Citing a recent "University of Somewhere, I forget where exactly" study concerning the effects of pop culture on violence in children, Britney Spears has decided to drop her weapon related last name and take the last name of her current husband, Kevin Federline.

Critics contend that this is just one more publicity stunt by the pop diva, who has taken to shocking the public with her erratic personal and professional decisions as an easy way to stay in the public eye with little effort. They cite a recent ABC/Gallup poll that indicates that the general public is capable of naming more of Spears' sexual partners than her song titles. They also note that she has made other moves that are typical when a career is in "wind down" mode. Spears opened a restaurant in 2002 and recently split with her manager of ten years.

Others think it is a move to get out of the spotlight. "Considering the fact that she's ditching her very famous last name I think we can see that she is trying to slip away from fame," says media analyst, Lynn Jenkins. "I think maybe she wants to retire and enjoy the life of a regular billionaire."

Can that be done by having a press conference to announce your new last name to the public whom you are trying to escape?

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"No, probably not," says Jenkins.

Some supporters claim that it is the perfect time for Spears to move out of the limelight and enjoy her success. "I think she deserves to stop if she wants to, she doesn't have anything to prove anymore," says Spears fan Kristi Smith, 16. "And I think realistically her eyes have grown too far apart to continue to be a sex symbol for much longer, so she should go out on top instead of struggling to stay hot," notes the suddenly catty Smith.

Spears has released a written response to these claims which states in part, "Despite creating a billion dollar image with my old name, I am willing to throw it all away if it means that one less child would ever take a spear to school.”