Why we need to stop glorifying celebrities

BY DREW DANIELS

     All over the entertainment world, from films, to music and to sports, celebrities are displayed as the epitome of beauty, class and elegance. People look up to these celebrities and view them as role models. 

     Everything about them is viewed as being in a state perfection. They have the best clothes, the best cars and the best friends. However, many celebrities that our society puts on a grand pedestal are poor influences and not people who members of society should be looking up to.

     Granted, many celebrities use their fame to better the world and are fantastic human beings. They contribute to society and are positive role models. People such as Bono and Ellen DeGeneres fight to make the world a better place. They give to others and use their influence to inspire hope.

     However, there are some stars that people, especially young adults, look up to and probably shouldn’t. Many stars today are “famous for being famous,” and contribute nothing to society. Often these celebrities have been arrested or have been involved in scandals.

     People such as Kim Kardashian and Nicole "Snookie" Polizzi continue to receive media coverage boosting their popularity. By feeding celebrities’ egos when they get into trouble furthers the problem. It is as if the more a celebrity fails as a human being, the more famous he or she becomes.

     The stars are not entirely at fault however. The public continues to admire these people. Did everyone just forget that Chris Brown beat up Rihanna? It is appalling to see that his album sales are still at the top of the charts, and he is still performing sold out shows.

     We live in a materialistic society that bases success on how many nice things someone owns. We look up to stars because they’re rich and pretty, and it is further corrupting the way we think. Instead of vilifying convicted felons, we give them attention and welcome them into our popular culture.

     As a whole, we need to completely redefine the way we view celebrities, and stars need to understand their influence. I believe it is a duty of those who possess fame to contribute positively to society. The media and the public need to change how they think. Everyone, including me, needs to shift the way celebrities are viewed if we want to continue to be a productive society.