The Price of Fame

The Price of Fame

As we witness the fall of yet another celebrity icon, Tiger Woods, we almost have a nonchalant sense of ‘normalcy’ that we associate with such events. It does not surprise us anymore. We almost expect it. Anytime I see the sky-rocketing rise of a celebrity in the making, I immediately begin to wonder if it is only going to be a matter of time before I see their name and face on the news again for all the wrong reasons. When Hollywood goes berserk over the upcoming wedding of the hottest couple in Tinsel town, it seems only a matter of time before they flash the ‘hottest break-up’ of the same couple. So I ask myself “Why can’t celebrities stay out of trouble?”

And while we look ‘down’ at the lives of such people, it is only wise to realize that the only reason we know of their ‘dirty laundry’ is because they are public figures. The lives of many regular or ‘normal’ people, such as us, behind closed doors also have their questionable moments or seasons. However, our skeletons remain hidden. Now, while on that matter, I tend to not make any distinction, I think the real ‘rub’ or problem is when the question of ‘why’ is posed. ‘Why’ does a celebrity who has everything he could possibly have, go do something stupid and ruin his reputation or even life? ‘Why’ does the celebrity who has everything not content with his or her life anymore? Why, why and why. And while the question lingers, the count keeps climbing – Tiger Woods, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley and so on.

I suppose we can look at this from different vantage points – practical or philosophical. But really, by the end of this article, it should be quite clear why the practical perspective is not a feasible route. Celebrities are not practical. While my intent here is not really to ‘trash’ the stars, I find it extremely hard to sympathize with them either. Something happens when money ‘suddenly’ comes – it goes to their heads. It appeals to every carnal desire that one could possibly muster up and is able to deliver, with no terms or conditions. Money is the ultimate assassin in friendly clothes. We’ve all seen the meteoric rise of a young star, who started out simple, making their first innocent appearance on Oprah and then years later battling a drug habit, fighting child custody rights and has a whole list of charges to their name ranging from shop-lifting to drunk driving. Where does it all go wrong?