Kay Hively: The end of celebrities?

I read a commentary recently that said the era of celebrity is dead. Is that possible?

For what seems like forever, we have been lectured by celebrities about what we should do in relation to our faith, our politics, our culture and every other thing under the sun.

I personally am tired of movie stars, “tv journalists,” athletes, singers, and every other kind of celebrity person who knows more than anyone else. I am tired of them taking advantage of their microphone to preach their brand of gospel and to disparage what others feel about their brand of gospel.

I am tired of Hollywood choosing to give an Oscar to movies that no one has seen, and ignoring movies that reach across the spectrum to please and entertain millions.

The lack of support for awards shows on television indicates how tarnished the luster has become. Even the coveted Nobel prizes no longer have any respectability.

Not many people think they need criticism from Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Barbara Streisand. LeBron James or the Dan Rathers of the world. We all know that, as a rule, common people are as smart as the people who consider themselves elites. Probably more smart about the things that really matter in our lives.

If the era of the celebrity is dead, what follows? Who will we listen to in the next era? Politicians, teachers, scientists, doctors, ministers, business people, farmers, or who?

The article that I read regarding the end of the celebrity era said, “At some unconscious level, these actors must know that they don’t really knowing anything about politics or the real world.”

Regardless of who we admire or what they preach, we owe it to ourselves, our families, and our neighbors to choose wisely and know that perfection doesn’t fit anyone. There are times in our lives when we must struggle within ourselves. We must choose between two things that we hold dear, but seem to be in conflict with each other.

The same is true with every soul on earth.

So when you look at people to admire and listen to, remember they have their own personal troubles. What comes out of their mouths reflects that, even though their ideas deserve consideration they are overall not smarter than anyone else.

But, just between you and me, I think we need to ponder our struggles and then move on and let the chips fall where they may.

(Kay Hively is a historian, author and former reporter, editor and columnist for the Neosho Daily News and Neosho Post.)