Celebrity Culture

 

The concept of the celebrity can be traced as far back as far as Egyptian times, with even Pharoah's employing the idea that everyone in the land should know their name. It can even be argued that the bible is a medium in which the celebrity manifests, with every page proclaiming the deeds done by certain individuals. It certainly made those mentioned in it incredibly famous. 

 

The nature of fashion and celebrity are in a constant state of flux, as both are constantly portrayed differently in the media, they have a regenerating image which engages people to 'keep up' with the latest trend or magazine article. In recent years, celebrities themselves will become a brand, releasing thei rown perfume, then maybe a clothing line and some will even release songs, though singing is not the reason they became famous. 

 

"this new global culture is, in fact, in a worrying way, a major aspect of just one more configuration of western imperialism". 

Gibson, P, C. (2012) Fashion and Celebrity Culture. USA: Bloomsbury Publishing. page 2

 

 

" A useful way to theorize about celebrity is along two axes - surace and depth. Celebrity provides a surface through which contemporary culture produces significance and a depth of investment in particular identities, moments, and personalities."

P. David Marshall. (2006) The Celebrity Culture Reader. USA: Routledge

 

Kathy Davis talks in this book about the sociological implications of beauty in the media, and how women's low self-esteem about body image can be an area of weakness that is easy to prey upon and critique through media outlets. 

 

Stephan Hinderman discusses the nature of fantasy that is divulged by celebrity culture. How this creates fans that become obssesed with certain individuals:

 

"Although Elvis Presley has been dead for more than ten years, fans who believe that he is alive send him an average of a letter a day." (Newspaper report. San Francisco Chronicle 1987, p A10)

 

Both books quote extortionate figures of money and fans that support and idolize their favourite celebrities. One incident occured when David Beckham arrived in China and he was presented with a life-sized chocolate replica of himself. Fans will often que for days to be at the front of a gig or book signing. 

 

Celebrites are supposed to emulate the epitomy of talent, personality traits and beauty. But more recently it seems to be the appalling behaviour, sexual promiscuity as well as alcohol abuse that recieves the attention and eleviates these individuals to celebrity status. Trash TV is a more recent phenomenom, such as Geordie Shore, The Only Way is Essex and  Ex on the Beach. This contemporary concept has led to a decline of morals and sets an awful example for the generation watching. The idea that "any attention is good attention" seems to be applicable to such shows, and are a cultural money-making creation. Shows like Celebrity Big Brother also allow fans a voyeuristic approach into the lives of their idols.