Black And White Celebrity Portrait

Bob Greene argues for "most of man's history...people of talent would work to create something--something written, something painted, something sculpted, something acted out--and it would be passed on to audiences." With the rise of reality TV shows, Greene points out audiences have been turned into the creators. He argues the "alleged stars of the reality shows Survivor and Big Brother, have become famous not for doing, but merely for being."
Greene says "You simply have to be present, in the right place at the right time." Whereas publicly famous people "were once defined as such based upon the fact their remarkable skills had brought them to the attention of the public." Greene states with reality TV, "one can become a public person just by being a person, in public."
"Celebrities often have fame comparable to royalty," claimed author Micha Frydman. As a result, there is a strong public curiosity about their private affairs. Celebrities may be resented for their accolades, and the public may have a love/hate relationship with celebrities. Due to the high visibility of celebrities' private lives, their successes and shortcomings are often made very public. Celebrities are alternately portrayed as glowing examples of perfection, when they garner awards, or as decadent or immoral if they become associated with a scandal. When seen in a positive light, celebrities are frequently portrayed as possessing skills and abilities beyond average people; for example, celebrity actors are routinely celebrated for acquiring new skills necessary for filming a role within a very brief time, and to a level that amazes the professionals who train them. Similarly, celebrities with very little formal education can be portrayed as experts on complicated issues.
Tabloid magazines and talk TV shows bestow a great deal of attention on celebrities. To stay in the public eye and make money, more celebrities are participating in business ventures such as celebrity-branded items including books, clothing lines, perfume, and household items.