M-13 - Fame -- good or bad?

[Marina]

Fame, fame, fame. Everyone wants or has wanted world wide fame at some time in their lives. Personally, I'm hoping that some of my friends will become famous; a few I'm practically certain they would be famous-either nationwide or worldwide. Many wishers for fame have been disappointed when they found they didn't have the right sh*t to become a celeb. So instead, we look at celebrities like Meryl Streep and seeth at their...their...right to be famous. But is it really all peaches and cream?
Think of the papparazzi following you every second of the day-and every nanosecond too! ;) The world has billions of eyes on you-and every inch of your body. One wrong move and kaboom you're out! Sometimes, somehow people get their hands on porno of you as well.
Peer pressure only in kids? Oh come on. You say that if you're famous, you'd never strip-oh my gosh no way! :td: But think a bit: you'd soon realize that all the celebs seem to be stripping-which of course not all are. I can't really imagine the cute little famed kiddies doing that! ;) Eventually you'd probably find yourself telling a close friend (probably the oppposite gender ;) :D ;)) that you "stripped for every lonely slob" (er, that was taken from the song In L.A. in the musical Fame.) I'm a musical addict and proud of it! :lol: So, as I said earlier, is having fame really peaches and cream?
Please post your opinions on fame-hood here, and if you would like, give an opinion also on the following questions:

1. Is there a real difference between celebrity and fame? (no jokes about Gilderoy Lockhart please. Thanks!)
2. Would it be any better being nationwide famous than worldwide?
3. Following up the last question, would it be any different? If yes, how?
4. For anyone in the know, how likely is it you can become famous? Is the fraction any bigger or smaller for nationwide? How about worldwide?

Following up my last question (no. 4), I think it's 1/500 for world wide fame. If so, my goodness. Only about one out of the 950 at my school this year may become famous. :wow: That pretty much rules out the hope that all the people I know whom I hope may become famous world/nation wide :upset: Maybe Catherine was right: she probably won't become famous.
Wow, what an opinion I got here! Well, share your opinions at this thread, and read other people's carefully to make sure you haven't missed anything you might agree or disagree with, and don't flame or anything extreme, because of course the mods will be after your butt! Over and out :)

[Wab]

Well, there are a few different sorts of fame:

Earned: through endeavour in a particular field (arts, sport, politics, business) you become famous with degrees within that field (a household name in a "minor" sport like lawn bowls would be less well-known than a Pele);

Unearned: famous by association (a nobody who just happens to be dating a superstar, for example), or luck;

Unwanted: a victim of a notorious crime; and

Undeserved: people of no discernable talent appearing on reality shows for their "15 minutes of fame".

All, with the exception of earned fame, are fleeting as the public interest is a fickle beast and if a famous person doesn't do anything interesting to maintain interest they quickly fade from sight. Enduring fame comes from having a solid body of achievements.

As for celebrities who complain about the nosy public, it's the nosy public that accounts for their income. If it's such a strain they could always get a proper job.

[Ellesse]

I would love to be famous!
It annoys me when celebrities talk about how hard it is to be famous. "Oh poor little me! I never have an ounce of privacy." What do they expect? Besides they are always happy to let OK magazine come into their homes when it suits them.
If the paparazi get pics of you sunbathing topless... take it with a pinch of salt. Just so long as your parents don't see because that is just worse than death.
Ok. Rant over. :rotfl:

[J3_]

I'd love it.

I would even love to play with the media.

But I would probaby end up with millions of people thinking I'm absolutely loony-crazy, coz I have a very strange sense of humour. I learn from the master, hehe.

I would probably do some crazy stuff like... Pose like I'm sleeping in an oxygen tank and get someone to spread the photo, because I'd think it extremely funny to see all the stories written about it, see all their 'sources' at work, and find out about all thier 'exclusives'.

But I'd also love it because... I love making people happy... And I could so easily make someone SO happy by simply saying hello, or writing my name for them.

I think I might become famous one day, I already have an agent and I'm really ambitious. But I suppose, so are lots of others, but hey, I can dream.

I wouldn't be one of the famous people who invite magz like Vanity Fair etc into thier giant mansions filled with pricelessa antiquities and whinge about how horrible it is to be famous...

If the pappz want thier scoop, let them have it, I'd say. Next time I had an interview I'd just laugh and clear it all up... And if people still hated me flr no reason, or thought I was a crazy biatch (As definately happens to every celebrity. Except maybe Shania Twain, I don't know anybody who hates her), oh well. I don't even know them, why would I care?

Also, if I had millions of dollars, I'd donate most of it to various charities, I really would. And if you're a celebrity, there is a much bigger chance of meeting other celebrities.

Of course, I'd want my fame to be for something I do, and I do it well. Like acting, or singing. Not like Paris Hilton, for being a millionaire. But DAMB that woman has an easy life.

Ahh, this thread got me dreaming...

_J

[hermy_weasley2]

I don't want to be famous, but I want to do some things in my life that will probably make me famous. Whether or not I'll actually do them is a mystery. I don't think I would notice if I was famous. Seriously...

Famous people who are famous because they just happened to be born famous have it worst if they don't like being famous. They've never had a "non-famous" life. It's the same with "non-famous" people who want to be famous.the grass is always green on the other side, I guess.

The people who make themselves famous have themselves to blame if they don't like it.That may sound harsh, but it's true.I think the idea that it's hard to be famous is common knowledge now, and it probably was at whatever point in time they decided to make themselves famous,

[rotsiepots]

I've become quite well-known in my local area, simply because of where I work. I absolutely loathe going to the local shops because there's always someone there who "knows" me and wants to have a chat. These experiences have convinced me that fame is absolutely NOT for me.

1. Is there a real difference between celebrity and fame? (no jokes about Gilderoy Lockhart please. Thanks!)

Yes. Celebrities are, of course, always famous but someone who has fame is not always a celebrity. For example, I wouldn't consider Stephen Hawkins a celebrity but he is famous. Perhaps not the best example, but the general gist is there.

2. Would it be any better being nationwide famous than worldwide?

Neither. If I had to pick one I'd go with nationwide, but only very grudgingly.

3. Following up the last question, would it be any different? If yes, how?

If you were only nationally famous you could escape to anonymity in another country. If you were famous worldwide there wouldn't be anywhere for you to hide.

4. For anyone in the know, how likely is it you can become famous? Is the fraction any bigger or smaller for nationwide? How about worldwide?

Let's say there are about 1 000 exceptionally well-known people.

Your chances, therefore are about 1 000 / 7 000 000 000.

[Doggy]

I used to think that I'd love to be famous, and get attention and everything. But then I went on a holiday last summer, to this real tourist place, and I couldn't walk anywhere without people calling to me, and trying to get me to go to their shop/restaurant etc, trying to start a conversation. And it really was annoying after a while. It has to be really annoying to be famous, getting that the whole time.

But if I could choose a summer of fame, I think it'd be fun, as long as everyone forgot me afterwards.

[Weatherby]

1.Is there a real difference between celebrity and fame? (no jokes about Gilderoy Lockhart please. Thanks!) Yes of course. There's notoriety and entertainers. There's another distincition between artists and "entertainers". You can be in the biz and not be famous and you can be famous for something completely unrelated such as crime. You're still famous..

2. Would it be any better being nationwide famous than worldwide? I think it depends on what you were famous for not where you were famous.
I'd rather be an unknown than be famous for being a murder victim.

3. Following up the last question, would it be any different? If yes, how?
Well, I suppose it would. You could hop away to another country if you were sick of being hounded by the local media.

4. For anyone in the know, how likely is it you can become famous? Is the fraction any bigger or smaller for nationwide? How about worldwide?
I suppose it would be likely if I ever achieved my dreams of being an actress and writer. But I'm more interested in creating art than being Ben Affleck. It's disgusting when someone stops relating to society that they claim they deserve $30 million because they don't like being on a sidewalk by people. That's so ridiclious and egotisitical.

[Loz]

1. Is there a real difference between celebrity and fame? (no jokes about Gilderoy Lockhart please. Thanks!)

Yes.

2. Would it be any better being nationwide famous than worldwide?

I'm inclined to think it's somewhat impossible in this Internet day and age.


3. Following up the last question, would it be any different? If yes, how?

Let's say that instead of being Nationwide famous you're cultist famous - i.e, you have your hardcore fans who know "everything" about you, but you're not really a household name. I think that's better. You still have fans, but you can have an ordinary life. I'm a fan of a couple actors that way. They're not hugely known, but they are known by a few people worldwide. That fanbase is a cute little community.

4. For anyone in the know, how likely is it you can become famous? Is the fraction any bigger or smaller for nationwide? How about worldwide?

I already am famous ;).

[FoolOnTheHill]

1. Is there a real difference between celebrity and fame? (no jokes about Gilderoy Lockhart please. Thanks!)

Yep. It's been covered pretty well already. I wouldn't call Bill Gates a celebrity...

2. Would it be any better being nationwide famous than worldwide?

Um... Not really. If I was famous in this country, the US... well that's huge. If everyone in America knows me why stop there.


3. Following up the last question, would it be any different? If yes, how?

I guess it would be. I guess if someone is world famous they probably have wider appeal... or something. I don't know.

4. For anyone in the know, how likely is it you can become famous? Is the fraction any bigger or smaller for nationwide? How about worldwide?

Not very likely at all. I've known of several people from my city/high school/rival high school to become very famous, but you have to try hard. Or have luck, be it good or bad.

In conclusion, I hope I don't become famous. Well no, I'd love to make movies or something and have everyone love them, but I'd hope that I'd be known for my name and my work rather than my face.

[Picko]

1. Is there a real difference between celebrity and fame?
As everyone else has said yes, I won't bore you with the details.

2. Would it be any better being nationwide famous than worldwide?
Hard to tell, I'd say yes because if you were hugely famous then I suspect it wouldn't be bad to get away from it all in some place where nobody knows who you are.

3. Following up the last question, would it be any different? If yes, how?
A little more privacy although to an extent I don't think it would be possible in some countries for instance the US which has so much influence worldwide. If you are famous there you are practically famous everywhere.

4. For anyone in the know, how likely is it you can become famous? Is the fraction any bigger or smaller for nationwide? How about worldwide?
I'm gunning for a future in politics so if I'm successful I'll be famous. The odds on me being successful however are unknown :)

[Marina]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/showbiz/3173536.stm I hope this link works! In case, I got the story below. Another reason why not to have fame-obsessed fan city! I'd NEVER do that to any of my friends if they become famous themselves! Just wait and see! By the way, the photo in my siggie is from the Fame website on http://www.kavanagh.school.nz Just clik on KTVN, then click on the 'musicals' link, and finally 'Fame'! It's great, but not as good as the other two: West Side Story and Jesus Christ Superstar. :) :angel: :) :angel
Anyway, here's the news about Brit's obsessed fan:

A Japanese businessman has been ordered to stay away from Britney Spears for three years after a judge ruled he was "abnormally obsessed" with her.


Spears won a restraining order to keep Masahiko Shizawa, 41, a distance of at least 300 yards (274 metres).

Despite sending hundreds of letters and photos to her home, he denied stalking her and said he was just an avid fan.

But Superior Court Judge Alan Haber said there was an "obvious pattern of harassment and emotional harm done".

Spears, 21, sought a restraining order against the man in December 2002, saying he tried to contact her at two of her homes and that of her parents.

He also allegedly sent photos of himself and notes saying "I'm chasing you".

'In love'

Mr Shizawa returned to Japan when his visa expired in December but wanted to resolve the issue so he could eventually return to the United States.

His lawyer had argued that Mr Shizawa, a computer programmer and inventor, was harmless and the confusion arose from a cultural misunderstanding.

Simon Robert Hiller said his client was a law-abiding citizen but was "in love" with Spears. Meanwhile, the wife of the governor of Maryland, Kendel Ehrlich, has said her comments about wanting to shoot pop star Spears were an "inadvertent figure of speech".

[Tane]

1. Is there a real difference between celebrity and fame? (no jokes about Gilderoy Lockhart please. Thanks!)

Someone like Richard Branson is famous but not a celebrity because he does not entertain me the slightest but I think this has been covered in previous posts.

2/3. Would it be any better being nationwide famous than worldwide?

That depends upon how you look at it, in terms of finance yes it would be better being worldwide famous but in terms of privacy, no. Personally I would never want to become famous, as I prefer my privacy to anything else in this world.

[Cynognathus]

I've never wanted to be famous, especially as I used to go to school with someone famous. Believe me, no one envied her for not being able to quit her house without a bodyguard.

I guess that it has never been more simple to become famous. All you have to do is participate in some casting or reality show and a whole nation will love or hate you... for a couple of months. (And a year later, you are seeing a psychologist, because you can't live with the fact that everyone has forgotten you)
Or maybe, friends of yours think that it would be fun to publish a homemade video of you on the internet, it becomes cult and people around the world will make fuin of you.

Finally, I don't see why being famous in one nation only should be impossible nowadays. People become famous because they are mentioned in the media. All countries have their own TV chanels, newspapers, radio stations etc, that are barely consumed abroad. I live less than 50 km from the Czech border, and I wouldn't be able to name one single Czech celebrity anyway, but I'm sure anyone who lives in that country would be able to name dozens.

[OrbitingElle]

For anyone in the know, how likely is it you can become famous?

Of course, there is always SOME chance that if you try, you can make it as an actor or singer, but it's very small. The percentage of people in the world that are famous is probably less than 1% of 1%.

So when your child says to you that they want to be an actor or a rock star, are you being wise or just mean if you tell them they can't?

[HollywoodBob]

So when your child says to you that they want to be an actor or a rock star, are you being wise or just mean if you tell them they can't?The best thing to tell them is if they have the talent and the drive then it's a possibility, but that they shouldn't rely on it for their future. As you said the chances are small, but that's no reason to tell them they shouldn't try. I think as long as they don't neglect their studies because they think they'll just grow up to be an actor or a rocker, then they have every right to pursue those careers.

Except for a lucky few, fame is fleeting, it's a good idea to have something to fall back on, or else you'll end up 15 years down the road on celebrity boxing getting a beating from Webster. :D

-HollywoodBob

[OrbitingElle]

Except for a lucky few, fame is fleeting, it's a good idea to have something to fall back on, or else you'll end up 15 years down the road on celebrity boxing getting a beating from Webster. :D

-HollywoodBob

Speaking of Webster, I just have to bring up "The Surreal Life." Did you guys see the episode where all the washed-up's went to work at a restaurant for Gary Coleman and he acted like a drill sergent? He got fed up and walked out, and Vanille Ice was telling everyone to let him leave. He kept saying things like, "Let him go! This is so cheesy. Dude, he's GARY COLEMAN." And all I kept thinking was, "Dude, YOU'RE VANILLA ICE!"

Fame could be called a bad thing stricty based on the fact that that show exists!

[DsX Phoenix]

So when your child says to you that they want to be an actor or a rock star, are you being wise or just mean if you tell them they can't?

I think you should explain how hard it is to become a famous actor or rock star, but completely encourage them to pursue goals in their respective interests (like, if someone's really into playing music, and they want to be a rock star, show them that there's other careers dealing with music other than just being a rock star).

Being famous isn't necessarily succeeding in these professions; if a person really enjoys acting, then have a sub-par career could be made up by the fact that the person truly enjoys their career. That is the most important part, afterall...

[daniel4hp]

So when your child says to you that they want to be an actor or a rock star, are you being wise or just mean if you tell them they can't?
If that's what they want to do, never tell them they can't, because it's just not true. There are people who become actors and rock stars, so it obviously can happen. A parent should be honest with their kid and tell them that it isn't likely, but should also make it clear that if they try hard enough, there is a change it will happen.

Of course, they must also pursue their academic studies and major in something in university that will allow them to have a career if their dream doesn't come true. Suggesting other related options that would make use of their interests while being easier to accomplish might be a good idea too. But I think its wrong to tell them they can't, because there is a chance, even if its very small, that it will happen as long as they try hard.


As for how likely someone is to become famous, it all depends on what you go into. Someone who goes into acting has a higher likely hood (although still very small) than someone who chooses to become a teacher. So, although the number of famous people is very small, if you go into the right career, the liklihood does go up quite a bit, even if it remains low.

[Picko]

Some of you seem to think that a child's mentality remains static. This of course is not the case. Over time a childs dreams and desires are going to change - it isn't uncommon for this to happen weekly.

Due to this there really is no need to explain how hard it is to become famous to a child. Over time that becomes obvious and it's quite healthy for children to have dreams. Explaining to them that their dreams are unlikely to occur unless they were blessed with a particular genetic code is really going to help them :rolleyes:

[mirandam]

You should encourage a child in every way that you can, but you also have to let them know that some things may not happen for them. If they know up front that it is hard and they may not make it, the fall doesn't seem to be as far. Not that it won't hurt anyways.
I think fame is okay if you are the kind of person who doesn't mind everyone knowing your every move, or every mistake you have ever made in your life. If I had to be famous I would rather not be worldwide. Everyone needs someplace to hide for some time of privacy. If you are worldwide, everyplace you go someone will know you. Me, I would definately get in trouble if I was famous. You want something for your rag mag, how about this. I guess I would just love to play games with them about whatever I could.

[DsX Phoenix]

Some of you seem to think that a child's mentality remains static. This of course is not the case. Over time a childs dreams and desires are going to change - it isn't uncommon for this to happen weekly.

Due to this there really is no need to explain how hard it is to become famous to a child. Over time that becomes obvious and it's quite healthy for children to have dreams. Explaining to them that their dreams are unlikely to occur unless they were blessed with a particular genetic code is really going to help them :rolleyes:

Yes. I wasn't referring to children who are five and six, I was more referring to young teens, who are starting to make real plans regarding their futures. I think the only career advice you should give a 5 year old, at all, is "You can be whatever you want to be, but you have to work extremely hard at it."