Day 226 -- Juxtaposing Fandom and Fame

I've often pondered the phenomenon of over-the-top fandom. I suspect some aspect of this has been around since -- well --  forever. The explosion of communication technologies coupled with the massive capitalism of the music, film and television industries seem to have led to an explosion of obsessive behaviours. Concerns have been expressed for decades that individuals may find it difficult to separate reality from fantasy. There has been a refusal by many to accept that what we see in televised, print and electronic media is based on profit generation and is often not bound by any semblance of truthfulness. This belief that what the mass media push at viewers and readers accurately reflects the non-mediated world is a fallacy; yet, people -- of all ages -- who spend excessive time with such media have shown increased levels of such beliefs. This has led to the simplistic solution of separating from the media involved, but this is unlikely to change situations. We cannot disconnect with the mass marketing machine. Turn off the TV, but movies, programs and music videos are available elsewhere. Remove the gossip magazines, but this, too, is available elsewhere. If one family manages to shut down the TV or video games or DVD player, children and youth (and adults <smile>) will be exposed to those messages by peers who have seen messages the family has missed. It is somewhat insidious by nature. It reminds me of an old Calvin and Hobbes cartoon that (paraphrasing here) has Calvin realizing he has been playing outside longer than he'd expected and missed a couple of favourite television programs. His concern was that he would now be ignorant of countless cultural references. A major conundrum if there ever were one.

Now, I don't mean that being a fan of a pop star, actor, TV series or author is entirely bad. I have many favourites and have even met some of them as an adult -- and a couple TV stars when I was a kid. Difficulties arise when one believes the character played is the real person. This has to create difficulties with those who are the objects of this attention. To not be seen as a person, but as a character or a fantasy developed by someone, must bring some negative feelings -- that sort of thing that we all pack away in our virtual baggage.

Today I've chosen 2 songs to share. Each speaks to the nature of fame in a market driven entertainment profession. The first is written and sung by a '60s rock musician and shows the trepidation involved with mounting another tour. The second has lyrics written by an actor of stage, screen and television with music composed by a country star. This one is an odd pairing -- the country star sings and the actor speaks the words, but it does work. <smile>  And after all,  it is the words that I feel fit today's topic. Enjoy!

Tender Is -- Peter Tork

Real -- by William Shatner with Brad Paisley