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Celebrity and spectacle have always been a useful tool in placating the masses. From Caesar and the arena in Rome, to the synchronized displays of military might in the early 20th century; celebrity has been used to bring the people together. Our culture is no different.

Today's society does allow us one distinct freedom not known by people in the past. For the most part, celebrity was placed in front of the people, giving them little choice, but to accept it. Now, we have the ability to create and destroy the celebrity status of someone almost at will.

With the abundance of technology at our fingertips, we have a multitude of channels through which we can communicate. Information can be obtained instantly, giving each individual a choice of topics and people; from which a unique view or opinion can be formed and expressed.

The news of a single person's opinion or action can be spread throughout society at lightening speed, changing or reinforcing the public's view of a celebrity. The access to knowledge has also given us the ability to see celebrities outside of the limelight. This has, in turn, expanded the realm of celebrity.

Today anyone has the capability to be noticed by the public for any number of things; bringing them a form of celebrity status. The public has the ability to ignore somebody by simply not paying attention; effectively destroying their celebrity status. This has never happened in a previous civilization, anywhere.

It is true that in the past, celebrity has had a profound effect on the lower classes. But our society is special, as hesitant as we are to accept it; our lower classes have the control. We have the effect on celebrity, not the other way around.

Learn more about this author, Robert Terrill.
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