Celebrity: how have celebrities changed in response to the rise of social, digital or mobile media? Consider the broader implications with regards to the ‘specular’ metaphor.
It is Barack Obama’s political campaign in the lead up to the 2009 election that displays true justice to the power social media holds in todays society.
During his campaign trail, Obama hired 100 extra staff to monitor his social media activity. He targeted the “…technologically savvy Millennial generation of 18-24 year olds”, (Hendricks, J A 2010) and used the Internet “…strategically and dynamically to motivate, involve, and generate enthusiasm among the electorate during the 2008 campaign…” (Hendricks, J A 2010).
Although possibly not considered a ‘celebrity’ in the traditional, commercial sense, he still presents an image of desire. Marshall defines a celebrity as "a particularly powerful and persuasive trope for contemporary culture" (Marshall, D 2013), and Obama possesses both of those characteristics.
Obama’s social media activity throughout his campaign enticed a range of demographics that would not normally vote in an American election, to do just that. He used his identity and what he stood for to gain traction in the election, which subsequently led to his victory.
If more celebrities used social media to prevail their positive intentions and instil optimistic views, this may permeate throughout society.
It is the likes of Miley Cyrus that are becoming a detriment to the specular society. Her current profane behaviour contrasted with her role model-like past, is what will leave society negatively affected by celebrity actions delivered through social media.
Miley Cyrus’ disgusting behaviour is attracting more attention than it would have pre- social media. In the act of criticising her, she is only gaining more publicity. The sheer amount of people social media reaches and the prevalence within the young community, means the mirroring of celebrity actions will become more and more of a risk, or alternatively, a positive.
(Image source: http://www.celebuzz.com)
References
Marshall, P. David (2013) “Rankings and Reputations: the Proliferation of Lists and the play of Klout”,Persona Studies.13 June
Hendricks,
J A (2010). Communicator-In-Chief: How Barack Obama used new media
technology to win the White House. United Kingdom: Lexington Books.
p.xi-19.
Hi India – Miley eh? .. Hasn’t she got us all talking? I used her as an example in my blog too. It’s good to see you expressing your views clearly on how you interpret her latest representation. I believe that we all interpret things according to our own moral beliefs and values; and that how celebrities 'present' themselves in social media has an effect on their brand and reputation. I watch Miley’s antics with distanced curiously only, truly hoping that she won’t be a negative influence on my nieces and nephews, because our family has a very different moral code. I liked your post this week.. it was engaging and entertaining, and met the brief well. Thanks
ReplyDeletePrue
Hey India,
ReplyDeleteI like your use of Obama to construct a positive argument towards this topic. Often, i feel, we are encouraged to think that the increase of celebrity activity on social media has had a mostly negative impact on society.
Not that i support Miley Cyrus' behaviour, but i wonder if there was a somewhat lack of control over the footage and information being released to make her such a negatively looked upon icon. Perhaps Obama was able to imply tighter restrictions to control the information that was outed, and swing it in a more positive light. I wonder, from the information released, who, out of Miley and Obama was more accurately represented.
Hi India,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your contrast between Miley Cyrus and Barack Obama in terms of their use of social media. When first reading the blog topic, my mind immediately jumped to the negative impact some celebrities and their social media use have on society. The example of Obama was well researched and it was interesting to see you discuss his campaign positively towards this topic. I also agree that Miley’s actions will leave society negatively affected and it’s sad but true that the more she is criticized the more publicity she receives! Perhaps you could of expanded of the specular economy in regards to Marshall’s readings and applied his definition to further your examples. Well done! Keep up the good work for your final blog post!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIndia, what a powerful and eye opening blog post! You had me hooked from the title ‘Obama vs. Cyrus’ because I was intrigued as to how you were going to use two polar opposites to explain and discuss your concept. But it was the comparison of their popularity and use of social media that really brought home your point. Even though both celebrities used social media for different things, both gained the same immense popularity through exposure via social media. Your use of sources were relevant and really supported your claim that social media is powerful, especially in the young community.
ReplyDeleteHi India, fantastic work this week.
ReplyDeleteYour in depth presentation of Obama and his social media campaign shows to me that you have researched your topic very well. He was also an interesting example to use as despite how well known he is, I have never really thought of him as a celebrity but your post has convinced me otherwise! You explored the topic question well and "the broader implications" by discussing Miley Cyrus' negative effects on society however perhaps more referencing to the Specular Economy and more of an explanation of it could have strengthened your post. Overall though, a great job!
- S
I really enjoyed the contrast you made between Obama and Miley Cyrus, showing two different ways that they have been shaped as celebrities and the way in which they have used social media. Your examples showed a clear understanding of the topic and you backed this up with strong points of evidence that really helped to develop your argument. I think however that to make your points stronger, you could have gone into more detail about your topic. Your Obama example was thorough and although I understood what you were trying to say about Miley, I feel like a greater example of why her behaviour was bad, rather than just the fact that it is, would have helped your point. All in all though, I enjoyed the post and thought you made some great points.
ReplyDeleteHey India, what an interesting idea you had there. Indirectly you were showing to your reader that what kind of news and issue that was happening at some moment that will be a big talk for media and the world. Talking about this two different kind of public role in society, I believe medias got their own ways to spotted this two public figures as well. It was funny for me knowing that Miley's controversial issue used to be in the trending topic on twitter with twerking hashtags if I am not mistaken. Well done India, keep it up!
ReplyDeleteHey India, i really enjoyed your examples in this blog topic as it really connected to the impact social media has in today's modernistic society. Your quotes were your standpoint, and they really mused in well with your argument giving it depth and clarity. Like you stated, social media can be a tool for the good and the bad. Obama strategically and effectively was able to connect with his target publics whilst maintaining a sense of professionalism, where as Miley did the complete opposite. Your layout was easy to read, and you managed to grab the attention of readers with your interesting examples. Well done
ReplyDeleteHello India,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog. As we known that people use sosial media to make them famous. Barrack obama could be known as a good man is from social media. His people spread good image of him and make the world know about him. Miley Cyrus brings her self to the top of the world because of her twerking move which is very unappropiate and it is all because of media social. Thank you for sharing this. Keep it up!
-Idrissa