I read the article ‘Nation, Mirror Mirror On the Web’ I was intrigued to find out that Celebrity-ism has become another product of our commodity obsession of this world, where fame is no longer an attribute of success but an secret motive. A study conducted by Twenge and her colleagues showed that 12% of teenagers in 1950 agreed with the statement "I am an important person" whereas by the 1980s the percentage reached to 80. Twenge believed that this 'spike in narcissism is linked to an overall increase in individualism'. Many programs provide the opportunity for people to express themselves ‘You tube’. And big brother is a whole program dedicated to behavior of people.
Many people are now travelling that has broken up tradition, and changed people by telling them things like ‘your special’. People believe that if you’re not famous, you’re nobody. Branding, celebrity and the internet have created an image that celebrity lifestyle is the ideal life style and all the others are unworthy compared to them. The culture we endorse celebrities as idols and the internet gives the opportunity to normal people to notify and communicate in the world.
2 comments:
I totally agree that celebrity nowadays are recognised as 'brands'. Hence many people have this conception that you have to be famous to be a 'somebody'. The internet has become an avenue for these celebrity-wannabes in search of popularity and fame.
I guess narcissism will reflect on the person's behaviour in the future. If , as a kid, he/she already thinks that he/she is important, this kid may grow up becoming an arrogant and self-centred person. That would be such a pity..
The celebrity obsession is the natural progression of history. Way back when we used to be told that you could never move anywhere, that you were stuck being a slave or a serf or whatever.
Celebrities are the new kings, the new popes and anyone who says they wouldn't want to be one is a fucking liar.
In the early 20th century we were inundated with the philosophy of the American Dream, wether we lived in the USA or not. The idea that anyone can make it, become rich and famous was broadcast to the greater western culture as the highest aspiration possible. I think its an entirely valid one.
Oh sure, people say that celebrities are unfulfilled, that they're vain and vapid and stupid. Self centered and arrogant are also bandied about with such frequency, you'd think that bitching about celebrities where going out of style. But even the lowest tier, minor, Z-list celebrity's legacy will still outlive your ass.
There are millions of great fathers, regular home grown heroes, brilliant mothers or powerful career women, but I'd still rather be hearing about what Brad and Angelina had for breakfast than I would about all the regular peoples boring lives.
The rise of this new, all-pervasive narcissism that is consuming a generation of young people is justified, because really, you do have to be famous to be somebody worth knowing. Nothing you ever do will ever be fulfilling as knowing someone loves you so much that they stalk you where-ever you go.
The most beautiful sunset will never be as good as the most mediocre movie you starred in.
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