A celebrity is a person who is well known or famous. Often a celebrity has a certain skill that sets them apart from others. Actors, sports players, even talentless offspring of rich folks can all be considered celebrities...and that's cool. But, nothing about that skill set makes them an expert on ANYTHING other than what they are famous for doing.
So why do we blindly accept their words and actions as gospel? Cornel West, although much less famous than Paris Hilton, is definitely more of an authority of society as a whole. Do we quote Dr. West regularly? Do we even know who he is? I'm not uncomfortable with celebrities and fame. I understand that entertainment is relaxing. I get it. What I don't get is the misguided belief that somehow by virtue of being famous, you are worthy of being followed.
Many famous people are completely oblivious to their "fans" unless they have a show, book, game, etc. to promote. Get money...it's the American way. But most of us don't have that kind of money. So trying to dress like a millionaire makes you look ridiculous. Millionaires with neck tattoos? No biggie. You with a neck tat? I hope you can find a job.
Even worse is this belief that ONLY famous people have opinions that matter. I thought the cokehead Charlie Sheen was a lesson. no? T.I.? No? Gucci? No? How many stars have to reveal themselves as unworthy to give advice for us to understand? Talent in one arena doesn't make you an expert in ANY other arena. Kids won't listen to parents, teachers, elders...but can quote Jay Z lyrics ad nauseum and swear they are living the same life. Newsflash...dude is not on your level. Shouting out "it's the ROC" pays you $0! If your friend gives you advice you say "who are you to tell me how to live?" Your friend KNOWS you...don't you think they have a better idea of where you are in life than Jamie Foxx? Most celebrities no longer live in neighborhoods like mine. They don't experience the same daily struggles we do. Yes, they are still human and they go through struggles...but deciding between gas and food isn't one of them. Now everybody LOOKS and ACTS like someone famous...without the perks. I guess it makes sense...you patterned your life after an actor...keep acting. #stopitb
So why do we blindly accept their words and actions as gospel? Cornel West, although much less famous than Paris Hilton, is definitely more of an authority of society as a whole. Do we quote Dr. West regularly? Do we even know who he is? I'm not uncomfortable with celebrities and fame. I understand that entertainment is relaxing. I get it. What I don't get is the misguided belief that somehow by virtue of being famous, you are worthy of being followed.
Many famous people are completely oblivious to their "fans" unless they have a show, book, game, etc. to promote. Get money...it's the American way. But most of us don't have that kind of money. So trying to dress like a millionaire makes you look ridiculous. Millionaires with neck tattoos? No biggie. You with a neck tat? I hope you can find a job.
Even worse is this belief that ONLY famous people have opinions that matter. I thought the cokehead Charlie Sheen was a lesson. no? T.I.? No? Gucci? No? How many stars have to reveal themselves as unworthy to give advice for us to understand? Talent in one arena doesn't make you an expert in ANY other arena. Kids won't listen to parents, teachers, elders...but can quote Jay Z lyrics ad nauseum and swear they are living the same life. Newsflash...dude is not on your level. Shouting out "it's the ROC" pays you $0! If your friend gives you advice you say "who are you to tell me how to live?" Your friend KNOWS you...don't you think they have a better idea of where you are in life than Jamie Foxx? Most celebrities no longer live in neighborhoods like mine. They don't experience the same daily struggles we do. Yes, they are still human and they go through struggles...but deciding between gas and food isn't one of them. Now everybody LOOKS and ACTS like someone famous...without the perks. I guess it makes sense...you patterned your life after an actor...keep acting. #stopitb
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