Are we treating Celebrities like Royalty?

I'm not a fan of our country's obsession with celebrities. But I should also acknowledge that I do LOVE reading gossip about them from time to time. The country's fixation on people in the spotlight is not a new phenomenon but seems to be imbedded in human history.

                                                            (Prince Charles and Cheryl Cole above)
Every great civilization, big or small, has been intrigued by people of power and position. One only has to flip through the pages of history to see that the rulers, warriors, popes, wealthy, and great thinkers monopolize the focus. The people who have the power and influence to change and shape history will always be distinguished amongst others. They are the ones who make a significant mark in their world, and if they are lucky, remembered in history. NOT all figures of history earned their prominent position, some were just born into great power.

Nothing seems more unfair as people earning their spot in society for having the right 'pedigree'. haha

Our ancestors immigrated to America to escape a world which gave all the advantages and opportunities to people born to wealthy/noble families. America offered a land free of a caste system and a chance for people of talent/ambition/vision to make their way regardless of their last name.

BUT in the last few decades our country has given more reverence and respect to those born to celebrities and the wealthy. The media and paparazzi are consumed with watching children of hollywood stars. Even a lot of huge hollywood stars today got their first break because of having a famous parent. Examples (Angelina Jolie, Miley Cyrus, Liz Minnelli, Liv Tyler, Carrie Fisher, Michael Douglas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Drew Barrymore, Charlie Sheen, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston, and so many more) 

(Tom Cruise and daughter Suri)

The enormous attention given to celebrity children has only gotten worse. Celebrities are taking more precautions and steps to protect their brood, but the focus is unavoidable. The media treats celebrity offspring as little 'gods and goddesses'. They become famous even before they become adults. The attention isn't good for the children, but it's also not good for our nation.

(Portrait of Charles I of England's children)

We didn't leave Europe to only create a new caste system in the new land. We should continue to give credit and recognition where it is truly deserved.  Sure children of wealthy and powerful will have more opportunities than others but they shouldn't be lifted up by our society. A person should EARN their position in the spotlight not be born into it. Our nation was the first to step into the light but we are slowly regressing back to 'believing' those born of privilege are better.

Or we could continue placing people like Paris Hilton on pedestals....


-Mud


*no sources were used in the making of this post, pictures from yahoo*