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 Speaking, Workshops
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This is a sample column I wrote several years ago as a commentary on current events. I could write a similar column on events today. Feel free to down load for review. If you're interested in syndicating such a column on current topics, let me know. In this day of instant celebrity, we are in danger of being inundated by popular mediocrity. Sure, crime, violence, porn, and celebrity scandal make good copy. But what about the gradual erosion of standards of value? Slowly and surely -- maybe not so slowly -- notions of excellence are being pulled down by glamorous celebrities attaching their names to low quality projects -- from books to films to consumer products. They get millions because of their names. Two recent examples are the critically bashed Book by Whoopie Goldberg, for which she got a reported $6 million advance, and An Alan Smithee Film: Burn, Hollywood Burn by Joe Esterhazy. By contrast, good solid writers are finding it hard to get book contracts these days, because major publishers want celebrity names; or they want books tied to the latest media frenzy. Celebs are so in demand, they are endorsing everything from magazines and movies to law and politics, turning what's serious into modern entertainment. Take George magazine published by John F. Kennedy, Jr. It was launched with model Cindy Crawford dressed like George Washington on the cover, and it has continued to feature the politics/Hollywood/show biz connection. But should it? Or does this link demean politicians and the political process. I think it does, because politics should be a serious business, treating issues such as poverty, urban sprawl, and crime, and considering budgets and programs to deal with such problems. Making politics into glamorous entertainment helps to trivialize it, making desired leaders more like talk show hosts and news anchors than individuals who have to make hard decisions that affect the quality of life. This show biz attitude also contributes to the public fascination with the Lewinsky matter, because it involves sex in high places, cutting down coverage of more serious issues, like the state of the economy, education, and the crisis in the Middle East. Only a decade ago speakers like Tom Peters, author of In Pursuit of Excellence, were proudly pushing excellence as a goal. But now that seems passé -- what sells is In Pursuit of Fame, In Pursuit of Celebrity. If striving for excellence can help one get there, fine. But what seems more important these days is having the power and glamour of celebrity and fame. Some celebs even have become multi-millionaire superstars for promoting what a growing number of people believe contributes to the decline of American culture. The bad boy image is "in" for celebrities like Howard Stern and Dennis Rodman. And probably, after the Lewinsky/White House scandal is resolved legally, Monica Lewinsky and the other principal players will be on their way to megabuck book deals. For now this power of celebrity is pervasive. We are glorifying celebrities who have flash and glitz, in the name of free speech and free expression. Unfortunately, in the process, we have lost our sense of good taste and a commitment to quality and excellence. We should ask ourselves: Is this what we want as a society? Is this what we value for ourselves? If you say no, you can always turn off the radio or TV when such personalities are on, not read their books, not buy their records, and otherwise show your lack of support. And maybe try asking others to do the same. I think it's time we start speaking out for good taste, quality, and excellence. I think it's time we create a better class of "celebrities." At one time, people wanted the people who became prominent in society to be real leaders and role models. I think it's time we look for those qualities again. * * * * * * * Gini Graham Scott, Ph.D., J.D., is
the author of over 35 books, a speaker and seminar leader, and the director
of Changemakers and Creative Communications and Research. She specializes
in the area of social issues, criminal justice, and lifestyles. Her latest
book are Work With Me: Resolving Everyday Conflict in
Your Organization and The Innovative Edge.
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