CNN.com - What's the buzz?

What's the buzz on ... Paris Hilton?
Each week, CNN.com takes a look at trends in the blogosphere by tracking one topic across gender and generation with the help of analysis tools from Umbria Inc. This week, we focus on Paris Hilton, socialite and heiress to the Hilton Hotel business, who was sentenced to 45 days in jail for violating her probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case. She plans to appeal her sentence and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has been petitioned for a pardon. Here's a look at what bloggers are saying.

Overall opinion (May 2-8, 2007)

So what does this mean?
Blog comments about Hilton were overwhelmingly negative. The majority of bloggers indicated they were tired of seeing Hilton in the media and doubtful of whether she deserves her fame. Many said jail will provide her with a reality check, and that she needs to take responsibility for her actions. Some were surprised that Hilton had not gotten a chauffeur, given her past offenses. Those with positive comments about Hilton suggested that plenty of people drive drunk or with suspended licenses with little consequence, and wondered if she may be a savvy businesswoman beneath what could be considered a party exterior.

In their own words
William Gatevackes on Gates' Rants
The world got some good news today. Paris Hilton is heading to jail for 45 days for violating her plea agreement…. Why am I so happy about this? Is it because I don't like Paris Hilton? Partly. She is essentially famous for nothing. She thinks that the world should bow down to her, that normal rules don't apply to her, just because her grandfather's father earned a boatload of dough. Now, I'm just as surprised as she is that she's going to jail. I mean, this was Los Angeles, a town where if you are famous, you can get away with almost anything. But, in this case, justice was served.

Badda in a comment thread on HaloScan.com
Most folks hate Paris Hilton because of envy. How can she be allowed to have her car or any of the other high quality things she (or other rich folks) buys? Two words ... private property.

I have no envy of Paris Hilton. I have no hatred of Paris Hilton. I hope she gets even more money, more public exposure, and even more attractive. I love seeing other people get all frothy in the mouth over something so inconsequential as someone else's wealth, status, and appearance. I see it among some conservatives... but mostly I see it in liberals. You don't often see it in libertarians, though.

Maddie Lear in a comment thread on GirlHeadQuarters
In my opinion, she should get no better or worse treatment than anyone else. If the law says that after x times you drive on probation, then I think that she should be no exception. If she even had a crappy attitude, I still think it should be the same for everyone. I'm not defending her at all, just saying no matter who it is, punishment should be the same.