celebirities are PEOPLE like us...why does our society worship them so much?

Question

American society has seemed to hit rock bottom lately with our obsession for celebrities and their babies. THEY ARE JUST NORMAL PEOPLE....we would all look just as stunning with plastic surgery as common as haircuts, hair/makeup stylists, and the best clothes. Take away all that from them and you've got...well us. If you take away a robber's gun he's got nothing....it's that same concept.

The ones we should be worshiping are not the ones who get paid $250 million for being in a movie, rather we should look up to humanitarians, doctors, scientists, firemen, cops, teachers, loving parents.....the ones who were selfless enough to devote their lives to helping others and working hard.
So please, America, stop buying that Enquirer and obsessing over Britney's shaved head. I know it's unfair for me to generalize like this but a vast majority of this great country is tabloid- obsessed.

Any thoughts/beliefs on this subject?

Answer 1

There is an underlying psychological need for heroes, public figures and the like. The only difference is that instead of obsessing over heroic figures such as Hercules, King Arthur, Robin Hood, famous gunslingers, Daniel Boone, Columbus, etc. we've turned to movie stars. In the old days our heroic characters were related to us by books, or storytellers/sages at a campfire. Now the stories are told through the big screen.

Notice how very few actual film-makers get recognized, would you recognize David Fincher on the street? Do you even know what he looks like? The appeal with movie star celebrities is that they are the "heroes" of our modern legends (movies), they are suave, heroic, beautiful, and an idealistic image. They are the ones we see take risks, triumph over evil or fail miserably, they are the brave and courageous, the Joseph Campbell's Hero model in full glory. Even the musicians touch our emotions in a way that leaves a lasting impression, fulfills a need, and establishes them at a superior status.

As a species we need this, need to be engrossed in the heroism of others, and this is simply one venue we've adopted to fulfill that need. We really need high status, alpha class people to be heroes and role-models, to look up to, to follow and to mold ourselves after. In this current culture that happens to be the stars and celebrities.

Personally I think celebrity worship is wholly foolish and silly, but I can't deny that it's a natural thing and won't be going away any time soon.

Answer 2

People idolize stars because they have something missing in their own lives...
Why would anyone want to be 'like' the stars, most of them are on drugs, etc... not very good models.

Answer 3

because they are on TV and people watch TV