In our modern world, many thoughtful individuals express dissatisfaction with celebrity culture. They criticize the public’s obsession with the personal lives of celebrities, such as where they vacation or whom they date, seeing it as a superficial aspect of contemporary life. While these criticisms might seem reasonable, they miss a key point about human nature: our innate desire to admire and seek out heroes.
Having role models is a fundamental part of being human. Ignoring or dismissing this desire doesn’t make it disappear; instead, it can lead people to idolize the wrong figures. We need role models to look up to and emulate. Therefore, rather than trying to eliminate celebrity culture, we should aim to improve it by highlighting individuals who represent positive values and ideals.
An interesting example of redefining celebrity culture comes from Belarus, where President Alexander Lukashenko has launched a national competition to find new celebrities. Despite criticisms of Lukashenko’s regime, the idea of celebrating ordinary people for their societal contributions is noteworthy.
In Belarus, individuals like Elena, who is exceptional at milking cows, and Sasha, the 2015 ‘Best Welder of the Republic,’ are celebrated as national celebrities. These people, recognized for their excellence in everyday tasks, are akin to TV hosts, supermodels, and business moguls in other countries. They represent ideals such as hard work, dedication, and skill that society should aspire to.
The awards in Belarus emphasize the virtues of ordinary people, focusing on qualities like family values, agricultural skills, and craftsmanship. Unlike the celebrity culture in countries like the UK or Germany, which often centers on appearance and fashion, Belarusian fame is based on practical and meaningful contributions to society.
This approach challenges the idea that celebrity status should be reserved for those who fit a glamorous mold. Instead, it suggests that fame can be given to those who excel in everyday activities that benefit the community.
While the Belarusian model is linked to an Eastern-European dictator, the core idea of celebrating ordinary virtues is universal. Liberal states can learn from this approach by recognizing and honoring individuals who demonstrate qualities essential for a healthy society.
To cultivate a more positive celebrity culture, we should focus on creating “good celebrities” who exemplify virtues often overlooked by the media. This could involve awarding prizes for achievements such as:
By highlighting these everyday virtues, we can shift the focus of celebrity culture towards individuals who inspire and uplift society.
Celebrity culture doesn’t need to be abolished; it needs to be reimagined. By promoting role models who embody positive values and contribute meaningfully to society, we can create a culture that inspires admiration for the right reasons. In doing so, we can ensure that the impulse to admire and emulate is directed towards figures who truly deserve it.
Research and present a case study on a celebrity who has had a positive or negative impact on society. Discuss how their actions align with the need for better role models as outlined in the article. Consider their influence on public behavior, societal values, and cultural norms.
Design a campaign to promote a local individual who exemplifies the virtues discussed in the article, such as hard work and dedication. Develop a plan to highlight their contributions through social media, events, or other platforms, and explain how this can shift public perception of celebrity culture.
Participate in a debate on whether traditional celebrity culture or the celebration of ordinary virtues, as seen in the Belarusian model, is more beneficial for society. Prepare arguments for both sides, considering the potential impacts on societal values and individual aspirations.
Write an essay reflecting on a personal role model who embodies the positive values mentioned in the article. Discuss how this person has influenced your life and how they compare to typical celebrities in terms of societal impact and personal inspiration.
Work in groups to create a set of criteria for what makes a “good celebrity” based on the article’s suggestions. Present your criteria to the class and discuss how these standards could be implemented in media and society to promote healthier role models.
Celebrity – A person who is widely recognized in society, often due to their achievements or presence in the media. – In modern society, the influence of a celebrity can significantly impact public opinion and cultural trends.
Culture – The shared beliefs, customs, practices, and social behavior of a particular nation or people. – Understanding the culture of a society is essential for comprehending its social dynamics and historical development.
Role Models – Individuals who are looked up to by others as examples to emulate, often due to their behavior, achievements, or values. – In psychology, role models can play a crucial part in shaping an individual’s identity and aspirations.
Virtues – Qualities considered morally good or desirable in a person, such as integrity, courage, and kindness. – The study of virtues is central to ethical theories in both philosophy and psychology.
Society – A group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction, or a large social group sharing the same geographical or social territory. – The structure and function of society are key topics in sociology and social psychology.
Admiration – A feeling of respect and approval towards someone or something, often due to their qualities or achievements. – Admiration for historical figures can inspire individuals to pursue similar paths of contribution to society.
Contributions – Acts of giving or doing something that adds to the value or development of a community or field. – The contributions of social reformers have been pivotal in shaping modern democratic societies.
Values – Principles or standards of behavior that are considered important or beneficial in a society. – Values play a significant role in guiding individual behavior and decision-making processes in social contexts.
Ordinary – Commonplace or standard; not exceptional or special. – The study of ordinary people’s lives can provide valuable insights into the functioning of society as a whole.
Psychology – The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context. – Psychology offers critical insights into how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them.
