Celebrity addiction (or I’ve read “People” and the damage done)

Let’s face it. There are some people in the world who are just more interesting than you. Whether it’s because they have some talent at entertaining us, or just have bulges in all the right places, they have a way of being the life of the party.

We could analyze the phenomenon and attribute it to some evolutionary quirk of our ape ancestors. Or we could blame an overactive media network with an insatiable need to fill dead air with something sensational. Perhaps it’s the entertainment industry exploiting our desire to sit at the cool kid’s table. In the end, I don’t think it matters.

There is a problem. Our celebrities have addictions of their own. Without naming names, we have watched a number of “high profile” cases sparkle and fade in the past few years. Powder and pill, needle and bottle, they are dropping like flies. Shiny, pretty flies.

You see, it turns out celebrities are just people. The only difference between them and you is that they have worked very hard, have been incredibly lucky, or, more probably, both. They have the same insecurities and flaws we all have, coupled with the knowledge that any misstep will be broadcast around the world in seconds. No pressure there. If, once in a while, they turn to drugs to self-medicate or just escape, who are we to judge. What would you do if the spotlight was on you?

The real addiction is our continued obsession with the rich and famous. The smallest details of their lives are fodder for every tabloid and “news” show. We can’t get enough. We tear them down as fast as we build them up. We are the ones with a problem. It can be seen on every television and at every supermarket checkout.

So for everyone who makes a hobby of gossiping about the stars, take a moment to remember they are human beings. They have thoughts and feelings and problems just like the rest of us. Actually, their problems are more expensive and better-looking than yours, but you get the idea.

Let’s just enjoy the show and not focus so much on the players. Give those who need help a chance to get it without shame. In the end, it’s just entertainment. It’s meant to be a temporary distraction from your real life, not a replacement. I bet there are people a lot closer to you right now that could use some of that attention.

Also, I wish more people would read my blog. Just saying. I’m not bitter.

Follow @SeanSandulak

About Sean Sandulak

Crazed recluse and sociophobe who has taken up writing after failing at everything else. Send pizza.