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Celebrity Obsession
Article by:
Messiah Ramkissoon
 Is it surprising that in a society where education is often politically promoted as a prioritized resource, the majority of today’s generation seems to be rather persuaded by celebrity influence? Does this scale reflect an unfair imbalance on the part of mainstream media versus the weight of pedagogical values and concerns within the society, particularly as it pertains to the younger generation? Before answering such questions, let us first examine the impact of the quote on quote “superstars” who have been mainly accountable for navigating the current state of black culture versus the impact of modern professionals behind the camera. When we carefully critique and contrast the legacies of artists such as Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls vs. black professionals within arenas such as law and medicine, e.g. Johnnie Cochran or Ben Carson, we can then come closer to the light on this topic of celebrity obsession.
Would Johnnie Cochran have been famous and notarized as an African-American attorney if he was not hired to defend a celebrity of stature such as O.J. Simpson? There are many lawyers, teachers and doctors who are revered within the legal/professional arena for their expertise and success within their field of practice. However, these professionals are not mentioned in hip-hop lyrics nor have gained their worthy recognition as leaders, or furthermore legends within the African American community. Sophomore Graphic Designs major at Howard Univeristy, Jordan Pierce claims that Mr. Cochran received such publicity and exposure from the press because of his success with defending a client such as O.J. Simpson. “It’s sad but true that within this day and age, it’s all about who you associate with. He just happened to work with someone famous,” says Mr. Pierce.
Unfortunately within the urban community, celebrity influence has led to the depiction of a rather negative image of black culture. For example, whenever a dominant figure within the community such as Jay-Z is usually discussed, he is seemingly glorified more for his career as a street hustler than a successful corporate executive. Does this mean that Jay-Z somehow relates more to the current state of these inner city youth who are inspired by his lyrics than the politicians and leaders who are responsible for being their faithful representatives? How can young blacks be motivated to attend college in a society that pays professional athletes and entertainers much higher salaries than the school teachers? This is also the same society that spends twice as much funding on prisons than educational resources.
It is also relevant to consider the impact of celebrities such as Jay-Z as well as other black entertainers and athletes on other cultures and races outside of the African American community. This is blatant, from the manner of dress to the manner of speech of many young people within various ethnicities, ranging from Caucasian to Asian demographics. According to Howard Univeristy senior film production major Mike Ivey, “the majority of whites just look to us for entertainment based on our current stereotypes. There are only a few of us who are recognized for being more than just thugs or sex symbols.” Will the prominence of black scholars ever supersede the influence of black celebrities within the society? This question is a mystery that remains to be resolved. However, there are factors to be considered- such as the media’s control on what is shown and what isn’t. Perhaps “someone or someone’s” don’t want black scholars to be glorified for anything but their physical capabilities. From slavery onward, blacks were not prized for their intelligence or creativity- their size and strength were tragically the only things valued on the slave block.
In essence, the correlation between celebrity obsession and the ill treatment of blacks throughout history seems uncanny. Howard Univeristy Junior PR major Mikia Clemmons, states a pertinent example in the case of NBA great Allen Iverson. “I remember doing a report in High School on AI, and on one (out of the many sources used) did they list interesting facts about him. Did you know that Allen Iverson is an artist, I mean a great artist. At a young age he painted a life size mural of Michael Jordan and hung it on his bedroom door. That one fact, clouded out by miscellaneous things like how much his jewelry was worth and how many cars he had.” The one piece of evidence that showed Allen Iverson is talented in something other than the sport of basketball and “violent behavior” was meant to be hidden, it was meant to be overlooked by the fact he was once imprisoned and that he is close friends with other black celebrities Mase, Da Brat, and Jermaine Dupri. Discouraging? Time can only tell. The impressionable youth of today may put down that paintbrush or telescope and pick up a basketball or a pair of boxing gloves instead. Nothing wrong with those decisions, but wouldn’t it be inspiring to have a black Van Gogh or another Guion "Guy" Bluford. Imagine the impact this may have on the black community as a whole?
The Jenesse Center provides victims of domestic violence with comprehensive support to address their immediate crisis and change the patterns of their lives. Oscar award winning, African American actress Halle Berry founded that charity and works tirelessly to help victims of abuse get to safe homes and the like. Did she get an award for that? She was rewarded for displaying her nude body performing sexual acts with a white man on the big screen- how worthy was she, really? “Jadakiss hit the nail on the head in his song “Why?” when he said why Halle have to let a white man pop her to get an Oscar, why did Denzel have to be crooked before he took it,” says Junior nursing major, Victoria Russell. She further states “I believe someone is behind all this and I don’t think he’s black, ya feel me.”
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