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Due to cancel culture and maybe even social media in general would you say its worth shooting for fame?
Back when I was a kid (when tv was the main screen) I guess I wanted to be famous. But I wanted to be famous because when I saw these muscians, actors and comedians I just thought wow their lives are easy and fun and obviously they're rich.
Now it seems like celebrities still have much more fun than the average person but it seems like to keep your position has gotten harder, especially the newer you are.
Is it still worth it?
For a certain type of person, I'm sure it is.
For me, the very thought of having to constantly police my opinions, to constantly watch out for backstabs, to worry about all the various attempts by others, even people you might trust, to exploit you and your fame for personal gain, to the point you can never really be certain if anyone authentically cares about you.
The one I think of a lot recently is Kanye West. Guy achieves true superstar status, is known for being extremely talented if a bit unhinged, billion+ dollar net worth, most projects he touches turn to gold, marries and knocks up one of the hottest women (in both the fame AND sexual attractiveness terms) on the planet, and then gets most of the above ripped away from him amidst mental breakdowns and abandonment by most of his 'friends' leaving him to various parasitic hangers-on who are desperate to grab their own strip of fame at his expense. All taking place very much in the public eye.
Let us just say I would not switch places with Kanye if given the choice.
Or the entire story of Michael Jackson, ye Gods.
I don't think I'd be comfortable having a life that is examined 24/7 by both rapid fans and haters and having to thus constantly be in 'performance' mode. The money would be great yet I wouldn't feel truly 'free' to spend it. In that sense, my role models are those types who achieve 'quiet' wealth. Like making tens of millions inventing some software that gets adopted as standard in some sub-industry that nobody ever things about, and owning a large, reclusive property somewhere in the mountains where nobody COULD bother you even if they wanted to.
Also if you're a singer, the thought of having to tour around the world is cool, but then realize that you have to perform (and practice!) the exact same songs dozens of times, likely thousands of times over the course of a career. For a born performer this might sound okay, but to me it sounds like a slow journey to insanity.
Money for Nothing and Your Chicks for Free.
I'd guess this depends on how you 'came up.' I get the sense that the so-called "Nepo babies" have it comparatively easy since your parents' connections can pave the road for you or, as the case may be, soften the landing if you fall.
I'd also guess that for those without existing connections, the number of 'gatekeepers' has proliferated making it way harder to advance to real fame. Maybe you don't have to sleep with a producer anymore (?) but you've got to get approved by a whole lot of intermediaries before you come anywhere near a big IP or studio that might actually push you through to the mainstream.
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