Capitalizing on your youth & selling your soul for the likes.
Being Internet famous is a huge moment for any aspiring star, but is it worth it?
As a born and bred Southern California Girl, it seemed as though everyone wanted their time in the lime light. From the raw beginnings everyone wanted to be the Homecoming Queen and everyone aspired to have the largest following on every social media platform imaginable.
So we smiled more. We contoured our faces till they were unrecognizable. We went out just for the snapchat. We showed more cleavage. We hashtagged the shit out of our posts and we started to define our happiness on the numbers.
However, as I made myself more accessible, more seen, I could feel my privacy slipping away. The second anyone posts anything online, it's free game. Anyone anywhere can see it. It's only a matter of time before the trolls, negative comments, and judgements come pouring in. It's like they say, you can't please everyone.
There's a conflict of interest when it comes to blogging. Naturally, you want a lot of followers, but what are you willing to do to get those likes? Are you willing to sacrifice your creative authenticity for a couple more hits? These are the questions I consider asking myself every time I push 'Publish'.
The public eye has a tendency to categorize celebrities. Whether it be by race, sexuality, or career choices, it's hard to get people's head wrapped around the idea that you have more to offer than just your music, art, or pretty face. Just look at the incomparable Miley Cyrus who fought the public for a new set of expectations, a new identity. As controversial as her acts are, there's something to be said about becoming someone else. To be brave enough to redefine yourself in the eyes of the world is a very bold thing indeed.
Is fame just an act or is it a creative outlet? Personally, my main struggle as a blogger is staying authentic while creating content that perpetuates viewership. Staying honest to you, dearest readers, is always my top priority. So what do you think? Is fame all smoke and mirrors? Can fame thrive authentically or is it eventually doomed to commercialization?
xx Ella-Kol
