When many of us were young we dreamed of being big stars when we grew up. In high school, those of us with zero performance or athletic talent rerouted our life plans and settled for dreams like becoming a doctor or a lawyer.† And then, one day in college, while watching TV to avoid working on that thing called ìI.S.,” a marathon of ìReal World” comes on. From that moment forward the spark of our once extinguished flame is rekindled. We realize, ìHey, I can be famous too!”
In 2010, it appears as if all the most interesting ìcelebrities” arenít actually famous for their work. Britney Spears was definitely not as interesting until she shaved her head. The media would much rather cover Lindsay Lohanís latest stint in rehab than talk about her former days as the ìParent Trap” star. And, Taylor Swift seems more legitimate now that she was dissed on stage on national television.
Most magazines even feature a section that emphasizes that stars are just like us. They eat breakfast, they have children and they sneeze!† So, the bottom line seems to be that they are human beings.
Our nation is far more interested in watching other people live their lives then having to face our own. We are no longer as intrigued with the extravagant lifestyles of the famous, but instead want to be able to see someone else who is having a harder time than we are. TV shows like MTVís ìCribs,” which showcases the ridiculously expensive mansions of the rich and famous, have been replaced with programs like VH1ís ìTool Academy,” featuring large groups of couples with dysfunctional relationships.
To be able to judge other peopleís poor decisions helps us to forget our own. Even if I fail my midterm tomorrow, or lose my job over spring break, I know that I will be able to eventually forget about it; unlike Paris Hilton, who will forever be known for her sex tape.
Even people who pursue the famous life are going about it differently. Many people are now skipping the usual root of becoming famous for their acting skills, great singing voice or fabulous free throw ability.
Instead, they are becoming famous for being human beings and doing things that anyone can do.† For example, getting drunk and getting in a fight with the next closest person or for enjoying a daily tanning session along with their rhinestone studded t-shirts.
Even pursuing the life of fame and fortune seems too much for us.† Most reality shows like Oxygenís ìBad Girls Club” and VH1ís ìFlavor of Love” consist of drinking as much as possible, dancing with little clothing and hooking up with as many people as possible.† MTV and VH1 no longer are truly music channels but instead reality show channels.
This, however, is because they are in high demand for both viewers and potential participants. They allow those watching to sit back, slide their tax forms underneath the couch and judge away. Those lucky few that get picked to be on the show get to (ironically) escape reality for not only the few weeks that they are filming, but seemingly for the rest of their lives. Anyone who has ever heard of ìJersey Shore” will never be able to forget Snooki. And, who would want to?