A Perspective on Celebrity

While I was not one of the people caught up in the 3 hour  “Balloon Boy” drama that played out on live TV last week — I did however, (like many of you) have an uneasy feeling as I watched the evening report and interview with the child’s father.  I believe the words I used were “hmmm, something about that story just doesn’t add up”.  I also tried to tuck my suspicion away – wanting to believe the best in people – but reserving the right to be disappointed in humanity.  I think we all know what happened next.

As with most things, it got me thinking.

My first instinct was to deny this Colorado family the extra “press” – and not mention it in my column.  But the more I thought about it – the more I couldn’t hold back.

How is it that we have created a society where being famous is more important than doing something truly “news worthy”?  How is it that “news worthy” no longer has any relationship to worth or value?  What does it say about our lives when only the most shocking and horrible plight of human beings can entertain us?

I have never been a fan of “reality TV”.  Never.  I am the person at the dinner party who can’t name the latest contestant on American Idol and had no idea who John and Kate were until their divorce drama became headline “news”.

So, as the story of the “Balloon Boy Hoax” began to unfold – uncovering the details of an elaborate publicity stunt – I was sad, but not shocked.  I was, however, shocked by the horror and dismay of the public and media.

“How could this father involve his child in such a thing?”  “Why would parents teach their child that being famous and on TV is more important that being honest and accomplishing something?”

While it may be fashionable to condemn this family – perhaps it is an opportunity for some self-reflection.

We, as a culture have come to celebrate fame and fortune above all else.  It seems we no longer honor the value of a honed craft or a job well done and longer appreciate the character built from hard work and accomplishment.  We have become a society of entitlement.  It shows on Wall Street, Main Street and Sesame Street.  It used to be – when you asked a child what they wanted to be when they grew up – you’d hear: “doctor”, “lawyer”, “teacher”, “policeman”, and so on.  Now, the over whelming answer is “rich” or “famous.” We have taught this to our children and reinforced it with our actions.

While I am not rich, or famous – I have had the unique opportunity to work for a singer (Linda Ronstadt) who undeniably falls into both categories.  I learned a lot from experiencing — first-hand — the enormous price that comes with those labels and it’s not as glamorous as it appears.  Perhaps the greatest lesson from my close proximity to “celebrity” was the gift of perspective.  It was handed to me in one single moment – and it made an lasting impression.

During a press junket for an album release – I watched my boss as she sat through several 8-hour days of grueling interviews with media.  Each reporter had 15 minutes to file through as if on a conveyer belt in a factory.  For the most part, they all asked the same questions and got the same answers….except one.

“Do you appreciate the fact that fame has allowed you to share your gift of singing?” the reporter asked.

I’ll never forget the look on her face when she replied: “I became famous because I was a singer…I never sang to become famous.”

I always respected her for knowing the difference.