*as their eyes roll*
You know, I think there is a huge misconception towards those who have interest in celebrities. Far too many stereotypes, far too many people judging you without even asking why you might have an interest in them. If you're a male, you'll most likely be stereotyped as gay, a tosser, or perhaps even both. If you're a female, then the stereotypes most likely follow as such: you're a 40 year old house wife with nothing to do; you're a phony; you're 16 year old girl with blond hair and little knowledge of anything outside of your benevolent universe - (thank Neil Peart for those last two words)People even assume that because you have an interest in celebrities that you not only want to become, but live the supposedly flash life-style which they live.
Well, I'm here to not only debunk the classic stereotypes which for those of us who have interest in celebrities, but take an in-depth look into what fuels my passion for interest in celebrities.
So then, why do I personally have an interest in celebrities?
Well, it's not because I think they're superior human beings with no faults, beautiful looks and brains beyond reproach. Oh, of course not, and thus is one major problem with liking celebrities in any day and age. Those who are celebrities are obviously regular people: some have talent, some don't; some are good looking, some aren't; some are flash, some aren't; some had connections, some didn't. They are just regular people who have much time under the spotlight. They are just regular human beings, and actually, that's one of the things which greatly interests me about them.
Suffice to say, having celebrity status - whether that be a musician, or a television/movie star - is a very stressful gig. I'm one whose interested by human behaviour, and how our minds as the race we are, operate. To me, there is a great deal interest in seeing how one reacts to such stratospheric fame. Money, followers, power, acknowledgement - it all adds to some explosive combination. All of this can undoubtedly change an individual; they can become greedy, irresponsible and even careless. Some can deal with it, while others fall onto a pad of rusty nails.
And of course, the media certainly helps fuel things along. If you slip up, they're going to exploit the situation and take full advantage. No doubt, celebrities world wide have to watch their step. The problem with that being that they're are some celebrities who aren't smart enough to cover their tracks. They're so idiotic and easy to manipulate that they are essentially a form of bait. Take Britney Spears for example. Now, it is my opinion that she is far from the brightest egg in the drawer. She's a very, very easy target. And the same goes for Anna Nicole Smith who most always acted like a complete ditz. Mind you, those are just two examples, but probably the finest I can summon.
And by God, look at Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton. This pair of adolescent children are just beyond belief. Both are young, both are ditzy and both are party animals with the drugs/drinking convictions, and the jail time to prove it. And thus lies within the next problem of the stereotype. When you have these main stream names causing such great controversy in the media, it happens to cast a bad a shadow among celebrities of all types. Had you yet to notice, comments such as "God, I hate celebrities", or "Celebrities are idiots" are overtly common amongst the Internet. What I'm essentially trying to say is that just because their are a few bad apples in the pale, it does not mean every other celebrity should have to suffer for it. So for Christ's sake, stop the bullshit stereotypes. Let me put it this way: just because Nazi's once existed in Germany, doesn't mean all Germans where Nazi's. Simple logic, yet seemingly never understood.
Paris Hilton off to jail
Though, I do wish to address the concern that celebrities are often the worst example of the justice system being abused. I'm afraid there isn't much here that I can refute. There's so much truth in this it's not even funny, and thus can even understand why some individuals have no interest in celebrities whatsoever. Yet despite this, my interest in celebrities is not dampened.
And for the love of common sense, just because Russel Crowe - or any celebrity for that matter - knocks down a member of paparazzi, doesn't mean they need to go to "anger management". Yet again, these are regular human beings who are followed most everywhere. They can't get anyway from the paparazzi... So once push comes to shove, there's little wonder why these things happen. Frustration is a key human component - we all have it.
Nevertheless, I applaud those celebrities which have managed to constantly duck the paparazzi radar. Truth is, I do believe that some of these individuals love the attention, thus explaining the stupid behaviour, but then they are some who don't want to be thought of as Gods amongst mortals. These are individuals who don't flaunt their wealth and don't change themselves for the benefit of others.
Musicians
Let me start by taking about a few of the musicians who I admire for their sense of integrity and lack of glitz. Though I'm often blabbering on about how much I love Rush's music, I most always fail to express my appreciation for the band members themselves. The guys - Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson & Neil Peart - really do appear to be a down to earth bunch of guys. These are guys who have stated on a number occasions that they wish not to be seen as celebrities, but true musicians. They are the same guys who do things their own way and have yet to perform on any such late-night talk show. Why you ask? Neil Peart said something along the lines: "a band like Rush doesn't work in such a setting, but ultimately, it's quite cheesy to do such". This is also a band that despite their huge success has turned down numerous movie score scripts and manage to shield themselves from the paparazzi. And aside from Alex's run-in with the law back in 2004 at the Ritz Carlton, this band has a flawless reputation. They're are a very respectable bunch of guys. I deeply admire such an attitude.
Rush
Another musician's whose attitude I think is particularly impressive is Joanna Levesque (Jojo). Shamelessly being attracted to her, I decided to go onto YouTube a while back and watch a interview with her; all for the sake of seeing what he public persona was like. And much to my surprise, JoJo was not anything like I had imagined - a posh, glitzy pop princess with the IQ of a squirrel and the manners of a 5 year old. Oh no, she has proved countless times that she is an intelligent, mature and polite character. Actually, I reckon she's more intelligent, mature and polite than the average person her age. And do remember that this is a girl who in early 2007, was ranked as one of Forbes young Hollywood top-earning stars.
Jojo
But of course, the music business has many characters which are the worst example of posh, ignorant assholes. Quite frankly and I'm not being racist, but the rappers are the absolute worst. They're most always a bunch of blitzy assholes that like to wear gold jewerly, cause a big fuckin' ruckess for the sake of it and lastly, drive around in their Lamborghini's and Rolls Royce's with 22" chrome alloys and manic paint jobs. They are the worst example of celebrity status.
Movie/Television Stars
On the silver screen front, celebrities that I admire for that exact integrity as artists and individuals are:
Kate Beckinsale:
Kate Beckinsale
No surprise, eh? Though, as I've said countless times before, I really admire Mrs. Beckinsale for more than the way she looks. I admire her for her personality, I admire her for her "I do my things my own way" attitude. She doesn't live in a big mansion, nor does she own a collection of high-end sports car. She's an individual with much intelligence and one who could evidently do whatever job she wishes.
She's herself, and she's not going to change that. She's careful as to what she says, yet not without alienating her true sense of character.
Sophia Bush:
Sophia Bush is pretty much the same story as Beckinsale. She's bold, interesting, unique and herself.
As for some male screen stars (copied from a previous post I wrote):
Brad Pitt:
Mr. Pitt happens to be another actor who truthfully comes off like a natural. He doesn't take shitty roles either - well ok, Mr & Mrs. Smith.. but other than that plonker, he has consistently stars in fantastic films where he's always gives a superb acting performance. He seems like a good guy with a good judge of character.
Anthony Hopkins
Mr. Hopkins is an actor which I have great respect for. Not only because he's very talented, but because he refuses to star in shitty films. In an interview conducted in mid 2006 (for the release of 'The World's Fastest Indian'), Hopkins stated that he refused to star in pointless (aka - rubbish) films.
David Duchovny
Completely down to earth, and undoubtedly a respectable character.
What does the future hold for our celebrity obsessions?
With the world of information technology stretching further day in and day out, I seriously doubt the it'll ever slow down. As the years pass, we will continue to ponder in the life's of others - not only because we're nosey, but because we wish to escape the realm of our own life.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this absurdly long post, those of who do admire celebrities are often stereotyped. Though to be honest, I can't blame 'em the name callers. The problem being that some of the stereotypes hold true to form. They are children who - scary though it is - idolize people such as Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. And that said, it is important for parents - of now, of the future - to make sure their children don't hold too much faith in celebrity obsession. And notably, it is important for parents to make sure that they children know that these celebrities aren't perfect individuals - even the best looking of ones can look awful. Mind you, that's assuming the parents themselves know better...
These people are humans, and most of them don't live the seemingly excellent life as people would have you believe. It's a tough gig.
But when you think of me, one who has a large celebrity picture collection and operates a celebrity-based blog, do remember that I am not some crazed follower with no knowledge of the world outside my home.
