why do some people become personaly offended others achieving some measure of fame?

[papalovesmambo]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 11:25am

i don't understand it. i may not understand why some people gain some measure of public recognition, but as long as they are not hurting anyone else to do so, wtf do i care?

i can't fathom why some movies get made, but it doesn't offend me that they do. i just want to try to understand why some people seem to be almost pained by someone they deem untalented - or not wildly talented or whatever - being singled out.

this is inspired by the kristina chen thing, but it's more than that. it's something i see here an awful lot. to me it's like being outraged that anyone would watch a pauly shore movie.

Posted: 7/15/08 at 11:27am

How about the thread how they hope Damn Yankees doesn't transfer because it "doesn't deserve" it? Or the folks upset that American Idol winners become stars without paying their dues? People are jealous bitches i guess.

[D2]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 11:28am

Jealousy, Papa.

[papalovesmambo]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 11:32am

i guess. it's really a tough one for me to fathom.

[tazber]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 11:35am

I didn't get the sense that anyone was offended or pained by Chen's popularity.
I think people are just amazed that she is so popular.
What's offensive is that the majority of her "fans" are laughing AT her, not WITH her.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 11:43am

When I see someone in a show that I think sucks or offends me or whatever, I just try to remind myself that its my personal taste and others may love them (Michael Cerveris, for example, I feel is a terribly boring actor but I couldn't say he doesn't deserve to be where he is). Also, especially in the theater, the talent does will out in the end.

I am a bit peeved by Broadway's obsession with American Idol stars...it just kind of sucks to see someone playing out their fifteen minutes on a stage that really ought to go to someone who has devoted their life to the theater (and has to train like an athlete to get there). But hey the talent does will out in the end: If Haylee Duff turns out to be the new Faith Prince, more power to her.

[Roscoe]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 11:46am

"Also, especially in the theater, the talent does will out in the end."

If only that were true in movies. It just annoys the hell out of me when grossly uncapable people ruin otherwise interesting films. Keanu in A SCANNER DARKLY, for example. It isn't jealousy, it is anger that something that could have been excellent is going to be forever compromised by some incompetent boob named Keanu or Brad or Brian or Clint or Rob.

[blueroses]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 11:46am

While I agree that being so upset as to be "personally offended" is going a bit too far, I disagree that the criticism always equals "jealousy." People are quick to throw around "You're just jealous!" when people critique, dislike or just plain badmouth others, and that's not always the case.

Sometimes our reactions are just visceral! I want to knock Kirsten Dunst's teeth in, for example (no, I'm not comparing her to the Heidis and Spencers of the world. I know she's a working actress...just one that I can't stand the sight or sound of).

I think reality TV and youtube have a lot to do with it. It's so easy for ANYONE to put themselves out there and be seen, and people just can't wrap their heads around the ink (and attention) being used on them. Even though there have always been untalented television or film celebrities/starlets, I think the perception is that at least they worked for the money and attention.


Updated On: 7/15/08 at 11:46 AM

Posted: 7/15/08 at 11:50am

"It's so easy for ANYONE to put themselves out there and be seen"

Anyone but YOU, you mean....

[blueroses]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 11:51am

Joe, nah! I'm not a performer. I don't want to put myself out there.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 1:04pm

I completely get what papa is saying and agree 100%. It's not about criticism--there are people who OBSESS over their hatred. That's not healthy or productive.

And some of those AI people on Broadway ARE theatre trained and just got a nice shortcut. Good for them. We have to find the shortcuts where we can.

[RetroBoy]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 1:26pm

blueroses: " I want to knock Kirsten Dunst's teeth in, for example (no, I'm not comparing her to the Heidis and Spencers of the world. I know she's a working actress...just one that I can't stand the sight or sound of).

roscoe: "If only that were true in movies. It just annoys the hell out of me when grossly uncapable people ruin otherwise interesting films. Keanu in A SCANNER DARKLY, for example. It isn't jealousy, it is anger that something that could have been excellent is going to be forever compromised by some incompetent boob named Keanu or Brad or Brian or Clint or Rob."


^ ^ perfect examples.

[tazber]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 2:12pm

I don't see how those are examples at all. I doubt that blueroses would really knock Dunst's teeth in, it's just a hyperbolic way of expressing her opinion that she dislikes Dunst.

I also don't see how you conclude that she is obsessing over her.

It seems that if someone has a negative opinion of a celebrity everyone thinks they're jealous. How silly.

Does everyone here love Paris Hilton? Spencer from the Hills? Are you jealous if you answer no?

[javero]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 2:18pm

People are people. We have the free agency to be as envious, vacuous and down right mean as we desire.

There are some individuals who are livid that: (1) the presumptive nominee at the start of the race Hillary Clinton faces the likelihood of being displaced by an upstart at the party convention and (2)there's a possibility that John McCain could be sworn in a POTUS in Jan 09.

Don't even get me started on the select few posters who insinuate that every advance by a woman or ethnic minority in the USA outside of sport is a result of anything but merit.

It's all relative bro.

Updated On: 7/15/08 at 02:18 PM

[Roscoe]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 2:37pm

Henceforth we must all be as Papa and Jrby, perfect examples of love and light, dispensing wisdom and joy wherever we go.

Praise PAPA and JRB!!!

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 2:50pm

Is that like Peaches and Herb?

[Namaste]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 2:52pm

The only time I'm a "jealous bitch" is when I see these folks getting reality shows and they contribute nothing of worth.

I do find that a little repulsive since they're making money for being attention whores. Probably what's more repulsive is the fact that people watch it. I guess the audience pisses me off more.

[tazber]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 3:03pm

I'm jealous of namaste.

[Namaste]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 3:07pm

Good.

[KrissySim]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 3:07pm

I only get jealous and personally offended when they are getting more fame and making more money than me.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 4:30pm

I wouldn't expect someone like Roscoe to get it because he's one of the worst. How many times DO I have to read that he hates Chicago?? Build a bridge, honey.

See--I don't give two ****s about Paris Hilton or anyone from The Hills. I don't bother with the fact that they are just fluff.

I will say again: there is a supreme difference between criticism and obsession. A difference between posting your review of that person, film, play once and/or anytime your opinion is asked and posting your review in any and every thread possible--making certain that every single person on the planet knows exactly how you feel and double so if anyone dares to praise that which you despise.

Javero, I don't think politics is comparable. Paris Hilton and Britney Spears and even Rob Marshall aren't going to affect my life directly--my rights. My economy. My nation. George Bush, Barack Obama, John McCain do. And we who vote have every right to bitch about their actions.

[Roscoe]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 4:32pm

Jrb, you're so noble and pure. Thank GOD there are people like you and John McCain.

[blueroses]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 4:36pm

"I will say again: there is a supreme difference between criticism and obsession. A difference between posting your review of that person, film, play once and/or anytime your opinion is asked and posting your review in any and every thread possible--making certain that every single person on the planet knows exactly how you feel and double so if anyone dares to praise that which you despise."

I agree, jerby. And none of this contradicts what I said in my post. RetroBoy pointing to my quote as a "perfect example" of my being "personally offended" that Dunst has achieved success made no sense. What I disagreed with was that criticism (not obsession) always has to stem from jealousy. People say that far too often. Criticize their favorite Broadway star, American Idol performer, etc., and they're the ones that are personally offended and pull the "you're jes jealous!" crap.
Updated On: 7/15/08 at 04:36 PM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 4:36pm

Roscoe: That didn't even make sense.

Now don't you have some Razzle Dazzle Editions to turn into a bonfire?

Updated On: 7/15/08 at 04:36 PM

[Roscoe]

Posted: 7/15/08 at 4:57pm

Jrb, I was comparing you to the great God McCain, your sole rival when it comes to nobility and purity.

Curse my slow typing, I wasn't clear! Forgive, Jrb, Forgive!!