We live in a celebrity culture – a fact borne out by TV viewing figures and magazine sales. Celebrity-gossip magazines are sold in their millions year on year, the huge viewing figures of x factor and reality shows like ‘I’m a celebrity get me out of here’ tell a story. But is this trend harmful? Has not every generation had its hero’s, is it just innocent fun? Does celebrity culture trivialize life? Does celebrity create personal dissatisfaction with ‘my body shape or lifestyle?'
How about ‘Beauty’.. it’s a hot word. The ‘celeb advert’ is usually a young, symmetrical, skin-and-bone, tanned woman (or man) swishing back their gorgeous hair, smiling with blinding, even, white teeth at your screen - "I had SUCH problems with my hair/skin/body etc; until I used THIS product!", Popular celebs sell a lifestyle through Cars, Homes, clothes, IT, mobiles, latest gadgets etc.. Manufacturers budget huge amounts to have their product on the film set, associated with celebs. To say we live in a celebrity-obsessed culture is evident to all, however the challenge is, how do we prevent, especially our children from becoming beguiled by the prevailing ‘celebrity’ culture?
In Psychology Today, writer Carlin Flora suggests that our fascination with celebrity is a cultural obsession with the three A’s affluence, attractiveness and achievement our common goal. A’s affluence, attractiveness and achievement are desirable and in themselves may not be harmful, but they have the power to divert individuals especially young people from the noble goals of community, charity and commitment.
If we want our children [and adults too] to live with the understanding that we are more than the sum of our achievements and failures, more than the sum of our possessions and salaries and more than our appearance and image, we must give our children the tools to examine the celebrity crazed culture.
How about ‘Beauty’.. it’s a hot word. The ‘celeb advert’ is usually a young, symmetrical, skin-and-bone, tanned woman (or man) swishing back their gorgeous hair, smiling with blinding, even, white teeth at your screen - "I had SUCH problems with my hair/skin/body etc; until I used THIS product!", Popular celebs sell a lifestyle through Cars, Homes, clothes, IT, mobiles, latest gadgets etc.. Manufacturers budget huge amounts to have their product on the film set, associated with celebs. To say we live in a celebrity-obsessed culture is evident to all, however the challenge is, how do we prevent, especially our children from becoming beguiled by the prevailing ‘celebrity’ culture?
In Psychology Today, writer Carlin Flora suggests that our fascination with celebrity is a cultural obsession with the three A’s affluence, attractiveness and achievement our common goal. A’s affluence, attractiveness and achievement are desirable and in themselves may not be harmful, but they have the power to divert individuals especially young people from the noble goals of community, charity and commitment.
If we want our children [and adults too] to live with the understanding that we are more than the sum of our achievements and failures, more than the sum of our possessions and salaries and more than our appearance and image, we must give our children the tools to examine the celebrity crazed culture.
For children:
Resist putting a TV/computer in your child's bedroom. This helps the parent to know what is viewed, this way you can discuss the program contents.
Reflect on the celebrities they idolize. Ask: would you want to be known simply because of your looks or money rather than being a good, kind and thoughtful person?
Regularly affirm and express appreciation to important people who serve in your community. By appreciating kindness, faithfulness and goodness of ordinary people you model ‘everyday hero’s’ and thereby teach your child a new value system.
Re-examine assumptions, encourage your kids to be sceptical. Get them to ask questions. Is it the only reason I like ‘so and so’ because they are on TV?
For adults:
Resist being a advertising junkie, remind yourself that advertisements work by making you feel a ‘loser’ if you do not have the latest gadget. Before you make the next purchase; why not first consider the full purchase price and ask yourself ‘Do I really need this item?
Reflect on who you idolize? Do you regularly fantasize about your neighbour's car, job, salary? etc? Do you find yourself continuously saying “if only such and such would happen..........” Why is it we always compare ourselves with those who have more, rarely with the majority who have less?
Regularly review your lifestyle; does my friendship circle only reflect my social standing? Do I have friends who are unemployed, aged, immigrants or disabled? Should I down size my house so that I could be more generous? When was the last time I gave a generous financial gift? Ask am I a taker or a giver?
Re-examine your heroes, have you been seduced by toxic media, that seeks to shape your thinking and choices, Are you aspiring to a lifestyle that has more to do with this worlds values? Should you consider going on a media fast?
It's time for another cultural renaissance..
Source Article: The impact of celebrity culture