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Celebrities have never had so much influence as they have presently. They're idolised, and many are more respected than the government or the monarchy, although that's not saying much. As the name would suggest, they're 'celebrated people'. It's very strange how people can become famous now, with the likes of Britain's Got Talent and viral videos making people famous for very wrong reasons. You only have to look at the likes of the Numa Numa Guy (many YouTube views, appeared on South Park, cult reference) or Chico (one cheesy music video and he's living quite comfortably off it) to see this.
So, what is it that makes us inspired by a particular person or makes us hate them? What is it that even defines a celebrity? Personally, I don't consider a celebrity to just be someone that is celebrated by others. I think it's a question of scale, or of how well known you are, whether it be for good or bad reasons.
Some celebrities that annoy me are some of the obvious ones, like Justin Beiber (I bet you knew he was going to show up) or Cristiano Ronaldo. Justin Beiber spawns from humble beginnings, playing guitar on the street and uploading YouTube videos, to now releasing movies and songs worldwide. Sounds a nice guy right? Maybe it's the fact that this little gherkin has a lot of money despite being little more than an embryo, whilst there are people out there who have fought for their country, or worked their entire lives without earning anywhere near as much. He's also a warped child too far up his own back passage.
I respect the likes of Evgeni Malkin (ice hockey player) though, and he's done little more than train physically and mentally and play a game he loves. What is it that makes me love Evgeni Malkin more than the likes of Justin Beiber? Some celebrities spawn from humble beginnings, become famous and stay the way they are. Others get sucked into the celebrity world, particularly young celebrities. I don't think anyone can argue that becoming famous at a young age doesn't mentally affect you. I can't think of many famous young people who haven't become somewhat obscure in their later life or have grown up malnourished of a real child hood (Michael Jackson, Justin Beiber).
There are also those celebrities who have become sucked into the bad side of the celebrity life; drugs and alcohol. From Kurt Cobain to Jimi Hendrix to Heath Ledger, drugs and booze have claimed so many promising celebrities. I can't understand what it is that causes celebrities to become drug dependant. Whether it's a stress-related cause or just a fun thing for them, I guess everyone has their own reasons as to why they start on the path to destruction.
Celebrities also seem to become more famous after they die. The day Michael Jackson died was unreal. For around a week, all the crazy fans came out of the cracks. Watching the news on mute, you would have thought with the tears and the number of people and the coverage of it that the second coming had appeared. It's the same with everything, when you lose something, you fully appreciate it because it will never return. A celebrities highest point in life is arguably their death. That is probably the point when the most people will remember and respect that celebrity's life, which is quite a sad prospect really.
Some of my favourite celebrities include Evgeni Malkin (already mentioned), Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson (although oddly enough, I hated the Phantom Menace), Rhys Darby, Bill Bailey, Marc-Andre Fleury (another ice hockey player), Mike Myers and Chris Kamara.
Some of my most hated are/were Justin Beiber, Amy Winehouse, Jedward, Cristiano Ronaldo, Russell Kane, Russell Brand and Wayne Rooney.
So, I put the topic to you. What makes a celebrity? Is it good for a young person to become famous? Who are your favourite celebrities and who are your most hated? If you could choose to be famous, what would you choose to be famous for?
So, what is it that makes us inspired by a particular person or makes us hate them? What is it that even defines a celebrity? Personally, I don't consider a celebrity to just be someone that is celebrated by others. I think it's a question of scale, or of how well known you are, whether it be for good or bad reasons.
Some celebrities that annoy me are some of the obvious ones, like Justin Beiber (I bet you knew he was going to show up) or Cristiano Ronaldo. Justin Beiber spawns from humble beginnings, playing guitar on the street and uploading YouTube videos, to now releasing movies and songs worldwide. Sounds a nice guy right? Maybe it's the fact that this little gherkin has a lot of money despite being little more than an embryo, whilst there are people out there who have fought for their country, or worked their entire lives without earning anywhere near as much. He's also a warped child too far up his own back passage.
I respect the likes of Evgeni Malkin (ice hockey player) though, and he's done little more than train physically and mentally and play a game he loves. What is it that makes me love Evgeni Malkin more than the likes of Justin Beiber? Some celebrities spawn from humble beginnings, become famous and stay the way they are. Others get sucked into the celebrity world, particularly young celebrities. I don't think anyone can argue that becoming famous at a young age doesn't mentally affect you. I can't think of many famous young people who haven't become somewhat obscure in their later life or have grown up malnourished of a real child hood (Michael Jackson, Justin Beiber).
There are also those celebrities who have become sucked into the bad side of the celebrity life; drugs and alcohol. From Kurt Cobain to Jimi Hendrix to Heath Ledger, drugs and booze have claimed so many promising celebrities. I can't understand what it is that causes celebrities to become drug dependant. Whether it's a stress-related cause or just a fun thing for them, I guess everyone has their own reasons as to why they start on the path to destruction.
Celebrities also seem to become more famous after they die. The day Michael Jackson died was unreal. For around a week, all the crazy fans came out of the cracks. Watching the news on mute, you would have thought with the tears and the number of people and the coverage of it that the second coming had appeared. It's the same with everything, when you lose something, you fully appreciate it because it will never return. A celebrities highest point in life is arguably their death. That is probably the point when the most people will remember and respect that celebrity's life, which is quite a sad prospect really.
Some of my favourite celebrities include Evgeni Malkin (already mentioned), Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson (although oddly enough, I hated the Phantom Menace), Rhys Darby, Bill Bailey, Marc-Andre Fleury (another ice hockey player), Mike Myers and Chris Kamara.
Some of my most hated are/were Justin Beiber, Amy Winehouse, Jedward, Cristiano Ronaldo, Russell Kane, Russell Brand and Wayne Rooney.
So, I put the topic to you. What makes a celebrity? Is it good for a young person to become famous? Who are your favourite celebrities and who are your most hated? If you could choose to be famous, what would you choose to be famous for?
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chasfh wrote:
Well, that was blunt!:-)
That's Dr G for you ;¬) But you did ask :¬)
Well, that was blunt!:-)
That's Dr G for you ;¬) But you did ask :¬)
Dr. Garin wrote:
chasfh wrote:[i]
My question is...
Do people REALLY think that TOWIE is an accurate protrayal of Essex?!!
Yes[/i]
Well, that was blunt!:-)
chasfh wrote:[i]
My question is...
Do people REALLY think that TOWIE is an accurate protrayal of Essex?!!
Yes[/i]
Well, that was blunt!:-)
chasfh wrote:
My question is...
Do people REALLY think that TOWIE is an accurate protrayal of Essex?!!
Yes
My question is...
Do people REALLY think that TOWIE is an accurate protrayal of Essex?!!
Yes
chasfh wrote:
My question is...
Do people REALLY think that TOWIE is an accurate protrayal of Essex?!!
I LIVE IN ESSEX, and it doesn't really reflect in any way, shape or form, ANY aspect of my life, my friends, the place I live, the people I meet, the way I speak....
So... Where do the TV companies dig these wierdo's up from and why?
Couldn't have put it better myself.
Personally, apart from a few exceptions, I don't really have any idolism or obsession with entertainers or actors I see on the TV. Although I'm not taking anything away from any of them, they are generally good at what they do.
My question is...
Do people REALLY think that TOWIE is an accurate protrayal of Essex?!!
I LIVE IN ESSEX, and it doesn't really reflect in any way, shape or form, ANY aspect of my life, my friends, the place I live, the people I meet, the way I speak....
So... Where do the TV companies dig these wierdo's up from and why?
Couldn't have put it better myself.
Personally, apart from a few exceptions, I don't really have any idolism or obsession with entertainers or actors I see on the TV. Although I'm not taking anything away from any of them, they are generally good at what they do.
pete_21 wrote:
Everytime I seem to flick onto ITV 2 these days there seems to be another mind numbing program featuring someone from that godawful The Only Way Is Essex program. Think I'm going to de-tune that channel out of my TV if it continues (even if it means forsaking the legend that is Judge Judy). Don't really get why anyone would care what any of these absolute nobodies are doing TBH although I suppose some must otherwise these programs wouldn't get made? Don't wish these people any harm or anything I just never want to have to clap eyes on any of them ever again (same for Big Brother contestants etc. etc.). Or maybe we should just blame the brain donors who actually follow these people for this 'celebrity craze'?
As for Bieber I think he has a lot to answer for....
My question is...
Do people REALLY think that TOWIE is an accurate portrayal of Essex?!!
I LIVE IN ESSEX, and it doesn't really reflect in any way, shape or form, ANY aspect of my life, my friends, the place I live, the people I meet, the way I speak....
So... Where do the TV companies dig these wierdo's up from and why?
Everytime I seem to flick onto ITV 2 these days there seems to be another mind numbing program featuring someone from that godawful The Only Way Is Essex program. Think I'm going to de-tune that channel out of my TV if it continues (even if it means forsaking the legend that is Judge Judy). Don't really get why anyone would care what any of these absolute nobodies are doing TBH although I suppose some must otherwise these programs wouldn't get made? Don't wish these people any harm or anything I just never want to have to clap eyes on any of them ever again (same for Big Brother contestants etc. etc.). Or maybe we should just blame the brain donors who actually follow these people for this 'celebrity craze'?
As for Bieber I think he has a lot to answer for....
My question is...
Do people REALLY think that TOWIE is an accurate portrayal of Essex?!!
I LIVE IN ESSEX, and it doesn't really reflect in any way, shape or form, ANY aspect of my life, my friends, the place I live, the people I meet, the way I speak....
So... Where do the TV companies dig these wierdo's up from and why?
Everytime I seem to flick onto ITV 2 these days there seems to be another mind numbing program featuring someone from that godawful The Only Way Is Essex program. Think I'm going to de-tune that channel out of my TV if it continues (even if it means forsaking the legend that is Judge Judy). Don't really get why anyone would care what any of these absolute nobodies are doing TBH although I suppose some must otherwise these programs wouldn't get made? Don't wish these people any harm or anything I just never want to have to clap eyes on any of them ever again (same for Big Brother contestants etc. etc.). Or maybe we should just blame the brain donors who actually follow these people for this 'celebrity craze'?
As for Bieber I think he has a lot to answer for....
As for Bieber I think he has a lot to answer for....
Sonic Chris wrote:
Well I don't like any of Justin Beiber's music, so therefore the money he earns is unjustified from my perspective. Beiber's also turned into a right diva. Only recently, I saw a video of him having a tantrum at a photographer.
I really think Ronaldo's been off his game for a while now. He's certainly one of the best around, but when you're talking about the best players in the world, I've got the likes of Messi and Iniesta above him without question. Plus Ronaldo despite having technical ability, is still an absolute fairy on the field. I place him in the same type of footballer as Balotelli.
So no, it's not their personal lives, if I don't like what they contribute to society (i.e. what they're famous for), I'll tend not to like the person. They're still celebrities because of this, that doesn't come into question.
At the end of the day, both of these people are paid by companies that justify their worth, the companies are well versed in calculating the importance and cost of what these people do.
In Beiber's case, it doesn't matter one bit if you don't like the music, millions of records are sold and tickets for concerts sell like hot cakes, so his label can pay him based on this. This is the justification.
Well I don't like any of Justin Beiber's music, so therefore the money he earns is unjustified from my perspective. Beiber's also turned into a right diva. Only recently, I saw a video of him having a tantrum at a photographer.
I really think Ronaldo's been off his game for a while now. He's certainly one of the best around, but when you're talking about the best players in the world, I've got the likes of Messi and Iniesta above him without question. Plus Ronaldo despite having technical ability, is still an absolute fairy on the field. I place him in the same type of footballer as Balotelli.
So no, it's not their personal lives, if I don't like what they contribute to society (i.e. what they're famous for), I'll tend not to like the person. They're still celebrities because of this, that doesn't come into question.
At the end of the day, both of these people are paid by companies that justify their worth, the companies are well versed in calculating the importance and cost of what these people do.
In Beiber's case, it doesn't matter one bit if you don't like the music, millions of records are sold and tickets for concerts sell like hot cakes, so his label can pay him based on this. This is the justification.
Sonic Chris wrote:
What makes a celebrity?
Key is in the word, celebrity or a celebrated personality. For that reason I'd actually argue a lot of famous people aren't because they're not celebrated, they're held up as pariahs and jokes.
Genuine celebrity is Talent + Not being a dick
Is it good for a young person to become famous?
Absolutely not, it's a terrible enviroment for a child. Part of the reason we have child employment laws is to protect children from demands being made of them, stress, exploitation and criticism.
Who are your favourite celebrities
I'm not sure there is anyone under the modern idea of celebrity that I'm that fond of. Plenty of people whose talent I appreciate but in terms of personality I like private, intelligent, normal people. Someone like Kate Bush.
Who are your most hated?
Well that would be he opposite. Egotistical, fame hungry, dumb, childish, never know when to shut up people. Ronaldo basically.
Oh and I despise Simon Cowell, anyone expoits others by contributing nothing of value themselves, anyone who cynically exploits children or knowingly creates something that appeals to the lowest common denominator or anti-culture.
If you could choose to be famous, what would you choose to be famous for?
An idea or philosophy, something that benefits humanity. Ideas transcend time and technology and it's no surprise that the people I tend to respect are thinkers like Camus, Nietzsche, Buddha, Proust and (for different reasons) Anais Nin.
What makes a celebrity?
Key is in the word, celebrity or a celebrated personality. For that reason I'd actually argue a lot of famous people aren't because they're not celebrated, they're held up as pariahs and jokes.
Genuine celebrity is Talent + Not being a dick
Is it good for a young person to become famous?
Absolutely not, it's a terrible enviroment for a child. Part of the reason we have child employment laws is to protect children from demands being made of them, stress, exploitation and criticism.
Who are your favourite celebrities
I'm not sure there is anyone under the modern idea of celebrity that I'm that fond of. Plenty of people whose talent I appreciate but in terms of personality I like private, intelligent, normal people. Someone like Kate Bush.
Who are your most hated?
Well that would be he opposite. Egotistical, fame hungry, dumb, childish, never know when to shut up people. Ronaldo basically.
Oh and I despise Simon Cowell, anyone expoits others by contributing nothing of value themselves, anyone who cynically exploits children or knowingly creates something that appeals to the lowest common denominator or anti-culture.
If you could choose to be famous, what would you choose to be famous for?
An idea or philosophy, something that benefits humanity. Ideas transcend time and technology and it's no surprise that the people I tend to respect are thinkers like Camus, Nietzsche, Buddha, Proust and (for different reasons) Anais Nin.
Well I don't like any of Justin Beiber's music, so therefore the money he earns is unjustified from my perspective. Beiber's also turned into a right diva. Only recently, I saw a video of him having a tantrum at a photographer.
I really think Ronaldo's been off his game for a while now. He's certainly one of the best around, but when you're talking about the best players in the world, I've got the likes of Messi and Iniesta above him without question. Plus Ronaldo despite having technical ability, is still an absolute fairy on the field. I place him in the same type of footballer as Balotelli.
So no, it's not their personal lives, if I don't like what they contribute to society (i.e. what they're famous for), I'll tend not to like the person. They're still celebrities because of this, that doesn't come into question.
I really think Ronaldo's been off his game for a while now. He's certainly one of the best around, but when you're talking about the best players in the world, I've got the likes of Messi and Iniesta above him without question. Plus Ronaldo despite having technical ability, is still an absolute fairy on the field. I place him in the same type of footballer as Balotelli.
So no, it's not their personal lives, if I don't like what they contribute to society (i.e. what they're famous for), I'll tend not to like the person. They're still celebrities because of this, that doesn't come into question.
Criistiano Ronaldo is arguably the second greatest footballing talent in the world right now, Rooney is the best english striker. Justin Bieber sells millions of records so I don't see how his fame or money isn't justified either. They're all there off their own merits. Sure, Bieber didn't fight in Iraq or something but at the end of the day, he's paid privately so his income is irrelevant.
It seems like you dislike a lot of these celebrities because of their questionable private lives rather than the reasons for their fame. If that's the case then take issue with the paparazzi and red top newspapers for cramming who they're screwing and what drugs they're doing down our throats 24/7.
It seems like you dislike a lot of these celebrities because of their questionable private lives rather than the reasons for their fame. If that's the case then take issue with the paparazzi and red top newspapers for cramming who they're screwing and what drugs they're doing down our throats 24/7.
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