The attraction of fame

Fame is a funny thing. We seem to be drawn to it, like the archetypal moth to the flame. Even if we don't think we are.

I hate celebrity culture. The countless websites, magazines, TV shows that exist only to embarrass, expose, idolize or demonize celebrities really bother me. I don't get the fascination. In fact, my wife will tell you, I have remarked before just how stupid I think the whole thing is.

But my eyes were opened this past month.

You see, I met someone famous. Two someones, in fact. And not just sort of famous. Really very famous people. My interaction with them was limited, but did last 20-30 minutes. In that time I found them to be down to earth, kind, and, well, normal people. During my interactions, I didn't think I was star-struck.

Apparently I was.

Since my brief interaction, I honestly found myself very interested in these people, and for longer than I thought I would have. I now know what movies they have been in, what major awards (Golden Globe and Academy Awards) they have been nominated for or won. I know when they were married, born, etc. The internet makes all this so easily accessible. But what shocked me (and disturbed me) the most was that I found myself hoping for opportunities to see them or speak with them again. I was looking more closely, wanting to catch a glimpse. I found myself paying attention to celebrity news, wondering if I would hear or see their names. I was sucked in. Fortunately, it didn't last, and the brief fascination has now faded. But I am left wondering if I am no better than those celebrity-mongers who keep trash like The Enquirer, Star, and Us Weekly flying off the shelves. Talk about painful self-revelation.