I ve just realised .....

I hardly ever recognize the names. When did the word celebrity begin to be used?
Was it a new word for TV star? or sports star?
I don't suppose it matters if we know who they are as long as they keep us entertained.

Nor do I know the magazines any more. I decided to buy a subscription to one as a gift for DD and she was shocked!

Apparently what I'd subscribed her to was a fitness mag with
a message wholly at odds with her life as a young mum.

Nothing new. I remember thinking how pathetic my mother was when she couldn't name any of the Rolling Stones. Must admit I recognise very few of the Z-list 'stars'.

I too have no idea who these celebrities are. If I take part in a quiz I dread questions on 'Popular Culture' and 'Sport' as I have no interest in either. I usually struggle with picture rounds too as some of the photos are of 'celebrities'. I'm relieved to see I'm in good company!

I find that many 'celebrities' and also quite well known actors are becoming unrecognisable to me and I'm sure it's to do with surgery, or maybe make up which makes them all look the same. Also the men all have those beards now! I have a huge poster of 'Little Mix' at the top of my stairs courtesy of DGDs and try as I might I cannot remember their names or distinguish between them. I would not recognise them if they knocked at my door!!

Having said that I have been watching the documentary about Jade Goody, one of the original 'Big Brother' celebrities. The way she was manipulated and how the press portrayed her was horrifying and cruel. Still on the back of her 'celebrity' she did work hard and make lots of money for her family so all credit to her, coming from such a terrible background. She did try to better herself till her sad death at such a young age. I could not help but feel sorry for her but yet at the same time I felt admiration for her tenacity.

We have to remember they may be celebrities but they are also people, many of them quite vulnerable. Maybe meeting them in person might present us a with different, more sympathetic picture.