Celeb Bodies

    In his essay Celebrity Bodies by Daniel Harris, the author describes the unhealthy nature of celebrities we idolize. Their glamorous lives include strict diets, perfect features, and virtuous habits. It is argued that Hollywood has set the unrealistic standards, such as maintaining a size 0 physique. According to Star Magazine, singer Taylor Swift is 5'11 weighs approximately 120lbs; 7 inches taller and numerous sizes smaller than the average American female. Dangerously thin women of the spotlight seemingly defy male stereotypes of sex appeal. Skin and bones are the antithesis of voluptuous hips and large breasts.
    So who sets the standards? According to Harris, it is our middle class society who decides how perfection must be embody. Hollywood does not inflict these unrealistic standards; it is our notion of what the ideal person should look, dress, and act like. Celebrities should not smoke, drink, or swear just as we do. Brit song- bird Adele smokes like a chimney. Actress Melissa McCarthy fills a size 18. 'Bad Gal RiRi' uses profanity more often than the paparazzi accuses Kim K's butt of being fake. Our principles of flawlessness ultimately determines the success of the Hollywood stars.      
    For some reason, or opinions have a strong effect on these distant stars. We are infatuated with the standards of popular culture; our obsession is described as "pathological in part because they are an absent presence in our lives" (para. 12). Although they are not "physically" there, we seem to know these characters better than we know ourselves. The monsters we create are unfortunately accused as culprits. The bar is set by our mediocre society, yet we prosecute Hollywood for imposing unrealistic standards.
    The irony of it all is that we are in fact belittling ourselves. Under self- abasing tendencies, we collectively impose our deepest insecurities upon the stars. They may be distant, but that does not make them any less human. It has to do with the idea of putting others down in order to feel better about ourselves. There are no personal ties, therefore we feel free to ridicule other beings that are just like us. We drink; we smoke; we swear... just like them. By acknowledging the paradox, you will recognize that despite their physical absence, we are emotionally connected.