If we add the word celebrity to any reality show we can generally expect the ratings to go up. It’s a ploy that many networks use successfully. Sometimes using the word celebrity is a stretch because you have to have it explained to you who that particular person is. Nonetheless, the formula works.
Let’s see if the word celebrity enhances any event:
Speed dating: Celebrity speed dating
Big Brother: Celebrity Big Brother
Going down the pub: Celebrities going down the pub
Shark night: Celebrity shark night
Okay, it’s a little facile, but it works.
Just the word celebrity can conjure up anticipation that whatever’s about to happen will be somehow more interesting. It gives the idea that there’s the mere mortals (us) and those who appear to have it made (them).
Of course, if you’re not remotely enthralled by celebrities; then the word can have the opposite effect. But most people are drawn in. Why? Perhaps it’s because we expect celebrities to have larger-than-life personalities and an innate ability to perform for the cameras.
If not that, then there’s always the opportunity to enjoy their downfalls. Those downfalls prove that even if you have a ton of money, cars or properties; it doesn’t automatically translate to being happy.
There’s the overall sense that those who are famous for what they do or how much they earn; have mystique. The majority of people work paycheck to paycheck and struggle to put money away. Going on holiday is a big event. Buying a large ticket item like a house or car is something that has to be worked hard for.
Waged-workers don’t generally go out to expensive restaurants every weekend or travel around the Caribbean with their equally rich buddies. So it seems it’s the assumption that celebrities get to do the things that we struggle to achieve, that pulls us in.
Don’t like ads? Become a supporter and enjoy The Good Men Project ad free
There are, of course, levels of celebrity. They’re graded and applauded based on why they’re famous or for how much they earn. The reality star who’s become a celebrity by default; isn’t generally seen as having A list status. It’s these gradations that further confirm the myth that money and status are the be-all and end-all in a great life.
Yet if that were true, would there be so many unhappy celebrities? How many times have we heard stories about those whose lives seem all glossy from the outside; but on closer inspection are a train wreck? Too many times to mention. I bet you could name 5 celebrities right now who have succumbed to drug addiction. Maybe attempting suicide or fading to obscurity after being at the top of their game; is what they’re known for now.
Knowing this, it must mean that what’s really drawing us in is the desire to have a choice in how we live our lives. Maybe we’d like the freedom to try different things and discover what we do and don’t like.
The desire to spoil and pamper our loved ones on a regular basis could be high on our list. Investing in our own or our children’s futures without having to go broke in the process, would be nice. This may cause us to elevate those who go for their dreams and live lives of passion – even if those experiences don’t last. At least they went for it.
Courage then; is another aspect of the personas of certain celebrities that we can admire. They put themselves on the line to achieve their goals. They’re willing to mess up royally in front of the whole world or shine brightly even if it causes envy. Yet these qualities are things we can cultivate in our own lives too.
Perhaps we just don’t give ourselves enough credit. If we were willing to step out of our comfort zones just a little more and put our dreams at the forefront of our lives; then those celebrity reality shows might seem a little less interesting. After all, we’d be out doing and being, not just watching, hoping and coveting.
We are proud of our SOCIAL INTEREST GROUPS—WEEKLY PHONE CALLS to discuss, gain insights, build communities— and help solve some of the most difficult challenges the world has today. Calls are for Members Only (although you can join the first call for free). Not yet a member of The Good Men Project? Join below!
All levels get to view The Good Men Project site AD-FREE. The $50 Platinum Level is an ALL-ACCESS PASS—join as many groups and classes as you want for the entire year. The $25 Gold Level gives you access to any ONE Social Interest Group and ONE Class–and other benefits listed below the form. Or…for $12, join as a Bronze Member and support our mission, and have a great ad-free viewing experience.
Register New Account
Please note: If you are already a writer/contributor at The Good Men Project, log in here before registering. (Request new password if needed).
◊♦◊
ANNUAL PLATINUM membership ($50 per year) includes:
1. AN ALL ACCESS PASS — Join ANY and ALL of our weekly calls, Social Interest Groups, classes, workshops and private Facebook groups. We have at least one group phone call or online class every day of the week.
2. See the website with no ads when logged in!
3. MEMBER commenting badge.
*** ANNUAL GOLD membership ($25 per year) includes all the benefits above — but only ONE Weekly Social Interest Group and ONE class.
*** ANNUAL BRONZE membership ($12 per year) is great if you are not ready to join the full conversation but want to support our mission anyway. You’ll still get a BRONZE commenting badge, and you can pop into any of our weekly Friday Calls with the Publisher when you have time. This is for people who believe—like we do—that this conversation about men and changing roles and goodness in the 21st century is one of the most important conversations you can have today.
♦◊♦
We have pioneered the largest worldwide conversation about what it means to be a good man in the 21st century. Your support of our work is inspiring and invaluable.
—
Yve Bowen is a passionate writer and copywriter. As a copywriter she provides engaging content and marketing copy for stressed out Sole Traders and Entrepreneurs. Find Yve at https://keeper.marketing.
