Mop and Suzie's Theory On ... the Notion of Celebrity

The word celebrity is derived from the Latin word celebrits meaning famous. It seems that the path to fame is becoming easier and easier and the notion of celebrity is becoming more and more pathetic.

It would make sense for people to become famous as a result of great achievement. This may entail intellectual ability, sporting achievements or outstanding artistic ability shown in the form of singing, dancing, acting, artwork or other creative pursuits. Even extremely good genetic make-up can be a reason for a person to be appreciated by the public. Celebrities should be role models for children and adults to aspire to. They should make a positive contribution to society and be deserving of the financial gain that results from their achievements.

There are quite a few people that have taken on the questionable role of celebrity in our society. Is this a reflection on us as consumers of the media? Have we created a new sterotype to be associated with the notion of celebrity? We have noted a few so-called celebrities that are surely not deserving of such status.

Crap Example of Celebrity Number 1: Paris Hilton
So, like, all i like need to do to be like all famous and stuff is to like have a rich dad and like spend lots of my rich dad's money on like making myself look hot. I can just like dress like a blind hooker and hang out with people who are hot and then like get drunk and like publicly shag some hot famous guys. I know! Maybe I could make some porn vidoes or I could like go on TV on a show about me...then I would be really famous.

Crap Example of Celebrity Number 2: Big Brother Contestants
"I decided to go on Big Brother for the experience. I thought it would be a really great experience and not many people get to have an experience like this" can be translated to "I decided to go on Big Brother for the exposure. I thought it would be a really great way for me to get my face on TV and be recognised on the street to feed my attention-seeking personality so that I can feel better about myself. I don't have any true talents to be recognised for so I will instead be recognised for having sex on TV and being an annoying/ chauvanisitic / whinging / boring / shallow / insensitive / unintelligent fuck-wit."

Crap Example of Celebrity Number 3: Royalty
Now, it feels wrong to insult royalty but really, what did they do to earn their positions? Perhaps back in the day there was a reason for being elected as royalty but now, all you need to do is marry some tosser with big ears and you are all over the media, certainly obtaining celebrity status.

Crap Example of Celebrity Number 4: Anna Nicole Smith
Now this is perhaps the worst form of celebrity yet. If you are not getting enough attention as a stripper, try marrying a very old, very rich man. Be big and loud and abnoxious, get gigantic breast implants and wait for the old man to kick the bucket. Get loads of money and a TV show about your incredibly dull and superficial life and BAM! You are famous. (To change this example to Rose Porteous, just replace stripper with dirty hooker)

Crap Example of Celebrity Number 5: Talentless actress turned talentless singer
Needs no further explanation. Examples include Tammin Sursok, Holly Valance, Bec Cartwright etc.

Some examples of people that we think actually deserve celebrity status:

1. John Howard
2. Anthony Hopkins
3. Ian Thorpe
4. Angelina Jolie
5. Ben Stiller
6. Michael Jackson (as entertainer, not child molester)
7. Powderfinger
8. Rupert Murdoch
9. Richard Branson
10. Madonna
11. The Wiggles