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Thread: Diana and the Cult of Celebrity

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    Default Diana and the Cult of Celebrity

    "Britannica Blog hosted a forum to discuss both Diana’s legacy and the concept of celebrity itself. What constitutes a “celebrity,” and why are we fascinated by such people and their every move? And is our obsession with celebrities — from Hollywood starlets and sexy sports stars to charismatic politicians and even some serial killers — a mark of cultural decline, or is this merely a reflection of a social, psychological need?"



    I believe that the national obsession with celebrities stems from a social, psychological need. I have no idea who the first celebrity in history actually was, but I do believe that human beings in groups exhibit an innate tendency to place and keep certain select individuals on pedestals.

    IMO, the public's obsession with celebrities has persisted throughout the rise and fall of various civilizations, so it may not be a mark of cultural decline. Historically, it predates the hubbub over Roman gladiators, Greek Olympians, Helen of Troy, Goliath, King Tut, etc...

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    Default Re: Diana and the Cult of Celebrity

    ^^^ actually the first female 'celebrity' was Jezebel ... the Phoenician queen of ancient Israel

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    Default Re: Diana and the Cult of Celebrity

    ^ Wrong. It was Eve. Duh, EVERYONE IN THE WORLD was crazy about Eve. For a time, every single person alive, while she was doing her thing, wanted to fuck her.
    People are not ruled by their memories.

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    Default Re: Diana and the Cult of Celebrity

    ^ As far as Eve's career went, I think the 3-way with Adam and the serpent (plus the apple, of course) probably set it off...

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    Default Re: Diana and the Cult of Celebrity

    I think it was Camille Paglia who made the case that the many stories about ancient Greek gods & goddeses (talk about some decadent debauchery) functioned on a similar level to the way we follow celebrity stories today. They are both archetypes, and so we identify with them in various ways, and of course take interest in the twists and turns of their fortunes.
    "Before I conceived you, I wanted you. Before you were born, I loved you. Before you were here an hour, I would die for you. This is the miracle of life." -- Maureen Hawkins

    "I just can't get over how much babies cry. I really had no idea what I was getting into. To tell you the truth, I thought it would be more like getting a cat." -- Anne Lamott

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    Default Re: Diana and the Cult of Celebrity

    Sometimes I honestly wonder why people bother going to church any more when they have E! News and celeb magazines that detail the lives of the New American Pantheon.

    *dislikes celeb worship*

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