Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Question

I think it's perfectly normal for a young kid to think they can grow up to be famous. But most of the kids who post questions here want to be famous now. IMO that's another matter altogether. That's seems a bit sick to me. Especially when a kid gets lots of answers explaining why it's not realistic and then asks the same question over and over. The first time it can be chalked up to naivette. After that there's no excuse. Dumb adults invariably started out as dumb kids. I know plenty of adults who try and fail time and time again to get rich.
It never occurs to them they don't have what it takes and they never will. They live in a state of perpetual disappointment. It's
normal and healthy to fantasize. And lots of the kids who post here will get over the idea fast. But I think there are plenty of kids on here who are flat out delusional and will grow up to be the same way. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

ok well 1st i understand that you are directing the question to me who always asks so what if you think im dumb and ill never be what i want to i dont care because its my life and i know i have what it takes !


that sir is my thought towards your question

Answer 2

It's completely childish. If the children were all under 10, it would be excusable. But most of the kids asking the question are over thirteen, and some are in high school. They're showing unbelievable immaturity and ignorance of the world.

They think schools exist to provide students with good grades, businesses exist to provide careers for their employees, and Disney exists to make stars out of kids. So in their uninformed minds, it's perfectly reasonable to assume Disney would be holding open auditions every week in all major cities, and getting their very own show would be just a matter of showing up, acting cute and desperate, and explaining how really really really really really important it is for them to be famous and make a lot of money and meet Zac Efron. After all, Disney will not only hire them, but magically train them in a matter of minutes to be professional actors, singers, and dancers. And give them a makeover and a cool wardrobe!

And it has to happen NOW RIGHT NOW because if they have to actually start at square one, they'll be too old to be on Disney by the time they actually know how to do anything.

I swear, if I ever voluntarily turn on the Disney channel, it will be to check the broadcast for subliminals! Some of these kids appear to be in a programmed frenzy. Their intensity is out of proportion and over-the-top. If Disney is smart, they will never ever ever hold another open audition. These kids would literally riot and tear each other to pieces.

Answer 3

Honestly I don't know that they'll get the idea fast :-) I think in most cases they'll take the advice of the first person who tells them "Hey kid, here's the fastest way to get on Disney Channel" and in the end that person will have ripped them off and dashed their dreams. Either that or they'll take the good advice from those of us who know better, take one class or get into one theatre production, see how much work it actually is and forget about it. Or third option which is what you mentioned. They basically stomp their foot, get pissed off and post their question again and again because no one told them what they wanted to hear instantaneously! Most kids these days are not into work. They want instant gratification, they want everything handed to them. Those are your delusional ones and even then, they're not yest hopeless which is why I don't dash their hopes just yet. I try to make it more realistic by telling them that it's work and what they really have to do to make it happen. Then they either snap out of it and realise what it takes and thank me or they stick their tongue out and pick the John Robert Powers wannabe answer.

I really am happy to see the occasional asker who seems to pose a well thought out, truly empassioned question and you can tell that they really want this and will in fact do what they have to do to get there. They'll leave no stone unturned and THAT'S the feeling I remember having. The passion to act, not to be famous.

My two cents :-)

Regards,
Marianne

Answer 4

My youngest had the dreams. And someone beat her out of a role in community theater. She cried and cried, and then took the part in the chorus that she was offered. Hurt her feelings, but was most likely the best thing that could have happened to her. Now, at least, she has an idea that she needs to give out more than she ever did before, to be a success.

Professional theater is even more demanding than community theater is, of course. Hopefully, the child will persue her other dreams. Doctor, or Vet, and Mom.

Not easy to go into show business, or to be a model, or whatever. It looks easy, and looks like fun. When they watch Hannah or the Sprouse twins, it looks like something they could totally do. They have no concept of how many connections are needed, and how hard it is to get that magic break.

Answer 5

Would you rather they pursue a childish possibility at 13 or wait until they have a mid-life crisis some time later? I'm constantly wishing good luck to friends who embark on an acting career in Hollywood, who invariably return a few months later after they realize they have more acting opportunities in their home town.

I've advised many young potential actors that the odds of becoming a "Harrison Ford" aren't very realistic, but even Harrison Ford knew that. He developed carpentry skills first in case the acting career didn't take off, but pursued his dream. I also advise them to start in community theater, and build skills and contacts, versus finding an agent in the local phonebook.

Most people don't "have what it takes" to do anything that their adult selves will be doing, but they can acquire what it takes with time, and some degree of outright luck, if they persist.

Answer 6

We live in a society that does not allow us to tell our children no. Where we do not keep score and it is OK to say 2+2=5. Of course some kids are going to end up delusional or psychotic. If a kid shows some aptitude at something, then they should be encouraged, but not pushed into something. I wish the kids would see Paris, Lindsay and the rest of the BRAT Pack and realize that these kids are messed up to and because of the aforementioned reasons.

Answer 7

Honestly, what frightens me is the fact that there are unscrupulous persons that show up and claim to be casting agents or know someone "in the business" and offers to set up auditions in exchange for pictures and personal information.

And yes, it is annoying (to say the least) that kids show up and refuse to listen to reason. I've been there once. When I was younger, I literally begged and pleaded for my mother to let me attend an open audition for "Annie." She refused, and though I was convinced at the time that she ruined my life, now I realize that she helped me immensely by keeping me out of the business until I was older and wiser.

Answer 8

people never see the drive and ambition it takes to make it. TV has been flooded by these day by day superstars thanks to the media and reality tv shows and everyone wants something for nothing. No one wants to know failure.