Claim To Fame

Lindsay, a former child star who suffered a nervous breakdown after developing the ability to hear what anyone says about her, comes to see this as an asset when, after her father's death, she learns that she is not alone.

Moving from People magazine to publicists' offices to tours of stars' homes, Joshua Gamson investigates the larger-than-life terrain of American celebrity culture. In the first major academic work since the early 1940s to seriously analyze the meaning of fame in American life, Gamson begins with the often-heard criticisms that today's heroes have been replaced by pseudoheroes, that notoriety has become detached from merit. He draws on literary and sociological theory, as well as interviews with celebrity-industry workers, to untangle the paradoxical nature of an American popular culture that is both obsessively invested in glamour and fantasy yet also aware of celebrity's transparency and commercialism. Gamson examines the contemporary "dream machine" that publicists, tabloid newspapers, journalists, and TV interviewers use to create semi-fictional icons. He finds that celebrity watchers, for whom spotting celebrities becomes a spectator sport akin to watching football or fireworks, glean their own rewards in a game that turns as often on playing with inauthenticity as on identifying with stars. Gamson also looks at the "celebritization" of politics and the complex questions it poses regarding image and reality. He makes clear that to understand American public culture, we must understand that strange, ubiquitous phenomenon, celebrity.

This book investigates the stardom of Lady Gaga within a cultural-sociological framework. Resisting a reductionist perspective of fame as a commodity, Mathieu Deflem offers an empirical examination of the social conditions that informed Lady Gaga’s rise to fame. The book delves into topics such as the marketing of Lady Gaga; the legal issues that have dogged her career; the media; her audience; her activism; issues of sex, gender, and sexuality; and Lady Gaga’s unique artistry. By training a spotlight on this singular pop icon, Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame invites readers to consider the nature of stardom in an age of celebrity.

Step into the Spotlight: How Ordinary People Transformed into Household Names In a world captivated by the glow of fame, Rise to Fame: Stories & Strategies of the Self-Made Celebrity serves as both a beacon and a roadmap for those daring enough to dream of the spotlight. This meticulously crafted guide illuminates the paths trodden by those who have transformed their ordinary lives into extraordinary sagas of success. With candid stories and proven strategies, this book not only motivates but equips you for your ascent to stardom. Embark on Your Journey with Clarity and Purpose. The initial chapters lay the foundation of fame, helping you define your niche and understand the dynamics of the fame ecosystem. Discover how digital platforms can serve as your stage, drawing lessons from phenomena such as Justin Bieber's ascent from YouTube anonymity to global superstardom. Harness the power of social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to carve out your visible space in the crowded digital universe. Dive deep into the realm of acting, music, reality TV, and more, gleaning wisdom from the trajectories of legends like Sarah Jessica Parker and Selena Gomez. Each chapter showcases a unique pathway, laden with personal anecdotes and actionable strategies. Learn how to master auditions, network effectively, develop your musical identity, and even leverage reality TV for sustained fame. This book also sheds light on less conventional routes to recognition, such as comedy, writing, directing, and influencing. From Chris Pratt's transformation from a waiting-tables job to blockbuster roles to Sylvester Stallone's inspiring journey scripting "Rocky", the stories within will fuel your ambition while guiding your steps. Prepare for the Marathon. Fame is not merely about the ascent but also about staying afloat in its turbulent waters. Learn about building and managing your reputation, navigating public scrutiny, and expanding your empire for long-term success. Uncover the secrets of maintaining relevance while balancing your personal life with your public persona. With Rise to Fame: Stories & Strategies of the Self-Made Celebrity, ignite your passion, strategize your path, and prepare to rise. Your journey to the pantheon of fame starts here.

The most infamous of conquerors gets the Horribly Famous treatment. Readers can find out everything about Alexander that other books won't tell them, including how he once took on an army of 326 elephants, how he told everyone he was a god, and that his best friend was actually his horse, Bucephalus.

Moving from People magazine to publicists' offices to tours of stars' homes, Joshua Gamson investigates the larger-than-life terrain of American celebrity culture. In the first major academic work since the early 1940s to seriously analyze the meaning of fame in American life, Gamson begins with the often-heard criticisms that today's heroes have been replaced by pseudoheroes, that notoriety has become detached from merit. He draws on literary and sociological theory, as well as interviews with celebrity-industry workers, to untangle the paradoxical nature of an American popular culture that is both obsessively invested in glamour and fantasy yet also aware of celebrity's transparency and commercialism. Gamson examines the contemporary "dream machine" that publicists, tabloid newspapers, journalists, and TV interviewers use to create semi-fictional icons. He finds that celebrity watchers, for whom spotting celebrities becomes a spectator sport akin to watching football or fireworks, glean their own rewards in a game that turns as often on playing with inauthenticity as on identifying with stars. Gamson also looks at the "celebritization" of politics and the complex questions it poses regarding image and reality. He makes clear that to understand American public culture, we must understand that strange, ubiquitous phenomenon, celebrity.