THE SPAWN OF FAME

Remember when you had to actually DO something to become famous? You know, win an Olympic sport, fly to the moon, or at the very least star on a goofy TV show about being marooned on an island with The Professor, The Skipper and two intemperate and annoying millionaires?

When did that all change exactly?

With everyone from Nicole Ritchie (who was adopted into fame) to Kevin Federline (who married into fame) to Paris Hilton (who found fame by videotaping herself having sex--huzzah!), it would appear you no longer need to actually do much of anything to get famous.
Well, now there is something even more scary.

The spawn of fame.

According to a study published in USA Today, a group of young adults were asked about their life goals, and low and behold, the results were not exactly of Marconian-stature (unless of course you think Marconi is the ingenious mind who invented the dish, marcaroni and cheese). In fact, the top two goals by far were "getting rich" and "being famous". Wait a second. Is it me or is BEING FAMOUS not so much a goal, as it is a consequence? And if so, why would you not answer BEING HEALTHY as a goal? How about saying BEING NOT DEAD?

The study also found that young folks are twice as likely to admire an entertainer than a political leader, but did you know that according to the Screen Actors Guild, only 5% of all actors make over $70,000 a year. Hell, that wouldn’t even pay for Paris Hilton’s annual supply of Strawberry Lip Smacker.

With the rise of celebrities who have gained notoriety by basically, um, being themselves(?), I think it sends a very confusing message to kids. After all, when your hero did nothing to earn your respect other than buy some expensive shoes with daddys credit card, what can you possibly emulate except a lack of perspective and a lifestyle well beyond your means. Well, and maybe a case of liver damage later in life.

I am not saying people should not dream. Hell, that is what Hollywood is based on. That is what life is all about. All I am saying is that fame should not be looked at as an end in itself.
After all, fame can be an empty, material byproduct that is as fleeting as it is irresistable. Choose your heroes wisely, and remember: fame does NOT necessarily mean success. Just ask John Wayne Bobbit, Tonya Harding or the dude who played The Professor about that (if you can remember who the hell that was).