How does one attain fame? In today's World, it seems as if anyone can become famous. People reach celebrity status for a number of things, such as having a special talent, their looks, their profession, etc.
This song and music video, which is said to be one of the worst songs ever created, has over 60 million views on YouTube, and the numbers are increasing every minute. By creating this song and video, Rebecca Black succeeded in becoming famous. Although she may be known as one of the most horrible singers in the world, she is still well known. The video has over 1 million "dislikes," and websites have been created to attack and make fun of young Rebecca. Here is one of the countless websites thats purpose is to destroy Rebecca Black: http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Rebecca_Black.
Regardless of how good or bad her song may be, Rebecca achieved her goal in becoming famous. How did she accomplish this status? According to the nasty comments she is receiving, I would have to believe this celebrity status was not reached by Rebecca's musical talent, but simply by her access to money.
The song is either a take off on the superficiality of popular songs today or American culture today or it's just another example of a song that's instantly forgettable (although the "It's Friday" theme does stick in the brain!)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Allison's post that money is perhaps the largest factors in determining the creation of celebrities. As we discussed in class, celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Nicole Ricci, and the Kardashian sisters have all become famous because of their seemingly endless access to wealth. It wasn't as though any of the aforementioned women became famous for some unbelievable talent, but rather for being extraordinarily wealthy.
ReplyDeleteAs discussed in today's class, their access to wealth allowed them to influence media outlets into perpetuating their "celebrity" image. Once famous, these celebrities utilized their own popularity to brand themselves, creating perfumes, clothing lines, clothing stores, and endorsements. Though some may argue that these actions were simply ways of increasing their own profit, I believe that it is actually the process that "created" celebrities must follow to remain relevant.
Without some sort of brand or visible image, created celebrities quickly fade into obscurity, as the public quickly loses interest in one celebrity for another more interesting, more outlandish, or in Rebecca Black's case, more obscure and seemingly untalented individual. I think that with her access to wealth, and sudden, explosive popularity, Rebecca Black can hold on to her stardom, but it is entirely dependent upon her next move.
I don't know why, but this whole Rebecca Black craze really reminds me of William Hung from American Idol. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RrLQUN8UJg&feature=related) He became famous for being one of the worst auditions in American Idol history, but there was something charming about him. I'm pretty sure he even recorded a couple albums out of it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hilary - William Hung fell out of the spotlight because he couldn't maintain his celebrity image/brand. If Rebecca Black wants her "fame" to last, she will have to use her reputation to her advantage, just as Omarosa played up her bitchiness and created buzz around her persona.
Allison - apparently Miley Cyrus agrees with your analysis of Rebecca Black garnering fame solely due to the fact that she has access to money. In an issue of US Magazine (yes, I admit, I purchased US Magazine on my most recent trip to CVS) there was an article entitled "Miley Cyrus Bashes Rebecca Black," in which the Hannah Montanna star was quoted as stating "you shouldn't just be able to put a song on YouTube and go on tour." However, with Billy Ray Cyrus as her father, perhaps Miley had a slight boost into celebrity stardom that she wouldn't have had without a famous parent?
ReplyDeleteThe rant continued, with Miley Cyrus further noting "I do not Tweet, I do not social network, I try to stay out of it. I complain enough about people knowing too much about my private life, so to go out there and exploit myself would be silly and hypocritical."
It's interesting, even comical, when "normal people" (like you and me) bash celebrities and question their lifestyles. However, I find it even more intriguing when the "bashers" are celebrities themselves.
I agree with everyones posts that becoming famous has a lot to do with wealth, but another aspect I believe that encourages it is stupidity. We have seen so many people become famous overnight simply by the ridiculous comments they make, or their lack of knowledge. For example, I am sure everyone watched, probably multiple times, Miss South Carolina's response in the Miss Teen USA pageant which has become her claim to fame. (Here's a link in case you haven't seen it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj3iNxZ8Dww) After the incident she was asked to appear on a number of shows, magazines, etc. all because she's dumb. Unfortunately though, it's what sells.
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