the right direction. Why an exploitative family member who had raised her in a controlling family system? Dysfunctional families will usually feature a scapegoated child. Legally forcing a vulnerable and scapegoated child to be controlled by whims of people who seek to profit from her work is tantamount exploitation. 

The following is an excerpt from the Human Rights website in Australia:

www.humanrights.gov.au

Human rights recognise the inherent value of each person, regardless of background, where we live, what we look like, what we think or what we believe.

They are based on principles of dignity, equality and mutual respect, which are shared across cultures, religions and philosophies. They are about being treated fairly, treating others fairly and having the ability to make genuine choices in our daily lives.

These are the internationally recognised basic human rights.

What are the 30 Human Rights? | The Hague Peace Projects


1. All human beings are free and equal

2. No discrimination

3. Right to life

4. No slavery

5. No torture and inhuman treatment

6. Same right to use law

7. Equal before the law

8. Right to be treated fair by the court

9. No unfair detainment

10. Right to trial

11. Innocent until proved guilty

12. Right to privacy

13. Freedom to movement and residence

14. Right to asylum

15. Right to nationality

16. Rights to marry and have family

17. Right to own things

18. Freedom of thought and religion

19. Freedom of opinion and expression

20. Right to assemble

21. Right to democracy

22. Right to social security

23. Right to work

24. Right to rest and holiday

25. Right of social service

26. Right to education

27. Right of cultural and art

Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts, and share in scientific advancement and its benefits. Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

28. Freedom around the world

29. Subject to law

30. Human rights can’t be taken away

Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group, or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

If in Australia, Brittany Spears could have been eligible for disability. Article 5, part 2, of the Disabilities section of the act, states:

  1. States Parties shall prohibit all discrimination on the basis of disability and guarantee to persons with disabilities equal and effective legal protection against discrimination on all grounds.