A celebrity is a person who has achieved fame and recognition in a particular field such as entertainment or sports. People become celebrities when their work entertains, inspires or influences a wide audience. Celebrities have a profound impact on culture and are often seen as role models or companions for large segments of the population. They can shape personal identity, lifestyle choices and moral perspectives. They can also inspire people to achieve their dreams and aspirations.
Modern celebrity culture developed in the 19th century when the commodification of fame and the invention of new media expanded the reach of public figures. Famous actors like Sarah Bernhardt became known around the world because cheap mass-circulation newspapers promoted her every appearance. The rise of railway and steamship travel made it easier for people to travel faster and hear about celebrities in other countries. Increasing access to information about celebrities made it possible for them to be marketed as products, like tea, mustard and cosmetics.
Some people become famous for their work as a film star, politician or musician but others become famous simply for who they are or what they do in the public eye. For example, the Kardashian family are famous for the reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians and many musicians, singers and rappers become famous simply for their music and their ability to entertain. People who create successful companies or brands also become celebrities.
Celebrities can have a positive influence on society by helping to reduce the stigma of certain conditions and issues that affect people. For example, growing numbers of celebrities speak out about mental health and addiction to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help. Celebrities can also influence the way teens perceive themselves and each other. They can inspire teens to follow their own dreams and aspirations rather than conforming to unrealistic beauty standards or social norms.
While some people believe that celebrities should be respected for their achievements, other people dislike them because they do not work as hard as the average person or because they seem to live in luxury while other people struggle. People sometimes feel that celebrities do not value their privacy and are always exposing themselves in public. Others think that they are self-centered, narcissistic and arrogant but not all celebrities exhibit this type of behavior.
The intimacy that fans feel with celebrities is created by the construction of a public image that is carefully curated by marketing and media representation. This can lead to an over-investment in the lives of individuals who remain, in essence, strangers. It also blurs the lines between public and private life, leading some to feel entitled to details of a celebrity’s personal life. Celebrities, themselves, navigate complex boundaries between public and private. The concept of celebrity is a cultural phenomenon with roots in ancient history, with such luminaries as Alexander of Macedon and Joan of Arc being considered celebrities. Today, the term is mostly associated with pop culture.
