It can be quite frustrating when writers ramble about ideas and facts that seem to come out of nowhere. To prevent this irritating experience, I have added many resources and blogs to my page, which will be helpful not only in the postings, but also in the understanding of my blog. My resources include everything from surveys, articles, and tables that relate to the entertainment industry, societal trends, or to the correlation between the two. If interested in celebrities, media topics, or the entertainment industry in general, there can also be multiple blogs found on the Internet relating to these subjects. The blogs that I have linked to my page discuss controversy in the news media, the abuse of women in society, and problems in the fashion industry.
Two of my resources include surveys and tables, which contain data that will help me with future postings. One resource, titled "Survey: Teens and Celebrities," gives insight as to how teens feel about celebrities and their overall influence by them. However, the survey seems to ask the teens only hypothetical and "what if" questions as opposed to asking them about their own experiences with celebrities and the things that they have actually done or changed about themselves due to being exposed to celebrities; although, this resource is still helpful in understanding where some teens stand when it comes to celebrities. The table, titled "Entertainment and Media Industry Overview," gives information on how much money consumers spend on television, movies, music, and many other types of consumer entertainment. This table gives an understanding of exactly how much most Americans are exposed to different aspects of the entertainment industry. I have also linked a list of entertainment industry topics, which gives a sense of the multiple aspects throughout the entertainment industry, as opposed to just focusing on actors, singers, and models. For example, before looking through this list, I never thought to consider athletes as well as professional sports, as apart of my topic; however, they are also apart of the entertainment industry. The list also gives a good idea as to what all the entertainment industry entails for those who are unsure. Another resource that I have included, "Cultural Trends," is a list of websites that keep up with current cultural trends, which is very helpful because I can see what current trends are taking place and relate them to trends in the entertainment industry. The last resource I have included, "Celebrity Influence," is like an Internet magazine created by students, which discusses everything in pop culture from body image and appearance, to how celebrities are constantly playing a role in the things we buy and the way we act.
The blogs that I have linked are also related to the entertainment industry and society. They all discuss certain aspects of the entertainment industry and relate it to impacting the lives of Americans. Four out of the seven blogs that I have linked are blogs from My Space, which are viewed by a wide range audience, and also seem to be tapping into the same online community. Whoever the writer has as "friends" will by exposed to their blogs, as well as any others who are searching for blogs about how celebrities, television, or fashion is impacting American culture. For example, in the blog, "Godfather of Domestic Violence," the writer explains how celebrities accused of abusing or mistreating women are either not punished at all or punished very lightly, which sets women at a low standard in society. The writer is focused on getting society to view women with more respect and value. The blog "Discrimination in the Fashion Industry," explains how thin models and actresses are creating trends in culture, causing people to want to be thinner and have certain body images. This is also influencing the fashion industry, as the writer describes how clothes are being designed only for those with ideal body types and not for those with heavier figures. The goal of this blog is to create "more beauty and positive energy in this world," and to make our society see all body types as ideal and not just those of famous celebrities and models.
Another blog, "Celebrity Magazines," discusses how celebrity magazines tend to try to make celebrities appear as if they are "just like us" as they show them eating hamburgers and tying their shoes. The writer of this blog feels that this is condescending. This also shows how celebrity magazines expose us to the lives of celebrities even more, impacting our culture further. However, although this blog discusses how celebrity magazines "irk" her, it does not mention anyhitng about how these magazines actually do influence society and culture, as much as it discusses some of the irritating tendencies of celebrity magazines. The last My Space blog is "Class Starts...While You Are at It, Shotgun Your T.V." This blog discusses how television has become apart of our culture and is consuming the lives of many Americans. The writer of this blog feels that we would have a much better society if we got rid of television. One can see how the blogs included from My Space are similar in that they think that certain forms of entertainment are negatively affecting our society.
Another blog that I have linked is "Dare To Share's Top 5 Teen Trends of 2007." However, unlike the above mentioned blogs, this one is reaching out to a different audience. It is not so much addressing audiences interested in the entertainment industry and its influence, but more to audiences with religious backgrounds as the blog is religious based. It does not discuss celebrities or entertainment; however, the teen trends that the writer discusses will be useful in comparing them to those trends in the media. I have also linked the blog, "Mass Media," which discusses how the media and news channels are covering more and more stories about celebrities and entertainment. Since their content is based on public opinion, they cover stories that the public wants to hear and that they are entertained by, which shows our culture's high interest in these topics. However, this blog seems to be catering to an audience whose interest is in journalism because of its focus on news content. The goal of this blog is to have news with more educational content and content which requires more thinking about societal and global issues, as opposed to current celebrity hook-ups and weddings. The last blog that I have linked is "Celebrities," which is similar to that of "Mass Media" because the writer explains how our society focuses more on celebrities and their whereabouts, as opposed to more serious subjects like the war in Iraq. The goal of this blog, similar to that of "Mass Media," is to get our society to focus more on other issues as opposed to focusing on celebrity news.
Although my resources and blogs contain different material and are not all reaching out to the same audience, they are all related to the entertainment industry, society, and culture in some way. They will all aid in my postings, making them richer with other insight, facts, and information.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Annotation and Commentary on the article, "Do Thin Models Warp Girls' Body Image?" (2)
Do Thin Models Warp Girls' Body Image? (USA Today Article)http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-09-25-thin-models_x.htm
(bold italics are directly taken from article)
How many of us have either tried fad diets, or have gone as far as liposuction to be as thin as Paris or Nicole? Well, USA Today reporter Nanci Hellmich discusses some of the reasons why our society is obsessed with being thin. As an experienced reporter and journalist, she has written countless articles relating to societal health issues. She is significantly popular and her many other articles can be found by doing a quick Google search on her name. Her article, Do Thin Models Warp Girls' Body Image, outlines a major reason why so many girls have body image issues. Hellmich mainly attributes these problems to the thin models and actresses in the fashion industry, and the entire entertainment industry as a whole. All women, especially young girls who are very impressionable, see thin women on television and in magazines and look at themselves as if their bodies are not ideal in our society: unnatural thinness is a terrible message to send out. The people watching the fashion shows are young, impressionable women. Furthermore, the fashion and entertainment industry have gone too far in pushing a dangerously thin image that women, even young girls, may try to emulate. This is not only unhealthy to the individuals, but also to society as a whole.
Foreign countries, such as Britain and Milan, have expressed concern in the thinness of the models, but Hellmich explains experts say consumers in the USA will have to demand models with fuller figures for it to happen here. Our society has become so obsessed with thinness that being slim is the only body image seen as ideal, whereas other body types, which may not be as slender or ideally proportional, are never seen as perfect in our society. Our culture has become so intrigued by the promotion of thin and sexy that the majority of women and girls in our society do not like their bodies. Not only is our culture of skinny women and perfect body image affecting people mentally, but it is affecting the health of many as well, since body image issues are likely to lead to anorexia and other eating disorders. The article says, body dissatisfaction can lead girls to participate in very unhealthy behaviors to try to control weight. One idea that struck me the most was that as a culture, we are on a first-name basis with women like Paris Hilton or Nicole Richie. The most celebrated, recognizable women today are famous primarily for being thin and pretty, while women who are actually changing the world remain comparatively invisible. Most of us have a harder time naming women of other accomplishments. The idolizing of models, stars and other celebrities is not going to change until pop culture changes the women it celebrates and focuses on. Our culture has become so celebrity and Hollywood driven that celebrities who are thin and beautiful and who don't contribute much else to society are often more well known than women who actually have significantly contributed to society. However, because some of these women are not as beautiful as Paris or Nicole, they are not displayed in the media as much as these girls. I must admit, I could probably name more celebrities than I could inspirational women who have made some contribution to humanity.
Because our society and culture expose us so much to beautiful and thin models and actresses, our culture has taken this to mean that everyone should look this way; in other words, perfect. The entertainment and fashion industry need to do a better job with displaying diversity. They need to show models and actresses of all shapes and sizes on television and in the magazines so that our society can see multiple body types and figures as beautiful. Culturally, we need to stray away from perfect appearance and focus more on true happiness. This should not include having the perfect body, as is portrayed in Hollywood. I think that this article does a good job in explaining how body image is a problem in our culture, and how this should not be ignored by the fashion and entertainment industry in America.
Nanci Hellmich's numerous articles can potentially be very helpful in my blog postings because she discusses a lot about societal issues and includes current trends and facts; however, my blog differs in the fact that I am mainly focusing on the many aspects of the entertainment industry affecting societal trends, and not just on societal issues alone. While Hellmich's audience includes many USA Today readers and those who are interested in societal problems and trends, mine will hopefully include some of the same audience, as well as those who have any interest in the entertainment industry.
(bold italics are directly taken from article)
How many of us have either tried fad diets, or have gone as far as liposuction to be as thin as Paris or Nicole? Well, USA Today reporter Nanci Hellmich discusses some of the reasons why our society is obsessed with being thin. As an experienced reporter and journalist, she has written countless articles relating to societal health issues. She is significantly popular and her many other articles can be found by doing a quick Google search on her name. Her article, Do Thin Models Warp Girls' Body Image, outlines a major reason why so many girls have body image issues. Hellmich mainly attributes these problems to the thin models and actresses in the fashion industry, and the entire entertainment industry as a whole. All women, especially young girls who are very impressionable, see thin women on television and in magazines and look at themselves as if their bodies are not ideal in our society: unnatural thinness is a terrible message to send out. The people watching the fashion shows are young, impressionable women. Furthermore, the fashion and entertainment industry have gone too far in pushing a dangerously thin image that women, even young girls, may try to emulate. This is not only unhealthy to the individuals, but also to society as a whole.
Foreign countries, such as Britain and Milan, have expressed concern in the thinness of the models, but Hellmich explains experts say consumers in the USA will have to demand models with fuller figures for it to happen here. Our society has become so obsessed with thinness that being slim is the only body image seen as ideal, whereas other body types, which may not be as slender or ideally proportional, are never seen as perfect in our society. Our culture has become so intrigued by the promotion of thin and sexy that the majority of women and girls in our society do not like their bodies. Not only is our culture of skinny women and perfect body image affecting people mentally, but it is affecting the health of many as well, since body image issues are likely to lead to anorexia and other eating disorders. The article says, body dissatisfaction can lead girls to participate in very unhealthy behaviors to try to control weight. One idea that struck me the most was that as a culture, we are on a first-name basis with women like Paris Hilton or Nicole Richie. The most celebrated, recognizable women today are famous primarily for being thin and pretty, while women who are actually changing the world remain comparatively invisible. Most of us have a harder time naming women of other accomplishments. The idolizing of models, stars and other celebrities is not going to change until pop culture changes the women it celebrates and focuses on. Our culture has become so celebrity and Hollywood driven that celebrities who are thin and beautiful and who don't contribute much else to society are often more well known than women who actually have significantly contributed to society. However, because some of these women are not as beautiful as Paris or Nicole, they are not displayed in the media as much as these girls. I must admit, I could probably name more celebrities than I could inspirational women who have made some contribution to humanity.
Because our society and culture expose us so much to beautiful and thin models and actresses, our culture has taken this to mean that everyone should look this way; in other words, perfect. The entertainment and fashion industry need to do a better job with displaying diversity. They need to show models and actresses of all shapes and sizes on television and in the magazines so that our society can see multiple body types and figures as beautiful. Culturally, we need to stray away from perfect appearance and focus more on true happiness. This should not include having the perfect body, as is portrayed in Hollywood. I think that this article does a good job in explaining how body image is a problem in our culture, and how this should not be ignored by the fashion and entertainment industry in America.
Nanci Hellmich's numerous articles can potentially be very helpful in my blog postings because she discusses a lot about societal issues and includes current trends and facts; however, my blog differs in the fact that I am mainly focusing on the many aspects of the entertainment industry affecting societal trends, and not just on societal issues alone. While Hellmich's audience includes many USA Today readers and those who are interested in societal problems and trends, mine will hopefully include some of the same audience, as well as those who have any interest in the entertainment industry.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Evaluation
The blog, "Celebrities," by Pinky Rocko is about our media's focus on celebrities and their whereabouts as opposed to other more serious subjects, such as the war in Iraq or plane crashes, which killed hundreds of people. Pinky relates to this subject just as any other person who pays attention to what is currently being talked about in the media and entertainment buzz. Pinky seems to post frequently. There seem to be new posts at least once a day, sometimes twice a day throughout this month. However, I do not think that the site has become too popular yet. It is difficult to find it on Technorati or other general searches. Pinky even mentions in one of her blogs that she has only a few regular readers.
This blog is not something that will always have subjects that relate to my field of study; however, it is clear that Pinky follows what is in the headlines and what major things are happening in the U.S. media and entertainment industry. With this in mind, I know that she will often have opinions or comments about current media events and trends, and hopefully she will continue to include her thoughts on its lack of focus on other more important topics and its irrelevancy towards reality. After reading many of Pinky's other posts, I have discovered that it is not a very scholarly or academic post, as it is more a journal of her thoughts and experiences. Some posts are detailed and others are shorter; however, very few of the posts seem to be rich in useful information. Although, the post about celebrities is one of the more detailed of her posts. I am unable to see the comments made because I think they are private, but I would think that Pinky's audience includes mainly women, seeing as many of her titles even include the word "women" in them, such as the post titled "Many American Women Prefer to be Single." Many of her subjects are also subjects in which it seems that only women would take interest. However, I feel that they are relevant to my subject because they are a significant part of societal trends as well as viewers of the entertainment industry and the media as a whole. I think that this blog might feed my work occasionally when Pinky discusses more about how celebrities are affecting our media structure, which is ultimately affecting our society. It will also help to see what trends Pinky and other women who read her blogs are currently taking part in.
My site will differ significantly from Pinky Rocko's. Pinky's site is more of a journal, which only sometimes displays posts about celebrities and current entertainment and media trends, whereas my site is focusing mainly on the entertainment industry and its correlation to society, culture, and its affect on everyone who lives in America.
(link to the Celebrity post is in my link list)
This blog is not something that will always have subjects that relate to my field of study; however, it is clear that Pinky follows what is in the headlines and what major things are happening in the U.S. media and entertainment industry. With this in mind, I know that she will often have opinions or comments about current media events and trends, and hopefully she will continue to include her thoughts on its lack of focus on other more important topics and its irrelevancy towards reality. After reading many of Pinky's other posts, I have discovered that it is not a very scholarly or academic post, as it is more a journal of her thoughts and experiences. Some posts are detailed and others are shorter; however, very few of the posts seem to be rich in useful information. Although, the post about celebrities is one of the more detailed of her posts. I am unable to see the comments made because I think they are private, but I would think that Pinky's audience includes mainly women, seeing as many of her titles even include the word "women" in them, such as the post titled "Many American Women Prefer to be Single." Many of her subjects are also subjects in which it seems that only women would take interest. However, I feel that they are relevant to my subject because they are a significant part of societal trends as well as viewers of the entertainment industry and the media as a whole. I think that this blog might feed my work occasionally when Pinky discusses more about how celebrities are affecting our media structure, which is ultimately affecting our society. It will also help to see what trends Pinky and other women who read her blogs are currently taking part in.
My site will differ significantly from Pinky Rocko's. Pinky's site is more of a journal, which only sometimes displays posts about celebrities and current entertainment and media trends, whereas my site is focusing mainly on the entertainment industry and its correlation to society, culture, and its affect on everyone who lives in America.
(link to the Celebrity post is in my link list)
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Reply to "Godfather of Domestc Violence"
(This is a repost of a comment left on a blog about celebrity power...)
Danielle, you write: "This is a strange country we live in isn't it? And for many many MANY reasons. One of the crazy aspects of our American culture is how we interpret the private lives, struggles, and criminal behavior of celebrities."
I agree with many of the things that you have to say. For example, I feel that we do sometimes look at celebrities like they are perfect; and most of the time we have never even met them in person! Like you mentioned, celebrities are almost always able to escape the law or get special treatment in many other ways as well. However, just because they are talented in certain aspects, such as in singing or acting, this does not mean that they are not flawed in many other aspects of their lives as well. Although, because all that we usually see is their talent and personalities on television and in the media, we are blinded by this and we tend to forget that just like us, they are also humans, and also make mistakes. However, they are often either not punished at all, or not punished as intensely as others who are not considered to have celebrity status when it comes to breaking the law.
You also write: "Despite [James] Brown's history of violence against women, we continue to reward the accomplishments he made to the music world. I could never doubt the power, soul, and downright badassness of James Brown, but at the same time I cannot doubt that he commited criminally violent acts against women."
You explain how James Brown treated women poorly, but is still looked to as an icon by many. You also go on to explain how this is demeaning and shows that our society does not completely value women. I feel that this makes perfect since and enforces the idea that women are still not where we should be in this society. This also continues to show how the talents of celebrities can often out shine their sometimes poor behavior and character flaws. Our society seems to forget a celebrity's criminal behavior once they come out with a successful new movie or record. And I am stunned at the guy you mentioned who went on to win an Oscar after he was charged with raping a 13-year old girl in 1977, and never even served his sentence after fleeing to France! I agree with your idea that abusing women should have consequences no matter what; no matter how talented you are. I also feel that many of these celebrities who get away with so much are setting a terrible example for the youth in this society. They are violent towards women, but are still admired and awarded, simply because they have talent.
Now don't get me wrong; I do not at all hate or dislike all celebrities. I feel that there are many out there who use their fame and fortune for good causes, which help better our society. However, I also feel that there are far too many celebrities out there who abuse their fame and power in order to escape the law or for other purposes as well.
draft
by Mervyn
4:28:00 PM
Delete
1 – 1 of 1
Danielle, you write: "This is a strange country we live in isn't it? And for many many MANY reasons. One of the crazy aspects of our American culture is how we interpret the private lives, struggles, and criminal behavior of celebrities."
I agree with many of the things that you have to say. For example, I feel that we do sometimes look at celebrities like they are perfect; and most of the time we have never even met them in person! Like you mentioned, celebrities are almost always able to escape the law or get special treatment in many other ways as well. However, just because they are talented in certain aspects, such as in singing or acting, this does not mean that they are not flawed in many other aspects of their lives as well. Although, because all that we usually see is their talent and personalities on television and in the media, we are blinded by this and we tend to forget that just like us, they are also humans, and also make mistakes. However, they are often either not punished at all, or not punished as intensely as others who are not considered to have celebrity status when it comes to breaking the law.
You also write: "Despite [James] Brown's history of violence against women, we continue to reward the accomplishments he made to the music world. I could never doubt the power, soul, and downright badassness of James Brown, but at the same time I cannot doubt that he commited criminally violent acts against women."
You explain how James Brown treated women poorly, but is still looked to as an icon by many. You also go on to explain how this is demeaning and shows that our society does not completely value women. I feel that this makes perfect since and enforces the idea that women are still not where we should be in this society. This also continues to show how the talents of celebrities can often out shine their sometimes poor behavior and character flaws. Our society seems to forget a celebrity's criminal behavior once they come out with a successful new movie or record. And I am stunned at the guy you mentioned who went on to win an Oscar after he was charged with raping a 13-year old girl in 1977, and never even served his sentence after fleeing to France! I agree with your idea that abusing women should have consequences no matter what; no matter how talented you are. I also feel that many of these celebrities who get away with so much are setting a terrible example for the youth in this society. They are violent towards women, but are still admired and awarded, simply because they have talent.
Now don't get me wrong; I do not at all hate or dislike all celebrities. I feel that there are many out there who use their fame and fortune for good causes, which help better our society. However, I also feel that there are far too many celebrities out there who abuse their fame and power in order to escape the law or for other purposes as well.
draft
by Mervyn
4:28:00 PM
Delete
1 – 1 of 1
Monday, January 15, 2007
The Entertainment Industry's Effect On Society (3)
How many people do you know who have favorite celebrities and look for them in magazines or movies to see what the next hair or fashion trend is? I must admit, I also often look in celebrity magazines to see what the stars are up to and to scope out the "hot" new trends. However, this has brought me to the realization that the entertainment industry is constantly changing our perceptions of who we are and is highly responsible for our changing cultural trends. People look at celebrities and completely change their own views and ideals in order to match what they see as perfection. Why is it that many people cannot see an average middle class family as ideal? People want more money, the ideal career, and a Range Rover. The simple things are becoming less and less appreciated as people look to those people with more wealth to see how they are living in comparison to their own lives. People want something more, something bigger. The media and the entertainment industry are constantly in view and have a huge impact on our societal trends. These aspects of the entertainment industry in our society remind us of how the rich and the famous live. We cannot escape the magazine covers, constant advertisements, or the entire entertainment industry in general. All aspects of the entertainment industry overwhelm our society and are highly responsible for our changing perceptions and trends.
For example, there are numerous television shows which make many look at their own lives, causing them to suddenly want something different. Television shows such as "Top Model" and "The Fabulous Life Of..." are perfect examples. "Top Model" displays tall, thin, beautiful girls as the ideal "top model." This makes many young girls wish to be thinner with perfect bodies and untouchable beauty. Their own image of themselves becomes distorted as they see what is considered as beautiful in our society. "The Fabulous Life Of..." shows celebrity lives, including the places they go, their extravagant homes, and over the top vacations, which are out of reach for many who are not fortunate enough to make millions. This show makes families and people of lower economic status feel as if their lives and the things that they do for fun or for pleasure suddenly aren't as good as the many celebrities who can afford to do whatever they desire.
Divorce is also much more common in our society, and it is no surprise that this trend is seen with celebrity couples. Celebrities are getting divorces almost everyday. It now seems that divorce is expected with those couples who are in the media. Because these divorces are publicized as normal, and even sometimes as a good thing, this has allowed our society to look at divorce and view it with less and less significance. There is hardly any negativity carried along with divorce anymore. Marriage seems to have become the trial run as opposed to dating. Celebrity couples have created a divorce trend, and in turn, have created the meaning of divorce to not really have much meaning anymore. Divorce is now looked to as extremely common, which is another example of how celebrities and the industry are changing our own perceptions.
Cosmetic surgery has also swept through our society and is becoming increasingly common as people want to look like their favorite celebrity and be more beautiful. Television shows, such as "I Want a Famous Face," "Extreme Makeover," and "Dr. 90210," make plastic surgery seem almost as if it is "the thing to do." "I Want a Famous Face" takes mainly teens and tries to transform them into looking like a certain celebrity by giving them multiple cosmetic surgery procedures. This is absolutely ridiculous. This sends out a message that a person's own identity is not good enough. "Extreme Makeover" and "Dr. 90210" make plastic surgery seem like simple procedures and send out the message that a person should get plastic surgery if they do not feel that they have the perfect body. Things seem as if there is no excuse not to have the perfect look, since there is the option of plastic surgery. Celebrities are also getting plastic surgery to better their appearance, most of the time because they think that it will help their career. This trend makes it even harder on our society, making it seem as if a person must be perfect to be successful in this business. This has changed many people into constantly thinking that they are not good enough or good looking enough, which then causes lack of self-fulfillment.
Although I do feel that the entertainment industry has negatively affected the minds of people in society, I do not believe that the entertainment industry is bad. I just think that many aspects of this industry, such as those mentioned above, need to be recognized and changed somehow so that our minds are not clouded with this idea of celebrity perfection. Self-fulfillment and confidence are key ingredients for true happiness, but these ingredients are becoming hard to obtain. The media and entertainment industry are constantly sending out messages of what perfection is, making it difficult for some to be happy and content with the way they are. Why do we look to celebrities and the media for guidelines as to what should make a person happy when we should be happy with what we already have? Yes, it is good to want more and strive for higher goals; however, until a person reaches that state, it is important for them to be content with where they are, no matter the way they look, or the amount of money they make. I want our society to stop looking to television shows, movies, and celebrities for what the "perfect" or "ideal" life is. Studying this topic over the next few months will help me to understand what creates this obsession with the entertainment industry and all of its components, which could further help myself and others to know how this might be changed. Looking to the entertainment industry for just that, entertainment, and not as the guide to a perfect life, will help many to be more satisfied and happier with who they are. The entertainment industry will always have an effect on societal trends; however, we need to work towards the idea of these effects being positive on society. Transforming models and actors into more average looking people would be a huge start; although, it will take a tremendous amount of societal change, as well as a change from huge corporations, which is not an easy task. With more people expressing concern over the negative images that the entertainment industry is creating, there will only be an increased chance that things might change for the better.
For example, there are numerous television shows which make many look at their own lives, causing them to suddenly want something different. Television shows such as "Top Model" and "The Fabulous Life Of..." are perfect examples. "Top Model" displays tall, thin, beautiful girls as the ideal "top model." This makes many young girls wish to be thinner with perfect bodies and untouchable beauty. Their own image of themselves becomes distorted as they see what is considered as beautiful in our society. "The Fabulous Life Of..." shows celebrity lives, including the places they go, their extravagant homes, and over the top vacations, which are out of reach for many who are not fortunate enough to make millions. This show makes families and people of lower economic status feel as if their lives and the things that they do for fun or for pleasure suddenly aren't as good as the many celebrities who can afford to do whatever they desire.
Divorce is also much more common in our society, and it is no surprise that this trend is seen with celebrity couples. Celebrities are getting divorces almost everyday. It now seems that divorce is expected with those couples who are in the media. Because these divorces are publicized as normal, and even sometimes as a good thing, this has allowed our society to look at divorce and view it with less and less significance. There is hardly any negativity carried along with divorce anymore. Marriage seems to have become the trial run as opposed to dating. Celebrity couples have created a divorce trend, and in turn, have created the meaning of divorce to not really have much meaning anymore. Divorce is now looked to as extremely common, which is another example of how celebrities and the industry are changing our own perceptions.
Cosmetic surgery has also swept through our society and is becoming increasingly common as people want to look like their favorite celebrity and be more beautiful. Television shows, such as "I Want a Famous Face," "Extreme Makeover," and "Dr. 90210," make plastic surgery seem almost as if it is "the thing to do." "I Want a Famous Face" takes mainly teens and tries to transform them into looking like a certain celebrity by giving them multiple cosmetic surgery procedures. This is absolutely ridiculous. This sends out a message that a person's own identity is not good enough. "Extreme Makeover" and "Dr. 90210" make plastic surgery seem like simple procedures and send out the message that a person should get plastic surgery if they do not feel that they have the perfect body. Things seem as if there is no excuse not to have the perfect look, since there is the option of plastic surgery. Celebrities are also getting plastic surgery to better their appearance, most of the time because they think that it will help their career. This trend makes it even harder on our society, making it seem as if a person must be perfect to be successful in this business. This has changed many people into constantly thinking that they are not good enough or good looking enough, which then causes lack of self-fulfillment.
Although I do feel that the entertainment industry has negatively affected the minds of people in society, I do not believe that the entertainment industry is bad. I just think that many aspects of this industry, such as those mentioned above, need to be recognized and changed somehow so that our minds are not clouded with this idea of celebrity perfection. Self-fulfillment and confidence are key ingredients for true happiness, but these ingredients are becoming hard to obtain. The media and entertainment industry are constantly sending out messages of what perfection is, making it difficult for some to be happy and content with the way they are. Why do we look to celebrities and the media for guidelines as to what should make a person happy when we should be happy with what we already have? Yes, it is good to want more and strive for higher goals; however, until a person reaches that state, it is important for them to be content with where they are, no matter the way they look, or the amount of money they make. I want our society to stop looking to television shows, movies, and celebrities for what the "perfect" or "ideal" life is. Studying this topic over the next few months will help me to understand what creates this obsession with the entertainment industry and all of its components, which could further help myself and others to know how this might be changed. Looking to the entertainment industry for just that, entertainment, and not as the guide to a perfect life, will help many to be more satisfied and happier with who they are. The entertainment industry will always have an effect on societal trends; however, we need to work towards the idea of these effects being positive on society. Transforming models and actors into more average looking people would be a huge start; although, it will take a tremendous amount of societal change, as well as a change from huge corporations, which is not an easy task. With more people expressing concern over the negative images that the entertainment industry is creating, there will only be an increased chance that things might change for the better.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
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