I have been thinking about Anna-Nicole Smith constantly lately, as she is a prime example of the cult of celebrity and celebrity culture. She was essentially famous for nothing more than outrageous and tasteless behaviour—she contributed nothing of value to society. What makes me sad was her pathological pursuit of fame at the expense of her dignity, integrity, and, some would argue, her sanity. After reading obituaries and other posthumous pieces on Smith, I was shocked at her willingness to degrade and humiliate herself as well as her desire to do anything she could to emulate Marilyn Monroe. I was thinking about how shockingly pathetic she was, and I don’t mean that that in a put-down way, and how little she must have valued herself as a person to do/say the things she did. I have involved many of my friends in conversation through asking them the question, “Would you like to be famous?” Almost without fail, though I do not have statistical evidence, everyone replied that they would love to be famous. I have always answered “No” to this, usually to scoffing and accusations that I am either a liar or completely insane. However, I stand by what I have always said with the life and death of Anna-Nicole Smith as proof of my desire to live the life of a normal citizen. Not meaning to sound righteous, but my integrity, dignity, and privacy are not worth losing at the expense of financial security and worldwide recognition, something I have always maintained. Anna-Nicole Smith’s life and actions make me feel really bad for her family, her son, and others who may have genuinely loved her rather than the idea of her and her fame. What kind of life is that, basing your life on pursuing fame and essentially impersonating Marilyn Monroe, herself a tragic figure? Life and relationships are and should be worth more than fame because at the end of the day, fame may make you money and give you the attention you may crave, but it won’t fulfill you or make you happy. Just look at Anna-Nicole…
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
1 comment:
Matty, I agree with your assessment. I too think it is a sad situation, and found myself pondering her emotional/mental/spiritual existence. What questions must have run through her mind daily?
On a lighter note... I believe I have footage that could certainly take your integrity, dignity, and privacy away if released. You in fact could become one of the top videos on YouTube I'd bet. But, what happens at the Bomhof's cabin stays at the cabin.
God bless friend.
Post a Comment