We’ve called Paris Hilton many things here at “Idol Chatter,” but I’m not certain anyone has dubbed her a role model. But that’s exactly how the hotel heiress sees herself, according to Reuters (via TMZ.com).
“I work very hard and I’ve built this empire on my own,” she recently told the news agency while judging a beauty pageant in Turkey. “I think this is an inspiration for a lot of girls out there.”

Putting aside the fact that she really doesn’t need to work to put food on the table, I would agree that Hilton has worked very hard to create an empire from nothing, perpetrating the Paris character on the public in such a way that she has gained some legitimacy as a businesswoman. Her perfume is a top-seller and she just released a shoe collection and hair extension line. Her self-promotion saavvy is second to none.
On the other hand, what kind of an inspiration is she really to young girls, having at least one sex tape under her belt and a short jail sentence? While scandal and jailtime seem to be de rigueur amongst young Hollywood right now, having a sex tape and a catch phrase–“That’s Hot!”–are not exactly things I would want my teen relatives to aspire to.
What are your thoughts on Paris Hitlon as role model–Hot or Not?