Cult of celebrity debunked

We’re happy to observe that other writers and columnists, even those who usually cover nonshow biz events, are now writing cautionary pieces about the “cult of celebrity” that’s lording it over our version of la-la-land.

For years now, we’ve been ringing the alarm in this regard, because the “idolatry” of stars and their power to influence the “madlang people,” for good and bad, has been allowed to grow to excessive proportions.

It’s time for a big, nationwide reality check: Stars aren’t better, wiser and more “deserving” of public attention, interest, trust and influence than us “ordinary” folks!

When you take away all of the styling, training, publicity and overall “packaging” that’s been expended and lavished upon them to transform them into popular and certified “luminaries,” we’re all pretty much the same!

Granted, many celebrities have been blessed with exceptional good looks, thanks to their parents’ gorgeous genes—but, just about everything else can be learned, acquired, mentored or paid for, if the price is right.

So, why should we give what stars say any extra worth or power when they’re asked about their “all-important” views about any and all topics under the sun—including which president to vote for, what to do with an unfaithful lover, what shampoo to use (and endorse), etc.!

In fact, some stars are so vain and self-centered that they have generally banked on their good looks and attendant popularity, and haven’t bothered to complete their studies, catch up on the daily news and care about other people.

So, some so-called “luminaries” are actually less bright and enlightening than you are. Why then should you give a hoot about what he or she thinks about anything at all?

And yet, many people do care, and are implicit members and acolytes of the cult of celebrity.

For this reason, advertisers pay stars millions to endorse their products and services, not to mention all those politicians who pay through the snout for stars to urge their fans to vote for them, sight or character unseen.

Even more confoundingly, we listen whenever stars are interviewed on TV on their views on love, sex, child care, education, extrajudicial killings, the best songs and films, live-in arrangements, what clothes to wear or medicines to purchase, which came first, the chicken or the egg, ad infinitum!

Yes, some stars make good sense, so let’s listen to them. But, to basically believe that luminaries are inherently better and wiser is a dead-end street—proceed at your own risk!

Granted, weaning ourselves away from cultish star-mania can be a tall order for “addicts” and diehard fans.

But, to speed up the process, we should realize that cultists suffer from generally low self-esteem, which is why they depend on “pluperfect” stars to tell them what’s better and “right.”

So, to free ourselves from the insidious and invidious clutches of the ghastly and grisly cult of celebrity, let’s strive to determinedly elevate our self-esteem—and discover the star in us.