Celebrity culture and worship - Page 2

*MrPliggins* · 12-02-2014, 05:12 PM

I sort of understand why actors and singers make so much more money than say, doctors. Because EVERYONE is giving them money. Their income comes from everyone who is a fan around the world, who pays for their movies and music.

However, in that case, why is it that the rest of the movie crews are not rich? To me it's weird that a famous actor gets paid millions for a voiceover role in a disney feature (and half the time they aren't even professional voice actors, but live actors), but the animators don't make crap in comparison. It's really their name that is making the money in that case.

*Metalwolf* · 12-02-2014, 06:39 PM

I think a lot of this 'worship' comes from celebrities being seen through a sort of 'filter.' That is, people only see a 'cleaned up' version of them through TV, movies or magazines. Since they don't really know them, they often see only what they 'want' to see.

If they saw them every day and had to interact with them, I have a feeling their sentiments would change. Some of these celebs are genuinely nice, but there are also some that I wouldn't feel safe to be alone with.

I think what affected me about Robin Williams death wasn't because he did a bunch of fun movies, it was because he was described as one of those celebs who even while interacting with regular people, was still kind and caring. What also affected me about him passing, was that it revealed just how unhappy he was in life. Just the manner in the way he died, spoke volumes. Nothing of fame or fortune could remove the personal hell he was going through, and underneath I saw a guy struggling with an internal misery of the sort that I was a bit familiar with myself, although never to the point of planning to take my own life (although I did think of death enough.)

With some of these celebrities though like Bieber, I have a feeling he's eventually going to crash. He doesn't feel like a celebrity to me, but more like one of those folks that won a lottery ticket and now has 'friends' coming out the woodwork.

*pennydreadful* · 12-02-2014, 07:31 PM

The type that I find most annoying are those who are famous just for being famous - like the Kardashians or Paris Hilton or Spencer Pratt.

Gunpowder · 12-02-2014, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metalwolf

I think what affected me about Robin Williams death wasn't because he did a bunch of fun movies, it was because he was described as one of those celebs who even while interacting with regular people, was still kind and caring. What also affected me about him passing, was that it revealed just how unhappy he was in life. Just the manner in the way he died, spoke volumes. Nothing of fame or fortune could remove the personal hell he was going through, and underneath I saw a guy struggling with an internal misery of the sort that I was a bit familiar with myself, although never to the point of planning to take my own life (although I did think of death enough.)

Totally in agreement with you on this. That man had such a big heart it was a joke. To think he actually reached that point where he could think of no solution other than worst case scenario...that still jabs a hole in me to think about. I was even in denial that it was true for a day or so after hearing about it, because I never even realized until that point that he had been struggling. Whatever he must have been going through, he has my condolences, and losing him was a huge deal. He didn't deserve that.

~~Davetello~~ · 12-02-2014, 08:25 PM

Thanks for all the responses. I agree with most - I will select a sample to reply to next time I feel more up to it.

I will respond to one point for now: the point is raised that sports stars, actors etc are paid more than doctors because there is greater demand for them. That's true, supply and demand and capitalism runs Western society. However, it's a shame that that's the way it is. As for why those behind the scenes aren't paid what the actors or singers are? No idea. If you think about it, screenwriters and song writers are the true geniuses, not the performers. They're just a vehicle to bring the creative vision to fruition.

Edit: one thing I am still struggling with though is why people defend these celebrities like they're blood-related. It's almost as if they care about them more than their own relatives. I know the psychology behind this, of course, but I'm still trying to come to terms with their inability to realise that it's very strange behaviour. I've even tried to point it out to certain people but they seem oblivious to their idolatry.

~~Leo656~~ · 12-02-2014, 10:32 PM

As far as Robin Williams, I am only speculating but he apparently was facing a battle with dementia among other things, and having had members of my family suffer from Parkinson's and dementia and things like that, I can understand why a person would want to spare themselves and the people they love from going through that. It is very uncomfortable and sad watching people you love slowly deteriorate and forget who they and you are, at times not letting you comfort or care for or speak to them because they think you're a stranger (or worse, out to hurt them). When you're trying to spend as much time with someone as possible before they're gone and they're actively shooing you away or treating you coldly or being outright hostile, it can be very difficult. You know they don't mean it, but it's very hard on everyone. I can understand someone wanting to spare his family that.

Again, I am only speculating, but I have a feeling it was a contributing factor. I'd heard he had begun having difficulties shortly before his death. Just a theory, but it makes sense, to me. I won't approve or condone or say what he did was a "good" thing, but I feel very strongly that every person has a right to their own life and should have a right to go out on their own terms. I don't think it's right to judge people over that, especially because you never know what the last thing they were thinking was. For all anyone knows, what pushed Them over the edge could very well be the thing that sends You over, you just don't know because it hasn't happened yet.

Like, I get the "There's No Good Reason" philosophy. I more or less agree; there are no GOOD reasons... but there are Valid ones.

*BubblyShell22* · 12-03-2014, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davetello

Thanks for all the responses. I agree with most - I will select a sample to reply to next time I feel more up to it.

I will respond to one point for now: the point is raised that sports stars, actors etc are paid more than doctors because there is greater demand for them. That's true, supply and demand and capitalism runs Western society. However, it's a shame that that's the way it is. As for why those behind the scenes aren't paid what the actors or singers are? No idea. If you think about it, screenwriters and song writers are the true geniuses, not the performers. They're just a vehicle to bring the creative vision to fruition.

Edit: one thing I am still struggling with though is why people defend these celebrities like they're blood-related. It's almost as if they care about them more than their own relatives. I know the psychology behind this, of course, but I'm still trying to come to terms with their inability to realise that it's very strange behaviour. I've even tried to point it out to certain people but they seem oblivious to their idolatry.

I think it's because they're so fixated on these people's lives that they feel like they do know them and want to defend them. I agree it's kind of stupid, but I can understand why. I know when certain wrestlers have died, I've been very saddened because though I didn't know them personally, I felt like I did because of how long I followed their work in the ring. I felt that way about Cory Monteith's passing as well and just felt this huge hole inside at his passing. When I watched that tribute episode, I cried so hard, and I never do that when I watch a TV show. That's how emotional it was. I didn't know him personally, but since I've followed Glee from the beginning, I did feel like I had a connection with him as a fan. And to me, there's nothing wrong with that.

The behavior you're describing though is definitely insane. I'm not the type to defend anybody if they do something wrong no matter whether I like them or not. I'm the type to call them out on it. Now, if they admit they did wrong and learn from their mistakes, then I'm quick to forgive them for their transgressions, but if not, then I don't forgive them at all.

12-02-2014, 07:31 PM	#23
pennydreadful trash Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Australia Posts: 4,546	The type that I find most annoying are those who are famous just for being famous - like the Kardashians or Paris Hilton or Spencer Pratt. __________________ Creator of the Technodrome After Dark Discussion Group. PM for an invite (must be over 18 - no exceptions).

12-02-2014, 08:25 PM	#25
~~Davetello~~ Banned Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Greater Glasgow, Scotland, The Ununited Kingdom Posts: 1,712	Thanks for all the responses. I agree with most - I will select a sample to reply to next time I feel more up to it. I will respond to one point for now: the point is raised that sports stars, actors etc are paid more than doctors because there is greater demand for them. That's true, supply and demand and capitalism runs Western society. However, it's a shame that that's the way it is. As for why those behind the scenes aren't paid what the actors or singers are? No idea. If you think about it, screenwriters and song writers are the true geniuses, not the performers. They're just a vehicle to bring the creative vision to fruition. Edit: one thing I am still struggling with though is why people defend these celebrities like they're blood-related. It's almost as if they care about them more than their own relatives. I know the psychology behind this, of course, but I'm still trying to come to terms with their inability to realise that it's very strange behaviour. I've even tried to point it out to certain people but they seem oblivious to their idolatry. Last edited by Davetello; 12-02-2014 at 08:32 PM.

12-02-2014, 05:12 PM	#21
MrPliggins Foot Elite Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 3,051	I sort of understand why actors and singers make so much more money than say, doctors. Because EVERYONE is giving them money. Their income comes from everyone who is a fan around the world, who pays for their movies and music. However, in that case, why is it that the rest of the movie crews are not rich? To me it's weird that a famous actor gets paid millions for a voiceover role in a disney feature (and half the time they aren't even professional voice actors, but live actors), but the animators don't make crap in comparison. It's really their name that is making the money in that case.

12-02-2014, 06:39 PM	#22
Metalwolf Mad Scientist Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,563	I think a lot of this 'worship' comes from celebrities being seen through a sort of 'filter.' That is, people only see a 'cleaned up' version of them through TV, movies or magazines. Since they don't really know them, they often see only what they 'want' to see. If they saw them every day and had to interact with them, I have a feeling their sentiments would change. Some of these celebs are genuinely nice, but there are also some that I wouldn't feel safe to be alone with. I think what affected me about Robin Williams death wasn't because he did a bunch of fun movies, it was because he was described as one of those celebs who even while interacting with regular people, was still kind and caring. What also affected me about him passing, was that it revealed just how unhappy he was in life. Just the manner in the way he died, spoke volumes. Nothing of fame or fortune could remove the personal hell he was going through, and underneath I saw a guy struggling with an internal misery of the sort that I was a bit familiar with myself, although never to the point of planning to take my own life (although I did think of death enough.) With some of these celebrities though like Bieber, I have a feeling he's eventually going to crash. He doesn't feel like a celebrity to me, but more like one of those folks that won a lottery ticket and now has 'friends' coming out the woodwork.

12-02-2014, 10:32 PM	#26
~~Leo656~~ Banned Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: nWo Country Posts: 27,703	As far as Robin Williams, I am only speculating but he apparently was facing a battle with dementia among other things, and having had members of my family suffer from Parkinson's and dementia and things like that, I can understand why a person would want to spare themselves and the people they love from going through that. It is very uncomfortable and sad watching people you love slowly deteriorate and forget who they and you are, at times not letting you comfort or care for or speak to them because they think you're a stranger (or worse, out to hurt them). When you're trying to spend as much time with someone as possible before they're gone and they're actively shooing you away or treating you coldly or being outright hostile, it can be very difficult. You know they don't mean it, but it's very hard on everyone. I can understand someone wanting to spare his family that. Again, I am only speculating, but I have a feeling it was a contributing factor. I'd heard he had begun having difficulties shortly before his death. Just a theory, but it makes sense, to me. I won't approve or condone or say what he did was a "good" thing, but I feel very strongly that every person has a right to their own life and should have a right to go out on their own terms. I don't think it's right to judge people over that, especially because you never know what the last thing they were thinking was. For all anyone knows, what pushed Them over the edge could very well be the thing that sends You over, you just don't know because it hasn't happened yet. Like, I get the "There's No Good Reason" philosophy. I more or less agree; there are no GOOD reasons... but there are Valid ones.