Every generation has its pop culture icons. The '50s had Elvis, the '60s had the Beatles, and so forth. Love her or hate her, it is easy to identify Britney Spears as one of the most notable icons for the first decade of the 21st century.

And that is exactly what Penn Staters do — love her or hate her.

The range of opinions on Britney vary as much as her exotic wardrobe. But when you're dealing with someone as extreme as Spears, extreme opinions seem only fitting.

"She represents all the things wrong with society today and specifically its stereotypes regarding women," said Molly Gastinger (freshman–classics and ancient Mediterranean studies). "She is nothing more than a talentless harlot who utilizes her physical appearance to forward her career."

Spears has been accused in the past of being a little too provocative. Whether it be her revealing outfits or suggestive dance moves, these aspects of her image appear to only get more extreme with time.

Some feel, however, that the costume changes are more than just to get greater attention.

"Many people think that Britney has changed her cutesy image into a mild pornographic image. I believe that she is the same person as when she first started out," said Leandro Da Silva (junior-crime, law and justice). "Everyone who thinks Britney is a whore has something wrong with them. They are either jealous of her body and looks or jealous of her talent. I love Britney and I know she'll always be an idol."

Others view her as merely a fabrication and product of a commercialistic industry.

"I hate how every guy is obsessed with her and her mediocre looks," said Michael Przybocki (sophomore–business).

"She has the worst singing voice, her music is horrible, and she doesn't even really sing at her concerts. She is a perfect example of an industry-created product that has nothing to do with the art."

However, some students aren't bothered by the idea of her lack of authenticity.

"She is a product, just manufactured and put on a shelf, but who cares what negatives you can say about her because you know you like the music," said Michael Aiello (freshman–civil engineering).

Manufactured or not, a greater concern for some students is her image as a role model for today's young girls.

"I was really annoyed when one day my six-year-old niece pulled down her jeans to show her belly button and started sing 'Oops I Did It Again,' " said Debra Saylor (sophomore–journalism). "I don't think it's a great thing that little kids idolize someone who exposes so much of her body and is as sexually suggestive as she can get away with."

When it comes to the older audience, however, some say being too sexy isn't necessarily a bad thing.

"She is my idol. Who wouldn't love her? I mean look at what she has accomplished. I would love the chance to be that successful and have millions of men want me," said Amanda Morris (freshman– chemistry).

Whether it's for looks or for music, there is no denying that Britney Spears has proven to have a staying appeal in music — at least for now.

Chris Randa (freshman-film and video) thinks the reason for this might be summed up in a thought far more simple than even Britney's recent outfits.

"Music-wise there's nothing there — but she's hot," Randa said.