As I was watching Jon & Kate Plus 8 last night (don't judge me, I freely admit my reality tv addiction) and they were discussing how public things have become about the issues they've been having and how inescapable the public eye is, I got to thinking...Could I handle that kind of fame? Could you?
Can you imagine being photographed every time you leave the house, no matter what you're wearing or what your hair looks like?
Could you manage being followed while driving?
How enjoyable would family outings be if a band of photographers was camped out nearby with their lenses aimed at you?
What would it be like to have people call your name in public? Seek you out for an autograph or picture? What if that happened during a romantic meal? Or a not-so-happy conversation?
Could you give up your privacy in exchange for fame and fortune? Could you?
I think I could handle it, if I had to...I'd learn to ignore it. BUT...fame and fortune wouldn't be worth having to learn to!
ReplyDeleteAck. I don't think so. Lucky for me, writers don't usually see that kind of media attention. (Unless you attain Stephen King level fame.) Maybe if I was a multi-millionaire with bodyguards and assistants, it wouldn't be so bad. ;o)
ReplyDeleteI really don't think I'd like it. But I know there are stars and famous people who have learned ways to handle it:)
ReplyDeleteNah. I would never want to have that kind of life, not even for tons of money. Sometimes I don't even think I want to be a super famous author. Bestselling would be fun, but not like Roberts or Meyers.
ReplyDeleteI was browsing through the little shops in our quaint downtown area this weekend when a sales clerk mistakenly tried to shame me into buying a new outfit by criticizing what I was wearing. Stung, I spun on one heel and left the store, today's equivalent of 'the cut'. For me, that was the end of story. But if I were truly famous, could I handle that kind of criticism every time I walked out the door? Yeah, no.
ReplyDeleteI watched Jon and Kate last night too and was so sad. Made me think I couldn't handle it. I'd sure like the fortune though.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't do it. No way. I don't understand why people would want to give up their privacy for fame. Or fortune. I am a private person, and I would have gone Britney long before she did. Lol. I don't blame her at all or judge her for totally freaking.
ReplyDeleteI guess it would depend on what type of reality show. Something personal between couples always end up a nasty train wreck: i.e. Jessica & Nick, Britney & Kev, Paris & Nicole, etc... They should know what they're getting themselves into. There's always a price to fame and fortune but either you learn to deal with it or you go off the deep end...which also makes for good television.
ReplyDeleteI think I could hack it. I'm not a very private person to start with, I live my life out loud.
ReplyDeleteBut - I don't have kids, and that is where I draw the line. Kids who didn't ask for the attention, who don't understand.
I don't think I could handle living in the public eye and I don't understand how people do it. I love and value my privacy. I've never seen the show but it's my understanding they signed up for this, right? I don't feel too bad for people who volunteer for stuff, but I can sympathize when they have kids.
ReplyDeleteInteresting question. To be honest - I don't think I would have a problem with it at all. I'm not one of those people who care what everyone else thinks - so if I made it to the big time...I would say "bring it on!" :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't even like it that my neighbours can see me in my backyard if they're looking out their second floor windows. I def have days I do not want to talk to or be seen by ANYONE.
ReplyDeleteI do have ambitions/dreams/fantasies of "fame" as a writer... But the advantage writers have is that outside of writers conferences, they almost never get recognized.
I wouldn't want fame for that price...and like Maureen said, that's why being a writer is so cool. You can still achieve some fame, but not be in the limelight like that constantly. :D
ReplyDeleteNot sure if I could handle it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy running to the supermarket unshowered, no makeup, and in my baseball cap with no worries too much. :)
I cherish my privacy yet I have a blog for all to see.....hmmmm.....something to think about...back out to the garden to ponder that one.
ReplyDeleteI could never handle it. I'm all for fortune, but you can keep fame. I don't even like when my neighbors glance at me as I'm taking out the garbage. I think I'd faint if they took pictures and then wanted to look through my garbage for souveniers.
ReplyDeleteI could always treat them like that raccoon. And me twisted? Surely you jest.
ReplyDeleteIn all seriousness I wouldn't like it, but I'm far to ugly and hairy for anyone to ever want that many candid pics of me.
I don't know if I could handle it but I know I'd NEVER volunteer for it. There's not enough money in the world.
ReplyDeleteMy dignity is worth more than they can pay me.
I *so* could not handle it. I want to be able to bite my nails in public and have horrible hair without people staring. So nice to be anonymous!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Chrissy. It's one thing if it fell into your lap, but if you go out of your way to seek the attention like that (like, for example, signing on for a reality show), then you did it to yourself.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with Maureen and Rhonda...that's one of the great things about being a writer. Usually you're not really recognizable in public.
You have to really know who you are to handle it well. It's one reason I think child actors end up so messed up most times--they don't know who they are before they get famous. The ones with solid parents who don't "sell" them do much better. The difference between Brittany Spears and Hillary Duff for instance.
ReplyDeletebut inviting a camera into your home 24/7 doesn't work well for anyone.