Celebrity (Focus on Contemporary Issues

FOCI

by Chris Rojek

In contemporary society, the cult of celebrity is inescapable. Anyone can be turned into a celebrity, and anything can be made into a celebrity event. Celebrity has become a part of everyday life, a common reference point. But how have people like Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Bill Clinton or Princess Diana impressed themselves so powerfully on the public mind? Do they have unique qualities, or have their images been constructed by the media? And what of the dark side of celebrity – why is the hunger to be in the public eye so great that people are prepared to go to any lengths to achieve it, as numerous mass murderers and serial killers have done.

Chris Rojek brings together celebrated figures from the arts, sports, politics and other public spheres, from O.J. Simpson and Marilyn Monroe to Hitler and David Bowie, and touches on many movements and fads, including punk, rock-and-roll and fashion. Rojek analyzes the difference between ascribed celebrity, which derives from bloodline, and achieved celebrity, which follows on from personal achievement - the difference between Princess Margaret and, say, Woody Allen. He also shows how there is no parallel in history to today's ubiquitous "living" form of celebrity, powered by newspapers, PR departments, magazines and electronic mass media.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sociology, Cultural Studies, Philosophy, History, American, Academic

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Chris Rojek is Professor of Sociology and Culture at Nottingham Trent University, UK.
In 2003 he was awarded the Allen V. Sapora Award for outstanding achievement in the field of Leisure Studies.

Reviews

[Erin Tuzuner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting academic explanation of the psychological need celebrity serves the populace and the damaging effect of the public/private self in terms of meaningful relationships. From stalking to addiction, the perils of self destructive wide ranging popularity are explored. Very well researched and a fun read.

[Matt Chisling (MattyandtheBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful collection of theories related to celebrity, spanning the discipline of celebrity studies from religion to politics. I'm not sure how I feel about this book as a standalone read for the study of celebrity, but, if the topic interests you and you're looking for a deeper understanding of celebrity culture, give this short set a try.

[EvaLovesYA · Rating 4 out of 5]

En rigtig god kilde med dybdegående stof og en grundig gennemgang.
- Brugt på universitetet (engelsk kandidat) til en opgave om self-representation, selfies og celebrity culture.
Og ja, jeg lavede noget, men jeg læste også om twitter-beefs og researchede på Youtube i 2 dage. Det var alletiders!

[Elliot]

Interesting but far from riveting.

[Maxwell Foxman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on the practices of audiences of celebrity and religious practices. Using for a paper!