American Obsession with Fame
November 25, 2008
Society has the tendency to greatly inspire people to become famous. In recent years, this fact of life has reached monumental heights. Starting at a young age, children are told that they can be whatever they want to be and aspire to do whatever they want to do with their lives. For a large number of people, that desire is to achieve fame. With the obsession about fame on the continual rise, it is in question how far this highly unlikely dream will go. While it might be human nature that plays a role in the quest to be well-known, a sizable portion of this fame epidemic can be attributed to the media. Talent-based shows such as So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol air blatantly horrible contestants in an attempt to boost ratings. This only encourages attention-starved people to try to achieve their fifteen minutes of fame. Another source of quick fame is reality television shows. The popular series Survivor has been a big name in reality television since it started in 2000. Currently in its seventeenth season, this competition reality show has lasted because of the one million dollar prize, America’s hunger for quick fame, and a pop-culture affiliation with reality television. Other long-running reality TV shows, such as America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway, have been around for many seasons because of the same reasons, as well as the emphasis the shows put on drama between contestants, which appeals to many viewers.
Adults and teenagers are not the only ones impacted by the goal to be famous. A younger demographic is being exposed to the fame craze with Disney channel stars, movies, and TV shows. It is increasingly more and more common for someone like Hannah Montana to be role model for children, instead of a parent or sibling. Hannah Montana creates the assumption that a double life is possible and makes being famous seem glamorous to younger children. Disney Channel movies like Camp Rock focus solely on the characters’ dream to be a famous musician. “[Disney] makes it seem like it’s so easy to go and be a rock star, and then just be normal when it’s really not that easy at all,” said Sophomore Stephanie Lona. “It’s kind of like when parents tell their kids they can be president. It’s unlikely; so is becoming famous.”
Putting personal views of fame aside, it is painfully obvious that the drive to be famous has been heavily integrated into today’s society. Instead of trying to fight this ever-growing phenomenon, it might be best to embrace it and strive to make a mark on the world in any possible way.
By Alyssa Pollard, staff writer
