Rising and falling stars
Like all things contrived, the flaws and imperfections soon begin to show.
The budding movie novice or TV star receives a physical makeover — voice, speech, dance, fencing, drama lessons. A stylist for fashion is part of the team. The goal is a gradual transformation from ugly awkward duckling to graceful swan.
In the public arena, a star is a mirage with mass media appeal. He/she projects illusions to captivate fans. A combination of strength and dynamism tempered by appealing vulnerability to elicit sympathy and evoke a sense of identification from the audience.
Like all things contrived, the flaws and imperfections soon begin to show. Celebrity comes with a price tag.
Afflicted victims exhibit bizarre behavior. Symptoms of IDS have several grades — mild, poor, severe, hopeless, or incurable. High egotistical fever — “I me, myself,” tantrums, delusion, hallucinations, illusions of grandeur, convenient amnesia, conspicuous consumption, compulsive shopping and rampant binges, edifice complex, extreme attention-getting behavior, hysteria, narcissism, and temporary insanity.
Unfortunately, there is known antidote to IDS.
Bu the disease goes away in time. When the falling star drops back to earth. The klieg lights dim. The applause fades. The curtains fall.
The stage is cleared of debris. The backdrop and lights are reset. The curtains rise again — for the entrance of a new star.
The heavenly firmament is filled with stars, suns, constellations, moons, and planets. On earth, we have an equivalent “sky” that is occupied by the “stars” of business, politics, show business, and the arts.
The star wattage illuminates, dazzles,and entertains earthbound viewers. As the nova ascends to the top, he gains media exposure and provokes curiosity.
What the stars do and say become newsworthy. Whether or not they make sense.
Fame is a two-edged sword. It comes with perks and perils. The high-profile life may seem glamorous and exciting to the lay observer. Everything a celebrity does may appear larger than life. His achievements and triumphs are lauded. For a while he basks in the adulation.
There is a dark side beyond the limelight. Soon, a little green monster and the crabs begin a viral attack to knock the star from the pedestal. The façade begins to peel and crack. The aura begins to fade.
The contagious virus is called Image Deficiency Syndrome, IDS afflicts only the high and mighty, the famous, and the trying-to-befamous.
Their faux pas, missteps, vices are exaggerated. The wilder, the better — for public consumption. Tabloid reporters dig for scandals and expose skeletons. Or they create tall tales to titillate.
People in the public eye need to project a certain persona or identity. To secure their position they have to cultivate and sustain interest. Sometimes, show biz and political personalities stage dramatic scenes to arouse sympathy.
In reaction to nasty rumors, a celebrity once retorted, “I don’t care what you write about me. Just spell my name correctly.” Name recall is the key to fame or infamy.
Aspiring actors and wannabes hire experts to create, promote, manage, and package their image. Clever strategy, sustained promotions, and logistics are essential in building potential star.
The shrewd manager-spin doctor can easily mold and hype the image acceptable to an eager public. It’s a matter of satisfying the needs and demands of the market.
The neophyte representative or senator is packaged, as an advocate of human rights/children’s rights, or a zealous environmentalist. The goal is to project youth, dynamism, change, and progressive ideas. It helps if the subject is attractive, smart, eloquent, and charming.