Audience, Performance and Celebrity (Michael Ryan)

 

Celebrity is a concept that has existed for a long time in human society, but it has been amplified by modern communication tools like television, magazines, and the Internet. It typically arises from someone possessing extraordinary abilities or qualities that set them apart from others. This sense of fame and distinction was historically associated with exceptional talents in various fields like the military, social, cultural, or political arenas.

 

In recent times, with the rise of new media, the nature of fame and celebrity has evolved. While celebrity culture has become a business in today's highly commercialized world, it relies on active audience participation. People must genuinely show interest, invest emotion, and develop a connection with their favorite celebrities. Marketing efforts alone can't create this level of engagement, although magazines and media outlets work hard to sustain interest in celebrities.

 

The interactions people have with celebrities, even if they are imaginary or mediated through media, can serve various purposes and cater to different personality types and social beliefs. Celebrities often take on a larger-than-life persona, which can empower those who admire them. Attachment to celebrities often evokes positive and egalitarian emotions, similar to how people feel about friends or family members. Fans may miss a celebrity when they're not in the public eye, much like missing a friend who's not around.

 

In a society shaped by capitalism, where work and entertainment are dominant aspects of life, those in less privileged positions may find it challenging to achieve a sense of self-importance associated with wealth and social influence. These individuals may be more inclined to attach themselves to celebrities. Celebrity culture offers a way for people to experience a limited version of importance and fulfillment. Identifying with a celebrity can temporarily transport someone into a different world characterized by wealth and the freedoms it affords. However, people hold varying opinions about this celebrity-driven sense of freedom, with some embracing it as liberating, while others with more conservative views may view it as deserving of criticism or punishment.