If you're a Hip Hop fan, particularly meaningful hip hop, the title of this post would have immediately proved your thought process.
Wale, an up and coming rapper ( that I am slightly in love with), recently released his Debut Album, Attention Deficit. However, that is not the focus of this post, I'll give my views on the album at a later date.
In one of the bonus tracks on Attention Deficit, "Center of Attention", Wale brings forth some very riveting and moving arguments in regards to the concept of fame. Each time I listen to the song, it makes me think of the great deal of responsibility that a "celebrity"inherits. It also begs the question, "Why are we so obsessed?"
"Everybody finger, pointing your direction, everybody seem(s) to misread every sentence..."- Wale "Center of Attention"
I'll address this concept from a woman's point of view. "Celebrities" like Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, and Beyonce' are admired and glorified by youth all around the world. I've heard of many 4 year olds who would stand in front of the TV and dance when Beyonce's Single Ladies' video graced the screen. These women and many others are famous, rich and seem to have it all, especially through an adolescents eyes. They are constantly under a microscope, every single move critiqued and interpreted in numerous ways. Miley Cyrus, for instance, is a Disney Channel actress, top selling pop-star as well as a 17-year old teenager. She is constantly being critiqued for her choice in clothing, and her behavior in everyday life. Many say that her attire is much to risque for the age group that she attracts. She even caught flack in one incident in which her "sexy"camera phone photos were released. I'm sure when Miley signed up for the show on Disney, she did not anticipate such controversy, and didn't know what life would be like while living under a microscope. Other celebrities such as Jay-Z, and Lady Gaga have also been labeled as Devil Worshipers lately, due to their lyrics, performances and behavior.
"We all make mistakes, why you wanna make a(n) issue?"- Wale "Center of Attention"
One of the most monumental cases of fame gone wrong would be the over-sensationalized story of the abuse between Chris Brown and Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty. Both parties have been finding a way to adjust to the increase in attention and gossip site posts regarding their incident. Both Chris and Rihanna were released from endorsements when the incident occurred and many speculated as to what caused the altercation. On the gossip sites, I read everything from "Rihanna gave Chris Herpes" to "Chris was cheating with (Insert name here)". The photo of Rihanna's injuries was released shortly after the spat, which was incredibly embarrassing and saddening for the 20-year old star. People chose sides and now Chris Brown and Rihanna's careers and lives have been changed indefinitely.
America's obsession with "Celebrity" is at an all time high. I will admit, I check 4-5 gossip sites each time I log into a computer. Many magazines have folded due to the economy, however tabloids and gossip magazines are still going strong. Why is it that we are so concerned with the "famous". Why is it that Britney Spears gossip pulls in more viewers on CNN than news on the War in Iraq ( or whatever it's called). Why is it that we'll sit on our bottoms to read an entire blog about scandal but many people can't remember one proposed change in the Health Care Bill. It's just something to think about.
Anyway, check out wale's "Center of Attention". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRz44bwk04I
Part II Coming Soon: Are Celebrities to blame for our youths' demise?
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