by Paul Herbig

Created on: May 15, 2009   Last Updated: May 22, 2009

Celebrity non sweethearts:

Celebrities have gained deity perspective in many minds. More than ever before, Americans are celebrity smitten, if not obsessed. Some psychologists claim Americans need celebrities as much as food, water and shelter. We need them to feel connected. Some estimates are that one in three people are moderate to advanced celebrity worshipers. Whether the paparazzi follow celebrities because the public demands news of the stars or the celebrities and their pr machines broadcast news because they believe the public should be interested, the situation is not healthy.

It is the epitome of the infamous Fifteen Minutes of Fame. Celebrities are made every day. A man in California suspected of killing his wife; smart after her kidnapping. Woman US soldier captured.What happened to the hundreds of Americans killed in Iraq, why aren't they celebrities; they gave the ultimate sacrifice, their life. Why was she chosen?) If they aren't appearing, they are being invented (American Idol? Bachelor/Bachelorette, Survivor) Michael Jackson's arrest lit the headlines for weeks, even to the point of downplaying Iran's massive earthquake that killed tens of thousands. Kobe Bryant occupied the news for weeks during Summer 03 for a rape accusations (how many real rapes occur daily, what makes him special?) News networks placed this situation on part with the Iraqi war.

Oprah Winfrey tells America what books to read. Celebrities sponsor every product imaginable. What makes them an expert? Why should we buy a certain pair of shoes or apparel just because a celebrity says we should? Hugh Hefner eating a Carl's Jr. hamburger is meant to bring throngs to the fast-food chain because Hugh supposedly eats there and says they should? Hollywood Celebrities make headlines by their political actions and comments: what makes them political experts? Why should Americans care what Jane Fonda has to say?

The ultimate in hubris was when Ben Affleck made his if Bush gets elected I am out of here comment during the 2000 election. Did he really expect Americans to vote against Bush because they did not want to see him leave? He might be an excellent actor but as a knowledgeable political figure he is not credible. Finally there are those inane television shows whose very essence consists of celebrities and their status: Celebrity Poker, Donald Trump interviews, and made for TV movies about celebrities. Celebrity-Magazines fill the grocery next to check-out; does

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