Death, for many individuals, is a scary thought. One second, you’re here experiencing this crazy phenomenon called life, and the next, your spirit is gone. As our parasocial relationships with celebrities expand, what happens when their light is dimmed?
Death = Profit
Why is death so easy to sell? In the last 30 years, celebrity stan culture has taken over the zeitgeist for the average consumer’s enjoyment. From analyzing the toxic work environments of our favorite TV shows, the sexual escapades of your favorite boy band, or even the death of a member of your favorite band from 10 years ago.
Pop culture touches each of our lives differently, and the media knows this. Their next goal is profiting from this phenomenon, whether through posthumous albums, tell-all books, or documentaries explaining the death of a recent passing star. They know that any analysis of the celebrity we prop up or look down upon will sell.
The recent death of teen heartthrob Liam Payne sparked conversation surrounding new documentaries and the media using his death for engagement has called into play the consistency of legacy media and its harm toward others. TMZ was called out for this after, on the day of Payne’s passing, they showcased part of Payne’s deceased body on their website.
What can WE do to stop it?
Do you, as a consumer, want to know ways to stop this from continuing to happen? Disengage! Our media is reliant on people’s support, with that in mind we can control what we want to see from the media and implement ways for them to improve.
It is not only celebrities’ job to call out daily news for exploiting them for profit like they do every day. If you want to see changes in celebrities and average people being showcased in the media, then show them. Write letters, protest their content that is not informative or go to another platform that might service you better.
While celebrity culture might never die out, it matters how we convey humanity and support for one another. So the next time you see that new documentary coming out about the secrets of XYZ star being abused, ask yourself if this is informative. Does it support those who are being affected or exploit them?
Have you noticed this trend happening in pop culture? Let us know by following us on Instagram @VALLEYmag to tell us what you think!
