Brain space for the famous

There are multiple contextual situations and technological implications that must be considered in order to provide an accurate analysis of the almighty celebrity. What has occurred to me whilst writing on this very pervasive medium is that the concept of celebrity is indeed one that is constantly shifting, and one that often escapes definition of even the most up-to-date essays and analysis. Although there are similarities and constants of being a celebrity it ultimately victim to external cultures and is in many respects susceptible to the pressures of time. It is tempting to assess culture within this current time, to cut a cross section of the 21st century celebrity. But in order to properly gauge how culture is ultimately manipulated it should be contextualised not simply within our own era, but with those of the past too.


Within this area of discussion I think there are perhaps two influences that are worth discussion, that is technology and the notion of technological determinism and the increasing ease of 'becoming' a celebrity. In a world where Big Brother contestants become the focal points of our living rooms, or one where people can become famous from Youtube (lonelygirl) or other internet phenomena (oneredpaperclip) without bringing a unique talent or personality to the table balances out the top-down allocation of celebrity and fame where it was largely determined by who big media conglomerates cast in their movies or gave record deals to.

Tying in to technological advancement which influences so many aspects of commodity and consumer culture (note. paparazzi culture) is the increasingly globalised world in which we live. No longer are household names restricted to exposure on traditional media, but increasingly celebrity are defined by a more democratic choice (although this is not always the best thing).

The celebrity is no longer tied down exclusively to the entertainment industry, thus diversifying the definition and the ease of 'becoming'. Yet simultaneously, for anyone to join the ranks of those seen as celebrities (be they A-grade, B-grade or C-grade) they must increasingly invert their private spheres and insert it into the general public sphere. They must subject themselves to the scrutinizing of the public's eyes embodied by the paparazzi (and increasingly the ever-present, ever-annoying camera phone). Although becoming a celebrity is far more accessible, the catch 22 of the lifestyle is increasingly pervasive.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/web/eltons-war-on-the-web/2007/08/02/1185648044623.html