I think the American public has always had some fascination with celebrities….even during the “radio days” when listeners wondered who the people were behind the voices of programs like Dragnet, Gunsmoke and the Green Hornet (yes, they were ALL radio shows before they made it to the next “new” medium that was television.)

But with television, viewers could see the actors – generally very handsome men with full heads of hair or women wearing the most fitted suits paired with their peep toe heels.  They were beautiful – particularly to the working poor who could only hope to have their looks and the lifestyle they saw on their flickering black and white televisions.

Of course, the big screen also had a hold on Americans going back to the days of “King Kong”, “The Wizard of Oz” and “Gone with the Wind”. Larger than life, these films with their stars helped America through tough times.

But here we are in the ninth year of the 21^st century when we are supposed to be smarter, more sophisticated and very connected.  So why is there this obsession with celebrities and their every move?  And why do we feel compelled to not just wear the likeness of “stars” from stage, TV and film on a T-shirt, but to also have a daily NEED to know about their personal lives, their children, their fashion choices, their politics and their favorite night clubs? Shouldn’t we be more concerned with our own lives, our kids, and our freedom, to say nothing of our spiraling economy?

With newspapers quickly going the way of the Pontiac line at GM, most people – starting from the “tween” age group -- fire up their laptops and PDAs each day and check out the news and weather.  But more interestingly, they click away and browse their way to Perez Hilton, TMZ, Page Six, eOnline and others like them. 

There is interest not just in actors, actresses, singers, rock bands, dancers, athletes and comedians, but also in people who are famous just for being well, famous.  No one illustrates this better than Paris Hilton.  While she had the famous “Hilton” family name synonymous with the hotel chain, SHE made “Paris Hilton” infamous by starring in an “amateur” sex tape.  Anyone who thinks it got out to the public accidentally is kidding him/herself.

One has to ask the question why does she have at least a half dozen perfumes named for her?  Why does she have a line of shoes? Why is she paid to walk the red carpet anywhere?  Although well traveled, Paris is simply a trust fund kid with a GED.  Yet, we are obsessed with knowing her every move.  WHY?

Now make no mistake, I know the value of celebrities.  My first job was as an ABC TV Page and the second as an intern for “20/20”. Following that, I worked for the ABC TV Network and the Owned TV Station Division.  Without good ratings from our programming that had some of the best new and seasoned stars in those shows, we couldn’t sell ad time for premium prices without them.  They helped us all make a good living.

I also completely recognize the value of celebrity spokespersons for companies and their brands.  Contradictory?  I think not. As a matter of fact, having a celebrity speak on behalf of your organization means you recognize that our society equates that “celebrity-mania” is running rampant.  If a star is “fronting” for your company and people are fans of said star, then it is likely their behavior will have them buying your product or service.

But probably the most pathetic situations are where Joe Q. and Jill Public feel the need to actually socialize with certain, out of their prime, “time has passed” celebrities.  They eat, drink and party with them.  Some will even work for them making little money just to be close and associated with a celeb.  Some individuals have the need to name drop, go to the hip parties and get their pictures taken to just feel special.  There is a need to be somehow, some way connected with ANY celebrity:  “My cousin is”...or “I knew a guy who knew”….or “I went to high school with the sister of”…Who cares?  Have we declined so terribly that we now seek vicarious credibility and validity because of celebrities? 

Meanwhile, there are a healthy percentage of these D listers who thrive on the attention while treating their fans (Remember, “fan” is short for “fanatic”) like dog poop.  The “has beens” do it for the free meals, the fleeting moment of attention like they had in yesteryear, cheap alcohol and the obtuse connection to the current generation’s young and hip celebrities in some sick cycle of self-perpetuation.  Embarrassing for the former celebrity and the hangers on who just want to be close to fame.  Why isn’t it good just to be YOU?

Maybe it’s something simple like a predictable outcome from disconnecting with reality through the portals of technology to a virtual world where we know more about celebrities than we do about those we term “friends”, “neighbors” or “coworkers”.   I can’t help but cite another example of celebrity hypocrisy:  Somehow the very “stars” who preach about the dying children on the planet think it’s ok to engage in surrogate parenting. Total contradiction.

This article is NOT meant for entertainment industry workers, managers and executives but for those who desperately feel the NEED to get close to a celebrity.  I know you probably won’t recognize yourself, but if you do, take a look in the mirror and realize they are worthy human beings without having to be like sheep and foolishly follow, attach and engage in “entertainer intercourse”.  

Mary Ann McQueen Butcher

www.RedCarpetMarketing.com

info@LVRedCarpet.com

Don’t Be the Best Kept Secret!

The above article is the opinion of the author and not necessarily the opinion of Vegas Community Online, its editors/publishers, and/or other Vegas Community Online columnists. VCO respects the right of each author to express their opinion. If you have an opposing viewpoint or would like to send feedback on any article, please send email to feedback@vegascommunityonline.com; state the title of the article and your comments. VCO reserves the right to add any submissions to its feedback page.