Why do we idolise famous people when they do little to improve the lives of others?

Question

People like film stars, footballers and TV personalities, when was the last time a doctor or scientist was asked for an autograph?

Answer 1

Hi

People idolise famous people because they want to be like them. They want to see themselves at the places where these famous people have reached!

Now, it doesn't matter whether these famous personalities have done anything to improve the other people's life or not, but the truth is that these famous personalities have done at least something that has made them famous. They have improved their lives by doing something for themselves, at least.
(And many of us don't do enough to improve our lives!)

We also have famous Doctors and Scientists, who are famous in their fields and young doctors and scientists aspire to become one of them!
If they are not so popular in general then it may be because they (and this field) is not so glamorous and they don't get much of the media attention!

I hope you'll agree!

Answer 2

I really think that your question has some flaws. If you had cut it off right after the word "people" it would have been a bit more viable. Your question makes the assumption that famous people in general do little to improve the lives of others. I have to disagree with this assumption.

Of course, you have to determine what is meant by "improve," but I will just use the idea that to improve someone's life is to make a favorable impression on them. With this in mind, I consider the person who enjoys watching football on Sunday. Perhaps that is the one thing that makes that person's week seem bearable. Famous people are playing that sport and providing that person this moment.

Even a famous person who "merely" gives money to a charitable cause is working toward improving the lives of others.

So really, in the grand scheme of things, I think famous people in general do things to improve the lives of others just as do scientists and doctors. They just do it in a different way. :)

Maybe that is why they are idolized. :) (I doubt it, though.)

Answer 3

I see most famous and influential people as just people who happen to be in the right place at the right time. Someone else would have been in the same role in another possible world. It's just, on the whole, the way social or other forces working through individuals, who when it comes down to it are pretty random.

I've never had heroes and don't understand why anyone would.

Answer 4

It depends what you mean by "famous". If you just mean what is called a " celebrity " then I couldn't care less but some people are justly famous for a real achievement. They deserve some recognition. The old lady who cares for her husband with Alzheimer's should be more idolised than all the " celebrities" and she never says " get me out of here"

Answer 5

I have often wondered this very same question myself. I wish I could come up with a viable answer, one that would make some sort of sense. But, of course, the only reason is that many people are sheep. Sadly, perchance because of the the lack of substantial education, and the lack of literature, people sympathize with total strangers on television, and etcetera.

Answer 6

We?

An autograph from a doctor or scientist ? Let us dissect that thought for a second.

Second is gone, and no one cared.
On the other hand, an autograph from even the most pathetic celebrity will elicit a curious look, an interested "lemme see" response.

Why? It is our human nature to prefer to be entertained.

Answer 7

I agree with Katy D. Would just like to add that some people revel in the success of others ie. footballers and make it their own success without getting off the couch. How lazy is that?

Answer 8

You're very wrong I have a friend who is in a famous band he is the most kind person I could know I get free vip tickets to gigs have met loads of famous people and he and his band members regularly go to hospital beds of sick and dying children he also gives to charities.So how can you say this.

Answer 9

I don't think people do idolise famous people. I think they like to watch famous people and yearn for their lifestyle/looks/money/whatever, and often have a good b!tch about them too, but I don't think they are idolised.

Answer 10

Those who idolize actors and athletes don't have a fulfilling life of their own. They live vicariously through a beautiful girl or an elite athlete. It is sad.