Fanatical Fans

Posted March 1, 2011

The term ‘fan’ is shortened from the word ‘fanatical’, though in recent decades, it has come to mean that someone simply likes something. Being a fan of this or that TV show or movie, or actor or actress, is commonplace. Almost everyone is a fan of something.

But when does being a ‘fan’ cross the line into being ‘fanatical’?

I recently read an interview with a young actor who has been thrust into the spotlight rather abruptly, but completely and without compare. His life has completely changed, because he can’t do anything or go anywhere without being… well, attacked, essentially. He’s frustrated and confused… “Is the adoration for me, or [the character]?” (<– paraphrased quote)

In my opinion, at least for the most part, the adoration is for the character he is best known for portraying. This is not to say that he doesn’t deserve to be adored for who he is as a person, and/or as an actor. Just, in general, I think most of the fanatics out there are drawn to the character, and he is the face of that character.

Don’t get me wrong, I think most fans are well meaning and harmless. Some are not, but of the others – the others who have crossed into ‘fanatical’ territory – I think they just find themselves lost to the overwhelming emotions that idolizing someone can evoke. They don’t know what to do with it, so they freak out and ‘attack’. Not to hurt, I’m sure, but to the person on the receiving end, can you imagine how horrifying that would be?

If you were walking down the street, and some person you didn’t know ran at you, jumped into your arms, tried to kiss you or rip your clothes off, you’d start screaming and call for help. You’d call for the police, because no one has the right to do that to you. But for celebrities, they are expected to just ‘take it’. If they don’t – if they complain – people think they’re ungrateful, or snobbish. They’re criticized for not wanting to be mauled by strangers.

“But when you become an actor, it’s par for the course.”

It might be par for the course, but should it be? If we adore these people as much as we claim to, should we really be attacking them? Would we want a loved one to have to go through that? What if it were your sibling, your parent, your child, being subjected to the chaos? What if it was your loved one who had to hire a bodyguard, just to get from point A to point B?

What if it was your loved one who was being interviewed by yet another interviewer, desperately trying to convey how absolutely miserable he is, but essentially being ignored? To me, the interview I read almost seemed like a cry for help, and it saddened me horribly. Not that I think he’s suicidal! That’s not the kind of ‘cry for help’ I’m referring to. Just, a cry for it to stop.

Please, indulge me for just a moment longer…

Imagine your day for a moment. Work, school, hanging out with friends, etc. Going out to eat. Going to the movies, the mall, a bar (if you’re old enough). Now imagine you can’t do that anymore. None of it. You can’t even own a house, because as soon as word gets out about where you live (and word will get out), you will have hoards of screaming fanatics and photo sharks camped out at every hour of the day and night. You have to live in hotel rooms, out of a suitcase, essentially, for most of your days. You can’t leave without your bodyguard, and not without causing a riot. And in order to avoid the riots as much as possible, you only leave when it’s time to film a movie or do a photo shoot.

Possibly a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much.

Yes, this level of fame comes with perks, I’m sure, like financial security, but at what price?

I’m sorry if I sound like I’m high and mighty on a soap box right now, but this has been weighing on me for most of the day, and I just felt the need to get it off my chest.

In closing I’d just like to say this…

Celebrities are people, not God. They have feelings, and can become overwhelmed just as easily as you can. Think before you act. If you were on the receiving end of what you’re about to do, would you be okay with it, or would you scream for help and call the police? If it’s the latter, stop. Just stop. Please. If you truly admire them, their wellbeing should matter to you.

I apologize if I offended anyone with this post. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and this is mine.

MTLBYAKY