The definitions of many words have changed over time to reflect the lifestyle, technology and practices of new generations. This may especially be true for the word hero. My parents may have defined a hero as someone who has performed an act of bravery. There likely may have been a burning building, small child, or patriotic act involved. Although these heroes are recognized, the heroes that are typically emulated today, the way Charles Lindberg was a few generations ago, seem to be athletes, singers, and actors. This elite group of people has captured the attention of both young and old alike and has become our current day heroes. To learn how enamored our society is with celebrities, simply visit the popular website You-tube to see the vast number of people making their own videos depicting their interpretation of skits, songs, and runway shows originated by their favorite celebrity.
With the increased availability of access to heroes and celebrity through television, radio, and the internet we are able to keep up with the latest happenings and trends of our favorite celebrities. In the days of popularity for singers such as the Beatles, fans had to wait for the occasionally appearance on a variety show of the smatterings of magazine articles, but today we are saturated with celebrity news. With all of the exposure to real time news on our celebrities we can keep up with everything from clubbing and dating habits to the daily clothing choices. This provides an opportunity for manufacturers to also follow the trends and keep the general population with shoes, clothing, and the technology that our favorite celebs are sporting.
Shifts in culture is a funny thing in that no one calls a meeting to decide that we are going to switch our hero figures from war heroes and those performing acts of bravery such as being the first to fly across the Atlantic. The shift just happens and then we are left to reflect on whether or not it was one that was beneficial for your society and especially the youth of today. I think it might be wise to continue to enjoy our favorite celebrities, but to remember the true definition of hero and to continue to look for examples of these people and to hold them in higher esteem than the entertainer of the day.
This blog will follow my Pop Culture adventure learning about how television influences fashion
Betty,
ReplyDeleteThe article that you chose was one that i was looking at, it caught my eye because it ha to do with what i enjoy food and shopping. You did a real good job of explaining the difference between the ethos and counterculture.I agree with what is stated that the store are only out to get your money, and that they use anything to get the buyers in their store.I also found it funny that the 1960 hippies are to blame for organic culture of today's food phase. It is interesting to think about how much our past comes back to the future, and it is an never ending circle.