Why Lindsay Lohan Should Suck It Up And Do Her Time

Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Go directly to jail.

There once was a time where Lindsay Lohan could have won a game of Hollywood monopoly: she was the hottest young actress, her music career was launching, and she modeled for major fashion labels like Miu Miu and Jill Stuart. If she’d played her cards right, she would have been the new millennium’s IT girl. In a public downward spiral between family and personal issues, LiLo’s career went from professionally promising to pure pathetic. She’s the grand example of someone who was destroyed by fame thanks to all the nonstop partying and nights of alcohol. Sometimes, it’s hard to believe the girl is a mere 24 years old, and today, she’s off to jail.

Though it seems like she had it all, the one thing Lindsay might actually need the most is nothing. That is exactly what she’ll be getting in jail as she checks in July 20: a seclusion from the chaotic world of fame and all the alcohol and wild lifestyles that come with it … not to mention some separation from any influential contacts with either of her crazy parents. What LiLo really needs is to stand on her own two feet in a righteous state of mind that does not involve anyone else barking at her or swaying her feelings, whether it be family members or love interests. Jail is the one place where she will experience a feeling of true fear for her actions and perhaps a little independence.

When you think about it, has she ever received true consequences for her reckless lifestyle? Sure, perhaps her penalty is more harsh than most people would receive if they were on trial for the same offense, but given Lohan’s notorious reputation, the best thing for her now is to disappear for a while. Look what prison time did for Paris Hilton: though the heiress still maintains a wild side, at least she’s no longer running in with the cops … well, nothing serious anyways (the French and South African detains proved to be a misunderstanding.) Entering rehab can help, but most celebrity facilities seem to just fluff it up with special treatments anyhow; the severity of prison shows little judgement. Besides, finally taking responsibilities for her actions would be the one role-model thing she can do for her younger sister Aliana before the teen follows her bad footsteps.

Maybe jail will also allow Lindsay time for some self-understanding. The time spent away from society might help her realize what she’s done to herself and who she can still become. Up until today, she’s partied like a late-20’s rock star but painted her nails for court like a whiny high school brat. She’s supposedly attempted to land acting roles but is also trying to be a fashion mogul with a line of (hideous) leggings. I can only hope Lohan’s acceptance of prison time can reprioritize her life so that she can come out a focused starlet we missed from the mid-2000; a girl who knew what she wanted and had professional goals set for herself. I truly don’t think it’s too late.