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A Well-Known Problem

Enrique Mijangos
Elizabeth Kent
English Composition 1020
25 March 2016

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Table of Contents
Preface ... 3
Descriptive Paragraph: What is Fame .... 4
Diary: Vanity In Young America ... 5-6
Certificate: Welcome to Our Circle ... 7-8
Short Essay: Celebrities Behind the Fame ...... 9
Newspaper Article: Societys Attention ....... 10-11
Cartoon: The Horrible Truth .. 12-13
Questionnaire: Celebrity VS. History . 14-15
Works Cited ... 16-17

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Preface
So what does it mean to be famous in todays world? Boorstin defines someone of fame
as being a person who is known for his well-knowness, (57) or in modern terms someone who
has thousands of followers. I want to do my research project on the expanding idea of fame
within our society. It is no question that some form of fame has been around for centuries, but
in this century the importance of vanity and societal position has seen an all-time high. Fame is
not absolutely world ending, but many aspects of it can corrupt the people around us. In
todays society the idea of fame can be seen in all parts of social media, mostly in part with the
increasing use of technology in day to day lives. With the constant addition of new social media
platforms like Vine, Snapchat, and musical.ly, there are always new ways for the ordinary
person to become famous. With all of these advancements, idealized fame in todays society
can expose itself into the lives of many people. Although seemingly great, this hidden evil
mesmerizes many people into dangerous, unknowing acts.

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What is Fame?
Fame seems like a wonderful sight, it is the sunset on a lush valley, entrancing its
viewers into awe. It calls upon our society like a nymph song, entertaining them with its
seemingly great tale. It speaks to the nave of a comfortable living, which must be the goal of all
who seek it, and promising them fortune and social acceptance. It is as tempting as it looks
sweet, so sweet that we love anything we connect it with, even death (Halberstam 93). But as
the sun goes down, fame entraps us with the darkness that it truly is. It is our fault as we were
willing to follow this false vision. As fame entangles us deeper and deeper into its lies, we would
still follow it to see its beauty once more. As we feel the power it gives us, we realize what fame
really is. It is a craving for all things greedy within society. It is a cage that traps those who
search for it, making them a doll in a shop window (Rockwell Fame par. 6). A doll that appears
elegant and true, but is just as false as it is hollow. It promises us the window shoppers that are
followers, but fails to mention the terms of the glass that separates us from society. After
everything that fame has done to those it has hurt it is continuously sought out, because like
other evils in the world it comes with its own form of addiction for its experience.

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Dear Diary,
04/01/2016
Today Jessica Anderson invited me to her party tomorrow. This made my day because
she said she needed more interesting people to come and I was perfect because of my
personality that reminded her of Miley Cyrus. I was overwhelmed with by this statement, since
Miley is one of my biggest role models. As you know all of my secrets, you know that I used to
be a very timid and quiet person, this school year I decided to break out just like Miley did. So
far it has really paid off, I have loads of new friends and I will really show my true self at the
party tomorrow. Being one of the popular kids has really made me happy, maybe I can pursue
my modelling dreams one day and be friends with many more famous people.
Dear Diary,
04/02/2016
I am really nervous about the party tonight, I heard that Jessicas parties are really wild. I
may get over this feeling really quickly though, because I do not want anyone to think that I am
lame. I was watching some music videos in class today and noticed how many of them were
party themed. Just watching these videos prepared me for what to expect. I never have really
drunk anything more than a sip of wine, but all of the younger celebrities are known for wild
parties, so if I have plans to be famous I shouldnt fall behind the crowd.
Dear Diary,
04/03/2016
I got back from the party at 4:00AM and it was amazing, all of Jessicas friends said that I
was super chill. I guess I got so drunk that I started singing and I got many complements on my
voice. Maybe I should become a singer so that I can be famous quicker. Anyways the party was
great, but when I got home my mom was yelling and screaming at me because I smelt like
smoke and liquor and how my grades were being affected by my behavior. She just doesnt
understand what it takes to be popular and has been reading too many articles on how
celebrities and fame can be bad influences on children. She really made me angry when she
grounded me and made me read some of these dumb articles.
Dear Diary,
04/04/2016
Ever since the party the other day my mom has been on my case about everything. I
began reading the articles that she made me read and just could not believe the things
professionals say about some celebrities. One lady, Eliza Martinez, said that a celebrity role
model who doesnt get drunk in public, the influenceis probably positive (Par. 2). I dont
think this is accurate because some celebrities can drink a lot and still not be drunk, alcohol is
just a luxury and has nothing to do with being a positive influence. All of the famous people
who matter drink and they are still popular, therefor Martinezs view is pretty irrelevant.
Dear Diary,
04/05/2016
Today I read another article on the effects of celebrity worshipping. This article really
opened my eyes and allowed me to understand why my mom is so worried about me. The
article mentioned a study in which teens who viewed smoking in movies were likely to start
the habit themselves. (Bouchez Par. 29). This made me question the celebrities that I idolize
and how they have subconsciously been leading me into a negative lifestyle. This allowed me to
reread Martinez article and really understanding the differences between good and bad role

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models. Bouchez really makes a valid point in her article by stating that the enticing seduction
of many celebrities can really degrade ones lifestyle (5). By focusing and going after fame
people really miss out on the important aspects of life around them like grades, family, and real
friends. Thankfully this phase of my life is coming to a close and I can be the REAL me, not an
image of my role-model.

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Upon doing research, I have come across a few articles that discuss interviews with
celebrities who talk about how becoming a celebrity has negatively impacted their lives. These
articles bring to life the actual negative effects that fame have on our society, especially the
youth. In a scholarly article by Joshua Halberstam, he compares the negative aspects of fame,
which include celebrities having to give up almost all of their privacy (96). Even with the
negative side effects of fame people tend to continue to overlook that. Halberstam also writes
that people often overlook these side effects because of their craving for seeing their name in
print (95). In most cases Halberstam is right, many people would gladly give up a little of their
privacy in order be the headlines of even the smallest news article or blog. Sadly many people
do not realize how severe this lifestyle is. At first one may only be giving up a little, but after a
while fames greed will only increase. People may first experience a lack of privacy, but their
craving for being noticed, will overrule that as a negative. Next comes the effects of prolonged
lack of privacy. As a psychology student, I have learned that a lack of personal rights such as
privacy, can lead to mental impairment, just as solitude (lack of socialism) leads to insanity. Just
think of the previously discussed case of Brittney Spears, who had a mental breakdown partly
due to the constant harassment of her privacy by the paparazzi.
Even with the constant struggles associated with fame, people feel that they need it. In
one of Rockwells interviews with a local celebrity he states, I have been addicted to every
drug..the most addicting of them all is fame (Fame par. 10). It is this statement from a
celebrity that shows that even through the rough patches of fame, it is so addicting that
nothing else matters. This is the inspiration for this award, nobody would ever turn down a
good award. Along these lines, a celebrity would never turn down followers even if they
experience the negative effects associated with it.

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Celebrities Behind the Fame

Do you ever wonder why some celebrity names only las a few days? According to many
professional studies and modern knowledge, becoming a celebrity is not all that it is cracked up
to be. Fame itself may seem a great escape from reality, but when many people experience it
their expectations may be cut short as it is really dangerous and not something one should fool
around with, without knowing the full consequences.
Fame is a relative term for someone who is known for well-knowness (Boorstin 48). Just
look at Kim Kardashian, whose whole family has slowly been becoming more famous following
her sex tape with Ray J. However relative, it is obvious that in todays society fame has strong
context toward pop culture and people who have a name, rather than the real professionals
and leaders in American society. In a study by Arnout de Rijt and a group of colleges, fame
different to many different people. This difference is best described as a sliding scale between
being known only by family, friends, and colleagues and being world renowned (267). With a
sliding scale like this, we see the many different forms of fame in the mind of society. However,
this scale is not well distributed in society. In the world we see too many people rushing for the
majority of society to notice them. However, what are we really chasing when we search for
fame.
Among society there are general negatives that we associate with fame. With any negatives,
we must ask ourselves is it worth it? Well to most people who just understand the face value
of fame, the negatives are more than well worth it. The obvious downsides of fame include
loss of privacy, constant public scrutinybut we also imagine that fame is the antidote to the
ills (Roof 121). Roofs input into her journal article reflects the psychological impact that is
shown in society. As we are exposed constantly to these negatives in other peoples lives, we
continue to see upcoming people disregard the undesirable effects of fame. To those who
yearn for fame, the cloudy benefits of fame seduce and act as a false goal to reach popularity
among society.
Fame itself distracts the youth with a false profitable lifestyle that promises great
investment for the future. In reality fame only profits during its beginning phase as
developmentally, the celebrity often goes through a process of loving, then hating fame
(Rockwell Fame par. 5). Many celebrities, once acquiring fame, are just redeeming the benefits
that their greed allowed them. However, after time has passed many celebrities see a decrease
in happiness as the negative impact starts to effect the people around them. Not only are ones
personal life affected by fame but family and friends also experience the paparazzi and negative
publicity by the reality of fame which at one point was just a fantasy. Look at the younger
celebrities, like Zendaya who has left many of her old friends behind in order to travel and
pursue their dreams. Families also have to change their lifestyles in order to portray a positive
image for their celebrity children.
In reality it is true that fame does not belong to the famous (Roof 128). Fame is something
that loses all meaning when someone achieves it, as the truth is revealed. Even with many
lessons fame continuous to trance the minds and lives of the naive like a siren song, leading the
feeble minded into unknown waters.

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The Importance of Societys Attention

Societal Investigations April 2, 2016

by Enrique Mijangos

Las Angeles Hollywood has been pretty busy these last few weeks. Our professional
journalists have noticed a large fluctuation in local social media. What can explain these recent
changes in our locale?
As it turns out many people have been really active in celebrity watching within the confines of
our own city. Although the mayor has been holding many public hearings across the city about
possible renovations, the hot topic has been the increase of Vine stars preparing for Magcon.
Like Cameron Dallas who, apparent from his Instagram, always has a line of girls eager to meet
him at these events. In todays society there has been an uneven change in who is deemed
more popular. While it there is no question hopefully as to who is more important to our
society, a large chunk of society seems to be more interested in the socially famous.
According to Donna Rockwell, licensed psychologists, just the word celebrity makes many
people feel important. Rockwell writes about how her grandmother used to great her and her
brother as my celebrities, and how just the treatment can change a person feelings
(Mindfulness par.1). Wouldnt anyone want to be known as celebrities, no matter how specific
the context?
Yes, it is true that, deep down, most people need someone to call them their celebrities, but
in reality it is just the fact that by being put on a pedestal can attract people. Rockwell also
notices that this feeling is what makes many people clamor at some level for their own slice of
fame (Fame par.11).
Getting back to Hollywood, this explains why there is a higher interest in celebrity attention. It
is not that celebrities are more important within our society but fame has really seduced the
attention of the public. This sinful entity has really drawn interest of the youth from more
important issues. When looking at views on search sites, traditional celebrities get way more
thought than lets say your average politician. Unless that politician is Donald Trump, who was
also a large businessman/celebrity prior to his closer political career.
According to Daniel Boorstins The Image, even this doctored psychologist has expressed his
concern with how our society has moved on from seeing day-to-day heroes as being celebrities,
to the modern pop culture famous (60). It has been years since Boorstins published his book
studying aspects of American society, but his message is as clear as ever. As we go back to
politics, why is it that Donald Trump has gotten more attention than many of the other
candidates? Yes, he is the leading the republican candidate, but he is also always portrayed in
the media as Celebrity to Politician. In truth it is his celebrity past and attention seeking
remarks that make him so popular among the candidates.

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Now that we have had our topic of the day, we digress from this selfish path and we must
promote and give more attention to the society and people around us. We may even find
ourselves in one of the mayors over the next few days.

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Breaking News of the 21st Century

In many of our lives we are exposed to countless forms of news, whether it is from T.V.,
Newspapers, Social Media, Etc. However there seems to be a trend that follows most of these forms of
news. Ever since I was a child I can agree that the main topic in most news stations are celebrities. Just
think about it, although politics and other important social issues can be highly covered by media most
news stations always save local celebrity news for last. I remember last year when Channing Tatum
came to Montgomery, AL, news channels and social media especially were blowing up to cover the story
of this huge celebrity coming to visit his uncle in this small town. Now most people have more faith in
America to believe that we care more about pop culture than topics such as politics, but unfortunately it
is true. This idea of fame and the famous plagues our society with its shiny exterior and, usually
overrated luxurious lifestyle.
This idea of fame really has overwhelmed American people, slowly taking over our news sources.
Many parents, adults, and instructors do not see how their children can know who is dating who in
Hollywood, but cannot tell them who our Vice President is. However, it is not completely the fault of the
newer generations like me. In 2007 a study was conducted by Andrew Kohut, who surveyed hundreds of
people to get their opinion of news coverage. In this study you may be surprised that 40% of the public
cites celebrity news as having way too much coverage in their society while topics such as healthcare
and education get too little news (par. 1). Unfortunately if we pay close attention to news coverage we
will find similar coverage and maybe even higher percentages of coverage. Now of course people can

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watch specific news channels or read specific internet sources for the news they would like to hear, but
that is not the issue. The issue is that in todays society more coverage is given to the famous, rather
than these stories that many of Americans would prefer. In the same study by Kohut he shows that
topics that were not associated with fame and the famous got slightly less coverage than the percentage
of interest for them (par. 8). This just helps show the undercut coverage of real issues in America that
are not given good coverage.

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In doing this fact questionnaire I was planning on showing a dramatic increase in intelligence when it
comes to pop culture topics. However, with intelligent college students this was not the case. There was
definitely a noticeable increase when it came to the pop culture questions. As I knew that most of the
students would get the pop culture questions correct, I needed to make sure that the political questions
and all of the other questions in general were not being randomly guessed. In order to remove this from
the equation I included a trick question which was Who is the current speaker of the house? I replaced
the correct answer, Paul Ryan, with Jacob Wren which I made up. Because nobody chose this answer,
this helps show that any guess made is mostly educational, especially since all of the other choices were
major political leaders. With this buffer included I am able to assume that the rest of the submitted
answers are mostly honestly attempted.
The idea from this questionnaire came from my research, which mostly focused on the fact that
fame is blinding the society by pushing its own media coverage over that of other issues like politics. In
an article by Colette Bouchez she discusses a sliding scale that was created for different levels of
celebrity worship extremes which was created by the British Journal of Psychology (par. 1). The creation
of this sliding scale for this issue shows just how serious the problem is among the mental well-being of
society. Along with the previously discussed unbalanced media coverage, it is no wonder that people
adapt a celebrity worshipping problem. Society is constantly exposed to the life of the famous, this
repetition is what allows us to be able to recall pop culture events better than the less studied/seen
events of our nation.
This idea is reflected in the results from the fact questionnaire because a larger majority of students
answered the pop culture questions correctly rather than the political/history questions. It is also

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important to note that for the pop culture questions only had small disputes among no more than two
answer choices, while the political questions had a variety of answers for each question. Surprisingly for
all of the political questions, at least half of the students got them correct answer, some students even
correctly wrote in the answer for the buffer control question. Even though the results hint at a more
fame obsessed society, they also show that there is hope to save the citizens of this nation from total
indulgence in celebrity lives.

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Works Cited

Agrawal, Jagdish and Kamakura, Wagner. The Economic Worth of Celebrity Endorsers: An
Event Study Analysis. Journal of Marketing. 59.3 (1995): 56-62. JSTOR. Web. 22 March
2016.

Boorstin, Daniel J. The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-events in America. New York: Vintage, 1992.
Print.

Bouchez, Colette. A New Age of Celebrity Worship. CBS News. WebMD Inc. 2006. Web. 22
February 2016.

Clayton, Thomas. 5 Ways Celebrities Social Media Presence Evolved in 2012. Huffington Post.
TheHuffingtonPost. 2013. Web 16 March 2016.

Joshua. Fame. American Philosophical Quarterly 21.1 (1984): 93-99. JSTOR. Web. 20 March
2016.

Kohut, Andrew. Too Much Celebrity News, Too Little Good News. People-Press. Pew Research
Center. 2007. Web. 28 February 2016.

Martinez, Eliza. The Effects of Celebrity Role Models on Kids and Teens. GlobalPost. Demand
Media. 2016. Web. 24 February 2016.

Rockwell, Donna. Fame is a Dangerous Drug: A Phenomenological Glimpse of Celebrity.

Saybrook University. Saybrook University. 2012. Web. 24 February 2016.

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Rockwell, Donna. Mindfulness in Everyday Life So You Want to Be Famous? What You Need
To Know About Celebrity. Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost. 2014. 17 March 2016.

Roof, Judith. Fames Ambivalence. The Journal of the Midwest Modern Language Association
42.2 (2009): 121-136. Web. 22 March 2016.

Van de Rijt, Arnout. Only 15 Minutes? The Social Stratification of Fame in Printed Media.
American Sociological Review 78.2 (2013): 266-269. JSTOR. Web. 28 February 2016.