As a society we like to put our heroes on a pedestal, to raise them above the common folk. Strangely though we also seem to like it when that idol falls off the perch. And the harder they fall, the more we seem to like it. If that was all there was to say it would be tragic but then we realize that once our heroes have fallen we love it even more when they rise again.
This attitude is what has made the ‘Rocky’ movies so popular. From the ultimate underdog to winning the title and in the sequels Rocky had to make a comeback. The fans are cheering for this guy who first had nothing then made it to the top then loses it for whatever reason and has to make a comeback. It is an age-old story that is featured in many books, plays, movies and life.
Like on Sunday. I watched the premiere episode of the reality show ‘Confessions of a Teen Idol’. The participants are Jeremy Jackson and David Chokachi of ‘Baywatch’, Billy Hufsey of ‘Fame’, Jaime Walters of ‘Beverly Hills 90210’,Christopher Atkins from ‘The Blue Lagoon’, Adrian Zmed known for ‘T.J. Hooker’ and ‘Grease 2’ and Eric Nies of MTV’s ‘The Real World’ and ‘The Grind’. The show is hosted and produced by Scott Baio who is best known as Chachi from ’Happy Days’ and fellow former child star Jason Hervey. This is a show that has an aim to not only give the public a glimpse into what fame is like but also to hopefully give these seven celebrities a chance at a new type of fame. Naturally it will contain the drama that makes reality TV so popular but it has something else. Viewers have the opportunity to see if a former teen idol -whose star has dimmed due to the fickle public or the celebrity’s own actions – will be able to make a dramatic comeback and be back on top of that field. ‘Confessions of a Teen Idol’ has the elements of a successful show – the underdog trying to succeed against seemingly impossible odds.
When an underdog succeeds when everything is against him or her it gives people hope that we can achieve what we want. Most of us have been in the position of the underdog and we can relate. When our idols fall from the lofty pedestal, we are reminded that they are human too and we take solace in that. When we watch someone who has fallen rise to the top again it gives us hope and reminds us that we can do it too. After all if someone can screw up their lives so badly in the public eye – as some have - then come back from it all to succeed again, what can’t we make substantial gains in our lives? It is inspiring in so many ways.
So the next time I am reading the headlines of a celebrity scandal sheet at the supermarket checkout line I am going to try to remember the celebrity and the misdeed. Then wait to see how long it takes them to get back in the public and media’s favour.
TAGS:motiviation, Karen Magill,life lessons,Jeremy Jackson,David Chokachi,Confessions of a Teen Idol,comeback
2 hours ago
4 comments:
How true this is! Though I think outside of a few exceptions... celebrities rise and fall in the medias eyes fluctuates as frequently as the tides.
Yes this is very true. It also depends on how much money your last movie made. And for us, how much money your last book made.
Oh, so true.
This is an interesting take take on the subject. When I see the media making a big deal out of a celebrity's misfortunes, I tend to turn away, not wanting to add to it. But you're right, how they deal with the attention and what they subsequently make of their life, is the true lesson here. Thanks for the thought-provoking comments.
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