What A Bunch of Boobs

It's true that members of the media are a bit like an exciteable dog.

Jangle your keys in front of them, and they'll bounce around and start yipping and playing.

Of course, it's not keys, but certain words, that gets the Pavlovian response going.

And one of the words that will immediately get the ears perked up is porn.

So when the TV stations started reporting the story about the former adult entertainment performer reading to students at a Compton school, it shouldn't have been a surprise. That kind of stuff is catnip to the TV stations because it's a quick sound bite with "outraged" parents that will get people on the street talking.

But why was this a story (other than media outlets seeking a boost)?

OK, parents are a little miffed, but why? Because someone cared enough to go read to their children?

Sasha Grey is an ex-porn star. Repeat: Ex. Former. A lot of people are ex- a lot of things -- and some of those things aren't exactly considered things they're proud of.

Does that mean that we shouldn't have motivational speakers come speak to students on how they overcame their problems? I had my share of ex-drug users (reformed, I guess) come speak to students at assemblies in junior high and high school. Is there no accounting for people looking for a fresh start? Or trying to redeem themselves -- if not in others eyes -- than in their own?

And if we're making value judgements about people who can come read to students, then is someone like, oh, Herman Cain an OK choice? Someone who has apparently paid off employees after they claimed sexual harrassment? Or how about someone with an infamous past, say like Monica Lewinsky?

Obviously, there are some folks who do remain off limits. Convicted sex offenders. People with history of violent crimes. People under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

But by all accounts, she was none of these. She didn't bring a gun with her to the classroom. She wasn't running a highlight reel of her movies.

She was just another person volunteering to read to a class full of children. Giving of her time -- and not her celebrity, since she has spent time acting in more mainstream fare recently -- to tell a story. As simple as that.

So, why again did it become a big deal (well, other than the keys jingling in the TV media's eyes)? Because someone complained. Someone got upset about it.

But for them to have been upset, wouldn't they have had to know that Ms. Grey was a porn star in the first place? I mean, had one of these parents seen one of her films? What kind of hypocrisy is that?

Oh, adults versus children. OK, sure.

But tell you what: I won't tell them if you won't.