Who wants fame?

Who would want to be famous these days? Seriously? Like many young girls, I dreamt of being famous one day and spent many hours at dance rehearsals, singing lessons and modeling agencies aiming for the spotlight. Not everyone has the attention-seeking gene but I was definitely buildng my life around the goal of becoming famous as a child.

Andy Warhol said "In the future everybody will be world-famous for 15 minutes." And with the plethora of reality TV shows beeming into our lounge rooms every week, it seems Mr Warhol knew what he was talking about. Just look at the thousands of people who line the streets, putting themselves at the mercy of the judges for their shot at fame, be it Big Brother or Australian Idol. (I myself had to do this for the sake of a story, and trust me, it is not something I would ever do again!)

In Australia we have more people who are famous for being on a reality TV show, than we have true celebrities. How else can you explain an ex-Big Brother contestant competing on Dancing With The Stars? Another starred on Neighbours, along with an ex-Idol contestant. And now the latest Idol pin-up boy, Dean Geyer, looks set to join Ramsay Street too.

And with the technology shift in our lives leading everyone to the internet, sites like MySpace and YouTube allow anyone to become an instant success. Bands have found fame this way and others, notoriety for their quirky YouTube creations. Hey, even blogging is a way to get your name out there.

But my question is, when you look at the life of celebrities (and trust me, I see more than my fare shair of gossip magazines and websites everyday - it's part of my job), what part makes it aspirational? Sadly, many young girls want to be famous, but not for something noble... they want to be like Paris Hilton. They know they can be famous for not doing much at all.

Now that I am older and wiser than my pre-teen self, I wouldn't wish fame upon anyone. When I recently asked Hilary Duff about living in the spotlight, her answers about the paparazzi were enough to make me question the sanity of anyone who wants to be in the public eye. I most certainly would make the worst celebrity. Venturing outside without makeup? Yep, that's me everyday. Bad outfit choices? I'm sure I've made a few. Partying? Of course!

In Hollywood where you're not anybody unless you've been to rehab, celebrities seem to live a sad life. And when a girl like Britney Spears who is worth millons and was once a pop icon, sends herself down a path of croth-flashing, drug taking and head shaving, it doesn't make me envious for one second. In fact, I feel sad for her and happy for my simple, and private life : )

Notes on Glossy Paper