We Need To Stop Idolizing Celebrities And Start Appreciating The Real Heroes Of Our Society

Recently, after the Bengaluru mass molestation incident, a Bollywood actor came out with a video where he spoke about how ashamed he felt to be a part of our society.

The video went viral and everyone admired it. Which was ironic because the same actor in most of his movies had stalked a girl, danced in item songs and basically treated women like shit and an object. While it is very easy to be swayed away by the actors’ words in the video, we really need to look at the big picture.

Are the celebrities really our heroes?

Do they really deserve the amount of worship we give them?

Because really, some of them, even though by logic come off as complete assholes have incredible following. These fans follow their every move, get “inspired” by them, dress like them and act like them.

We worship them to an extent that celebrity worship has been categorised as a borderline psychological disorder –

1. Empathy with celebrity failures and successes

 

2. Obsession with their lives and what they do in their private time

 

3. Over-identification with the celebrity

If we ask teenagers of today who their heroes were, most of them would take a celebrity’s name – which is not healthy at all.

Because celebrities work for themselves. Hardly any of them are working to create art. Hardly any of them are partaking in real charity, and not just fake charity to get into good books of people just because they are involved in a hit and run case.

They maintain a good name for themselves because it’s good for business. Because a good image brings in good money.

 

A photo op with the jawans or the police does not make them courageous or inspirational. It’s a PR gimmick, nothing else.

 

The real heroes of our society are teachers, doctors, policemen, scientists, public lawyers, journalists, social workers, and military personnel who display real courage, inspiration, and integrity.

They are honest to a fault and touch people’s lives in a way that none of the celebrities can even think of.

 

These people rescue prostitutes from brothels, teach our children, fight for the environment, rescue animals, stand guard at the border, heal people and so much more.

They touch our lives even when they are not there. They do not make media appearances and usually do their good work in the background, away from the limelight and fame. Yet, they make the most impact.

 

They show exemplary courage to go beyond their capabilities to bring positive change to our society.

Celebrities do not leave the comfort of their big mansions and luxury cars and bodyguards to do good. The work of our real heroes will stand the test of time even if they do not become famous.

Our value system has to change.

We need to look up to people who bring true change in our society and not people who make 500 crores in 1 week because of a hit film. Because we do not want the future generations of our country to get inspired by them and start behaving like entitled spoilt brats who have no regard for others, let alone doing some good for the society.

Cover Image Source 1, 2.