T
treehugger973
Guest
I write rants. If you have the patience to read, let me know what you think!
Generation Fame
a rant on social media
When I look around today, I find that I am surrounded by media, celebrities, and the obsession with stardom. Even being someone who seems impermeable by gossip columns and trashy tabloids, it becomes hard to duck from something that is invading my life without invitation. Let's face it, there's no way I can avoid social media entirely in my daily life, and unless I find cave environments cozy, I have no choice but to allow myself to be exposed to the occasional Hollywood rumor that is in no way whatsoever applicable to my life.
This, though, I can live with. I have no problem with the exploitation of Paris Hilton's life, because I am aware of its senselessness. I, personally, will not succumb to the tabloid covers that tease, "Baby Scandal- Who's the Daddy?" (I apologize if that is not actually a realistic example.) I have lived life since day one as the non-conformist, anti-consumerism, counter-society, zany girl who opposes things that don't need to be opposed.
What I do have a problem with, however, is the fact that standards have evolved so that Paris Hilton, et. al., is a key part of an individual's lifestyle. In our generation, it is acceptable, normal, and even expected that an individual is updated on the newest celebrity gossip.
What I have a problem with is the fact that the magazine "US Weekly" consists of (quote) "Hot Celebrity News, Photos, and Video". Flip to page one. Latest news title reads, "Michelle McGee: Sex with Jesse James 'Was Average'" Is this the headline we wish to embody America? Is this what America is about?
Although I tend to be slightly unpatriotic (only in the sense that I am quick to criticize America) I am still not willing to allow such a great country to be labeled by these degrading stereotypes. And while America is home to some of the greatest thinkers, leaders, and artists of all time-- I bet most Americans (myself included) can't name them.
Tell me this does not trouble you: An eight year old could name Britney Spears and Zac Efron, and probably all the people they've dated as well. An adult could not tell you who Stephen Hawkings is, or what the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act actually entails. Do you?
It is in no way reprehensible that one respects and admires a figure of great talent. And perhaps this once applied to the celebrities of a different time period. But in this age, which is, unfortunately, the only age I've ever had opportunity of knowing, 'skill' and 'fame' have little to no correlation. Can you look me in the eye and tell me that every 16-year-old-squealing-girl in the spotlight is worthy of the recognition they receive?
Yes, I sound cruel. But I do not strip these youth of their glory, in part because I have no such divine power, but also because no one should be kept form their dreams. They are fortunate to have gotten to where they have, and I won't question whether it is deserved.
The huge problem is when the media shows our nation's youth Miley Cyrus, and is told, "This is your role model." Before you defend the media, in that they do not directly label celebrities as role models, allow me to explain how the conclusion is quickly reached.
A 6 year old is left at home with a babysitter and reruns of Hannah Montana. They'll recognize that Hannah has nice clothes, nice hair, nice friends. They'll start to notice that she's popular, she's funny, she's liked. When the child goes to school, chances are that a couple other kids also have seen Hannah on TV. They might realize their point of common interest, and talk about her, maybe wear the same Hannah brand clothing. As they watch more Hannah Montana, they can talk to more people about it, and in turn, they make more friends.
By the time the girl is even 7, she'll probably have outgrown the show. She'll already think that Hannah Montana is stupid, and such a baby show. And even though the stupidity of Hannah, the most loved topic of the previous year, will now be a conversation topic, the toxins have already been ingested. The mental patterns have already been constructed. The child already has the subconscious belief that the more they're involved in a popular topic, like a TV show, the more people they'll be befriending the next day.
Hell, I'm guilty of all the typical mentalities of the American kid. I watch "Community" with my best friend, as 'our show'. I tell you that it's out of genuine appreciation for the show's amazing humor. And while I'll always truly love the show, maybe it's also true that I like having something to talk about with my friends.
And just like the 7 year olds who made fun of Hannah Montana, I've cracked quite the number of Justin Beiber jokes. Despite the attempts to undermine the topic of fame, it's all the same in the end. Whether you're a Justin Beiber lover, hater, or I-refuse-to-lower-myself-to-care-- we're all just fanning the flame of fame. (Did you get my fan pun? Clever, eh?) No matter our stance on a celebrity, love 'em or hate 'em, participation in the debate itself shows awareness, and vulnerability to influence, by social media. The other option? To remain oblivious? Not only is that frowned upon by society, but is now impossible!
The problem grows as we get older. Even as an individualistic teen, or non-conformist and as a young adult, the structures have been implanted at a young age. Surrounded by social media, it is impossible to escape the reach of celebrity gossip and fame's enticing calls. Of course, they'll see TV shows, movies, and learn to name their favorite actors and actresses. They'l
They'll perk up an ear when they hear familiar names alongside "marriage", "date", and "break-up". Sooner or later they will be spending more time than they realize concerning themselves with someone else's life.
Why does this matter? What's the big deal? The big deal is: The reverence of a talented person turns into the desire to know about their lives, simply because the information is available and exploited! While most Americans can tell you about all the achievements of another (which, in the case of many Hollywood stars, are not very grand-scale achievements), what are they achieving themselves?
How much does one gain from all this social media? Does it educate us? No. Does it help us better ourselves in any way? No. Rather, it influences us from a very young age, without our consent. The media gives us a distorted image of "right" and "wrong", "good" vs. "bad". All those young celebrities that were absorbed into the spotlight at a vulnerable stage in life, made such horrible
can't fit rest
Generation Fame
a rant on social media
When I look around today, I find that I am surrounded by media, celebrities, and the obsession with stardom. Even being someone who seems impermeable by gossip columns and trashy tabloids, it becomes hard to duck from something that is invading my life without invitation. Let's face it, there's no way I can avoid social media entirely in my daily life, and unless I find cave environments cozy, I have no choice but to allow myself to be exposed to the occasional Hollywood rumor that is in no way whatsoever applicable to my life.
This, though, I can live with. I have no problem with the exploitation of Paris Hilton's life, because I am aware of its senselessness. I, personally, will not succumb to the tabloid covers that tease, "Baby Scandal- Who's the Daddy?" (I apologize if that is not actually a realistic example.) I have lived life since day one as the non-conformist, anti-consumerism, counter-society, zany girl who opposes things that don't need to be opposed.
What I do have a problem with, however, is the fact that standards have evolved so that Paris Hilton, et. al., is a key part of an individual's lifestyle. In our generation, it is acceptable, normal, and even expected that an individual is updated on the newest celebrity gossip.
What I have a problem with is the fact that the magazine "US Weekly" consists of (quote) "Hot Celebrity News, Photos, and Video". Flip to page one. Latest news title reads, "Michelle McGee: Sex with Jesse James 'Was Average'" Is this the headline we wish to embody America? Is this what America is about?
Although I tend to be slightly unpatriotic (only in the sense that I am quick to criticize America) I am still not willing to allow such a great country to be labeled by these degrading stereotypes. And while America is home to some of the greatest thinkers, leaders, and artists of all time-- I bet most Americans (myself included) can't name them.
Tell me this does not trouble you: An eight year old could name Britney Spears and Zac Efron, and probably all the people they've dated as well. An adult could not tell you who Stephen Hawkings is, or what the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act actually entails. Do you?
It is in no way reprehensible that one respects and admires a figure of great talent. And perhaps this once applied to the celebrities of a different time period. But in this age, which is, unfortunately, the only age I've ever had opportunity of knowing, 'skill' and 'fame' have little to no correlation. Can you look me in the eye and tell me that every 16-year-old-squealing-girl in the spotlight is worthy of the recognition they receive?
Yes, I sound cruel. But I do not strip these youth of their glory, in part because I have no such divine power, but also because no one should be kept form their dreams. They are fortunate to have gotten to where they have, and I won't question whether it is deserved.
The huge problem is when the media shows our nation's youth Miley Cyrus, and is told, "This is your role model." Before you defend the media, in that they do not directly label celebrities as role models, allow me to explain how the conclusion is quickly reached.
A 6 year old is left at home with a babysitter and reruns of Hannah Montana. They'll recognize that Hannah has nice clothes, nice hair, nice friends. They'll start to notice that she's popular, she's funny, she's liked. When the child goes to school, chances are that a couple other kids also have seen Hannah on TV. They might realize their point of common interest, and talk about her, maybe wear the same Hannah brand clothing. As they watch more Hannah Montana, they can talk to more people about it, and in turn, they make more friends.
By the time the girl is even 7, she'll probably have outgrown the show. She'll already think that Hannah Montana is stupid, and such a baby show. And even though the stupidity of Hannah, the most loved topic of the previous year, will now be a conversation topic, the toxins have already been ingested. The mental patterns have already been constructed. The child already has the subconscious belief that the more they're involved in a popular topic, like a TV show, the more people they'll be befriending the next day.
Hell, I'm guilty of all the typical mentalities of the American kid. I watch "Community" with my best friend, as 'our show'. I tell you that it's out of genuine appreciation for the show's amazing humor. And while I'll always truly love the show, maybe it's also true that I like having something to talk about with my friends.
And just like the 7 year olds who made fun of Hannah Montana, I've cracked quite the number of Justin Beiber jokes. Despite the attempts to undermine the topic of fame, it's all the same in the end. Whether you're a Justin Beiber lover, hater, or I-refuse-to-lower-myself-to-care-- we're all just fanning the flame of fame. (Did you get my fan pun? Clever, eh?) No matter our stance on a celebrity, love 'em or hate 'em, participation in the debate itself shows awareness, and vulnerability to influence, by social media. The other option? To remain oblivious? Not only is that frowned upon by society, but is now impossible!
The problem grows as we get older. Even as an individualistic teen, or non-conformist and as a young adult, the structures have been implanted at a young age. Surrounded by social media, it is impossible to escape the reach of celebrity gossip and fame's enticing calls. Of course, they'll see TV shows, movies, and learn to name their favorite actors and actresses. They'l
They'll perk up an ear when they hear familiar names alongside "marriage", "date", and "break-up". Sooner or later they will be spending more time than they realize concerning themselves with someone else's life.
Why does this matter? What's the big deal? The big deal is: The reverence of a talented person turns into the desire to know about their lives, simply because the information is available and exploited! While most Americans can tell you about all the achievements of another (which, in the case of many Hollywood stars, are not very grand-scale achievements), what are they achieving themselves?
How much does one gain from all this social media? Does it educate us? No. Does it help us better ourselves in any way? No. Rather, it influences us from a very young age, without our consent. The media gives us a distorted image of "right" and "wrong", "good" vs. "bad". All those young celebrities that were absorbed into the spotlight at a vulnerable stage in life, made such horrible
can't fit rest