Prime Time 7, Coursebook plus Semester Self-checks

7 What’s a celebrity? Today’s news The three people below have all made it into tonight’s prime time news programme on TV. Director Tim Johnson, who was given a prestigious award for his documentary about the dangers of nuclear power Politician Blanche Lincoln, who was unexpectedly appointed Secretary of Defence Car mechanic Jack Reed, who won a reality show in which he and his competitors had to live in the jungle for two weeks a) Explain why the producers of the programme could have decided to report about these three people. b) Which of the three reports would you like to watch most and why? c) Who of these three people do you consider to be a “celebrity” and why? Reading: An encyclopaedia entry a) Read the encyclopaedia entry. Complete the sentences (1–6) using a maximum of four words. Write your answers in the spaces provided. The first one (0) has been done for you. 1  2  celebrity n. a person who is easily recognised by people of a certain region or culture. Celebrities get media attention and usually show an extroverted personality. People may become celebrities because of their profession, after appearances in the mass media or even purely by chance. Celebrities that achieve a small amount of fame through hype or mass media are often referred to as B-grade or even C-grade celebrities. In the 20 th and 21 st centuries, public fascination with celebrities and the demand for celebrity news has caused the rise of gossip magazines and celebrity blogs, which provide work for society reporters and paparazzi. Some professional activities that are high-paid, highly exposed, and difficult to get into are likely to lead to celebrity status. Movie stars and television actors with lead roles in popular shows, high-ranking politicians, successful business people, supermodels, athletes or chart-topping musicians usually become celebrities. A few humanitarian leaders such as Mother Teresa have achieved fame because of their charitable work. Some people have become known owing to their online activities and thus are regarded as internet celebrities. As celebrities often lead a life detached from the lives of normal people, the public is usually highly interested in their private lives. They may also be envied for their status, and the public may have a love-hate relationship with them. Tabloid magazines and TV talk shows closely follow their every move. Celebrities are alternately portrayed as glowing examples of perfection, when they receive prizes or awards, or as decadent or immoral if they become associated with scandal. To stay in the public eye and make money, many celebrities have shares in business ventures such as celebrity-branded items including books, clothing lines, perfumes, and household items. In his article “The new stardom that doesn’t require paying any dues” journalist Bob Greene compares historic stardom with today’s celebrities. In former times, he argues, people of talent created something written, painted or acted something out which was passed on to audiences. With the rise of reality TV shows, however, audiences have been turned into creators. Greene points out that stars of reality shows such as Survivor and Big Brother have become famous not for doing anything, but merely for being on screen. In 1968 artist Andy Warhol coined the phrase “15 minutes of fame”, which describes the short-lived media publicity or celebrity of an individual or phenomenon. “Celebrities” in the 21 st century are often regular people who have become well known 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 96 Celebrities Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv