Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Hard,But Not Impossible

The list is seemingly endless. Amy Whinehouse, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, River Phoenix, Eva Mendes, Anna Nicole Smith,James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Heath Ledger and so on. I’m referring to the names of young celebrities who seem to have succumbed to the pressure of fame and fortune. Those who have been linked with various forms of addiction like drugs, alcohol, prescription drugs and generally controversial lifestyles.To be honest, one knows that it’s extremely hard to stay normal when one becomes a rich celebrity.One who has people constantly screaming and taking pictures at the mere sight of you. Let’s not forget all the glitz, glamour, partying, vanity, women, men that comes with the occupation. Till one is faced with such circumstances, it’s tough to categorically say we won’t fall under the same spell and addiction.However, there are many more in showbiz who have not let themselves get caught up with such negativity. An example that regularly comes to my mind is actor/rapper Will Smith. Despite years of success in the both the music & movie industry, along with a $20m a film paycheck, the 39-year old father from Philly has refused to have himself linked with any negative story or scandal. Happily married to fellow actress Jada Pinkett Smith, the ‘Fresh Prince’ has ensured that his private business stayed private and has also impressively abstained from circumstances/temptations that can lead a celebrity to ruins via scandals,drugs, alcohol & prescription drug addictions. As I say in casual conversations I have with people about young Hollywood and its scandals, if a movie star knows that going to a paparazzi-laden popular club in Beverly Hills would lead to several ‘unflattering’ pictures/reports all over the global press the next day, then simply do not go there. Same with patronising drug & groupie-infested hang-outs.That simple.If you choose to, then expect the good & bad things associated with it.
Parents of these young stars also have a key & moral role to play in their children’s lives, especially in their public conduct .However, it seems most are engrossed in their offspring’s wealth and as such lose focus in handling their parenting obligations (some probably out of fear of being sidelined financially by the family’s golden egg).
My biggest worry with people like Britney, Lindsay and Amy is that all this crazy behaviour they’ve become accustomed to could lead to tragic conclusions. By then, it would have been too late (sadly) for those concerned to do anything about it. The fatal consequences that befell the promising, 24-year old James Dean in the 50s and River Phoenix (aged 23) is an unfortunate reminder of how things could potential go if young, enormously talented actors and musicians fail to get an urgent grip(with the help of family & 'true' friends,of course).
Will, how about giving some private tutorials/tips to your peers?

5 comments:

Aramide said...

im actually writing sumn similar for next wk or 2 wks time but with regards to black celebs

sad

Joy Akut said...

i've got a personal thing for amy, right froom her first album, so its kind of sickening seeing her the way she is.

basically i think all the scandals is probably a cry for help, and a pointer to us on the outside that its not all rosy as we imagine it to be. kudos to the black brothers n sistas(come to think of it there are lots of em) who've been able to stand firm on their feet.

Chakams said...

Yeah,the black actors/actresses have been impressive in their conduct...can't say the same for those in the music industry,though

SOLOMONSYDELLE said...

Fame and power will always have the same consequences. But, when it comes to young impressionable people those consequences become explosive.

Its a shame that so many fall for the spell and lose their lives or minds in the end. Nice post. I really enjoyed it.


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Anonymous said...

Well the issue with the Black entertainers (good issue), is that you have already been marked to 'mess up' in that industry and you have to work extra hard to keep your job and image.

On the other hand, black pple find other vices that are not detrimental (make sense?)...and which black man want do x...you making it is a dream come true the same way you no go find black man as suicide bomber.

Anyway sha, na so e be!