Is It Worth Being Famous?

When I think of fame, I think of artists like Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Justin Bieber and countless other musical artists who once have lived and still live their lives in the public spotlight. In the last couple of years, the music industry has lost some major musical icons; Teena Marie, Michael Jackson, Etta James, Heavy D, Gerald Levert and most recently Whitney Houston, and Don Cornelius. There have been some major losses in the television and film industry down through the years as well such as Elizabeth Taylor, John Ritter, and many others to name a few.

I guess the upside of being famous is all the financial gain that you can earn from your craft and all the media attention that you can ever want. You also get a chance to hang out with all the other famous celebrities. Also, you get the chance to travel across the globe as you let others see you perform your art.

The music, television and film industries have changed so much down through the years. Technology has came in and taken over certain aspects of the industry. The constant struggle to be on top seems to be a never ending battle. What was once a hit is now yesterday's memory. It seems as if every artist, whether it be music or television is in constant competition with one another to be at the top of their game. The need to be the best seems to be the worry of every up and coming artist. But with the recent passing of Whitney Houston, it makes me wonder if being a celebrity is really worth all the hassle. The flash of the camera, the news media's constant need for information on a person's life. The paparazzi's chasing down a limousine just to get a glimpse of whomever they can seems to be their life's work.

I used to watch this show in the 80's called "Fame". Debbie Allen stars as a dance instructor. She reminds her students "If you want fame, fame costs and right here is where you start paying, in sweat". That statement rings true for so many of our celebrities. They have to endure so much on a daily basis; their life is an open book. Every aspect of their life is under a microscope. I can't imagine not being able to go the supermarket, or to a movie without the constant flicker of a camera, or a news reporter following me for some kind of story. It seems as if celebrity gossip has made it's way to the local grocery store shelf. Every magazine is touting a celebrity's life in a few paragraphs of their story. It's like you have to defend your every move. Your telephone is ringing off the hook because someone wants to do an interview with you for their television or radio spot. Celebrities seem like they never have a private moment to themselves.

Of course, it makes me wonder how these celebrities are able to cope with the daily stresses in their lives. Some feel as if they need to partake in the use of alcohol or illegal drugs just to help them to get through the day. As much as I feel like I want to be a singer, I'm really starting to have second thoughts about this music thing. I'm used to living a quiet life. I truly feel the pain when some of these celebrities go through the trials and tribulations of their fame and fortune. It makes me ask the question "Is it really worth being famous"? And the answer that I get is no. I like my life just the way it is.

Check out Michael Jackson's video called "Privacy". I think it speaks for all celebrities.

This is Jill Scott's take on dealing with the privacy issue.