The Sword of Fame

Time for me to relax and allow my mind to breathe for a while because it's Friday and I'm finally alone here in my apartment with no work to worry about. Yes, I'm on leave today and I spent the afternoon just now catching up with Myra.

I'm happy that she's making some headway in the entertainment industry, appearing frequently on television, hosting various programs, occasionally starring in music videos and dramas. I advise her to be not too agitated over some of the difficult people she encounters every now and then but to focus on gaining more experience for herself. All experiences, whether they are pleasant or unpleasant are valuable and help to build character.

She is also earning some decent income as a social influencer. I'm always advising her to be mindful of what she does in public as being a public figure opens one up to all sorts of unwarranted scrutiny. The fact that someone can earn money from a fan-base of so-called followers is because, there's a certain 'insanity' innate in people that is being exploited here for commercial gains.

For the masses to pour so much adulation on certain personalities based on his or her looks or even talent is a kind of insanity. Think about it: why should we scream and yell, behave like a lunatic when we sight our favourite idols? Why should we pay so much money to possess certain memorabilia associated with these individuals? 

There's some kind of psychological hangup here that finds its expression in the form of celebrity worship. It's true that there's nothing wrong in admiring the beauty, talent or performance of certain entertainment or sports personalities because they give us pleasure and perhaps even knowledge. But why do we go crazy over them as if they are some kind of super-human that exist on a super-terrestrial plane? Why are their private lives of interest and concern to us? 

Decent human beings do not pry into the private affairs of their neighbours and friends. Why is there a paparazzi industry that exists just to cater to this strange sickness of a large portion of our society?

Celebrities make a lot of money because we are insane enough to pay a premium for a sight of their good looks or talent. Even if they are so talented in a particular field, why should we pay so much to gawk at them? 

So when celebrities complain that they do not have private lives and it is not all bed and roses after all for being famous, they don't really get my sympathy. They are where they are now because of the very perversion which they are complaining about.

Idolization of famous personalities has never made anyone a better person. One could of course claim that the success of one's idol motivates one to excel. But if it is mere inspiration we are seeking, how do we explain our hyper-reaction to their every appearance in the public arena? If a fellow co-worker is a super-performer in some field, do we ask for her autograph? 

If we simply wish to learn from the best, we will watch, take notes and emulate, not drool at their sight. Psychologist have theorized about the underlying cause of this human behaviour. Some say it could simply be compensation for some deficit in the fanatical fans themselves. Is there something that's lacking in their lives that they seek to over-react to everything about their idols?

Perhaps it's simply normal human behaviour that's innate within us, akin to mob behaviour.  Is there any harm to it? Maybe there's none at all. Celebrity culture and idol worship is simply part of the fun of everyday human interaction. We enjoy gossiping about the people we know, so what's wrong with prying into the lives of the rich and famous? 

This is what I try to tell Myra every time I see her. There is nothing wrong in seeking fame and fortune. In fact, I even encouraged her to do so. If popular success attracts you, go for it. Everyone has a calling and that is the path that will be most rewarding spiritually, even though there could be a lot of pain that goes with it. Your soul seeks the best path for its healing.

When one is famous, one should not complain about being treated unfairly by the masses. Their insanity can be both a boon and a bane. You just need to prepared for it and to deal with its adverse effects. Remember, the sword of fame cuts both ways.