It All Stinks the Same...

I have never quite understood the celebrity syndrome. I was talking to a friend, who had broached the subject, about this earlier this week and it made me think back to times I have encountered celebrities and sometimes found them less than approachable, or, in fact, even discourteous.

That was before the days of Internet social networking for the most part. Of course, the problem is amplified now. I don’t understand why writers/actors/singers—anyone in the public spotlight, whether fully or marginally, friend someone on sites like Myspace, Facebook, Twitter or the plethora of other Internet jungle gyms, then never say a word to the fans or friends who try talking to them, unless it is to sell them something.

I am discounting those celebrities who due to work and family constraints don’t have the time, yet still need a presence connected with their profession, or those with so many fans they would be inundated or overwhelmed. I mean, I get why Stephen King or God wouldn’t want to suck up an entire day on Facebook answering email, something pretty easy to do. On the other side, I am also discounting the stalker type fans nobody wants showing up with a set of handcuffs and a hatchet.

I am talking about those who can or could answer their fans, talk to them as regular people, but who choose to put themselves above others and ignore them. Those who think their celebrity or talent makes them somehow more than us regular little humans.

When you come down to it, acting, writing, singing IS a talent, but it is also a job. It comes with more perks, certainly—at least if you reach a particular level of comfort and fame—than maybe working at 7-11, but it does not make them better. It does not give them a license to ignore those who, basically, sign their paychecks by buying their records, books or movie tickets.

Of course, you don’t always have to be a celeb to think that way. Some people just think they are above others period. Whether they are secretly insecure or just plain asswipes, have a little more money or better looks, it does not matter. Snobbery is snobbery. And it’s a false, even neurotic standard.

Sometimes it’s out own fault. We place celebrities on a pedestal, or are in awe of their talent, looks or fame. And when they prove themselves to be just as flawed as the rest of us it’s a big letdown. I know there have been cases of people I met whose work I stopped supporting because they couldn’t be bothered to give their fans the time of day or spewed some kind of nastiness about their admirers.

And contrarily, back a number of years ago I was a big fan of Dutch singer George Baker (still am) and was busy setting up my piddly little fanpage to him and his group when he stumbled across it and actually took the time to send me a very nice email and invite me to talk to him anytime. There was none of that “star” pretense. He treated me like I was a person, even potential friend. At the time I was intimidated, but immensely impressed at the way he treated his fans. Sometimes the little gestures mean the most and that meant something to me.

I guess the point of this is, is no matter who you are or what you do, treat somebody the way you would want to be treated, no matter your stature in life. Treat those you don’t know with respect and dignity (until you know them and find out they are buttholes, then you can kick them to the curb). A little kindness goes a long way.

Now, if you will excuse me, my chariot’s waiting…

The Chloe Files: Kicking Evil’s ass one demon at a time…
In the tradition of Sookie Stackhouse and Buffy, The Vampire Slayer…
In paperback from www.bn.com.