Celebrity Phenomenon
INTRODUCTION
This research essay focuses on the topic of the celebrity phenomenon. Celebrities impact everyone’s lives, whether through influence, role model or just because their faces are seen on television, magazines, billboards and so on. There are a few things in life that occur through sheer coincidence, particularly on such a massive scale. The issue however, is whether or not the celebrity phenomenon has any value to society.
I take the view, and use supporting evidence, that the celebrity phenomenon is nothing more than a creation for the benefit of few at the expense of many. When stripped to the core, a celebrity is a person just like you and me, except that through avenues to fame and public view has earned the title celebrity. As a result celebrity worship makes as much sense as that of worshipping the next-door neighbor or staff attendant at the local store. It may be true that a celebrity has more influence than that of the comparison, however, this influence on society and certain members of the public is not warranted.
DEFINITION OF CELEBRITY
To gain a better understanding of the issue it is crucial to first define the term “celebrity”. By doing so allows for a broader perspective on the issued to be gained. “Any definition of the term "celebrity" is not definitive and is necessarily vague” (Rich: 2000). Frequently a celebrity is defined as a "famous or well-known person". A celebrity can be defined as someone who would be recognised by a lot of people. Celebrities are people who enjoy public recognition by a large share of a certain group of people. Whereas attributes like attractiveness, extraordinary lifestyle or special skills are just examples and specific common characteristics cannot be observed, it can be said that within a corresponding social group celebrities generally differ from the social norm and enjoy a high degree of public awareness.
EVOLVEMENT OF THE CELEBRITY
Public fascination with celebrities has a long history,
This research essay focuses on the topic of the celebrity phenomenon. Celebrities impact everyone’s lives, whether through influence, role model or just because their faces are seen on television, magazines, billboards and so on. There are a few things in life that occur through sheer coincidence, particularly on such a massive scale. The issue however, is whether or not the celebrity phenomenon has any value to society.
I take the view, and use supporting evidence, that the celebrity phenomenon is nothing more than a creation for the benefit of few at the expense of many. When stripped to the core, a celebrity is a person just like you and me, except that through avenues to fame and public view has earned the title celebrity. As a result celebrity worship makes as much sense as that of worshipping the next-door neighbor or staff attendant at the local store. It may be true that a celebrity has more influence than that of the comparison, however, this influence on society and certain members of the public is not warranted.
DEFINITION OF CELEBRITY
To gain a better understanding of the issue it is crucial to first define the term “celebrity”. By doing so allows for a broader perspective on the issued to be gained. “Any definition of the term "celebrity" is not definitive and is necessarily vague” (Rich: 2000). Frequently a celebrity is defined as a "famous or well-known person". A celebrity can be defined as someone who would be recognised by a lot of people. Celebrities are people who enjoy public recognition by a large share of a certain group of people. Whereas attributes like attractiveness, extraordinary lifestyle or special skills are just examples and specific common characteristics cannot be observed, it can be said that within a corresponding social group celebrities generally differ from the social norm and enjoy a high degree of public awareness.
EVOLVEMENT OF THE CELEBRITY
Public fascination with celebrities has a long history,
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