Attitude Representations of Celebrities

The "Attitude" website's portrayal of Pedro Pascal in their recent article exemplifies tokenistic representations of celebrities in general by prioritizing easily digestible, meme-worthy moments over a comprehensive understanding of him as an actor or individual. By titling the piece "It’s Pedro Pascal’s Birthday, Here Are the Internet Daddy’s Top 5 Best Moments," the website immediately reduces Pascal to a one-dimensional figure, focusing on his "internet daddy" persona. This approach highlights superficial aspects of his public image, such as viral clips and humorous interactions, rather than delving into his career achievements, personal insights, or the nuances of his performances. The selection of "top 5 best moments" further flattens his identity, presenting him as a collection of easily consumable content rather than a multifaceted person with depth and complexity. This form of representation is tokenistic because it diminishes Pascal's real identity, overshadowing his professional accomplishments and personal attributes with a simplified, often exaggerated, version of himself that caters to internet trends. The emphasis on viral moments and meme culture reduces him to a mere token of internet culture, where his value is determined by his ability to generate online buzz rather than his artistic merit or personal story. Such portrayals risk dehumanizing celebrities, turning them into caricatures that serve the entertainment needs of online audiences, while ignoring the real person behind the image. This tokenistic approach not only misrepresents the celebrity but also perpetuates a culture of superficial engagement, where complex individuals are reduced to easily digestible and shareable content.

In the article "The Viv's Publicist Reveals the Late Star's Plans for Broadway Prior to Death," the preferred reading might interpret the piece as a celebration of The Viv's life and legacy, highlighting her aspirations and unfinished dreams as a way to honor her memory. This perspective focuses on the positive aspects of remembering a beloved figure, framing the article as a tribute to her ambition and talent. However, an oppositional reading could view the article critically, suggesting that it exemplifies how society often takes celebrities' lives for granted, prioritizing their career goals over their personal lives and struggles. This viewpoint might argue that discussing The Viv's unfulfilled Broadway plans, rather than focusing on her personality, life experiences, and overall impact, perpetuates a culture of valuing celebrities primarily for their professional achievements. David Gauntlett's idea that celebrities become role models for their audience is relevant here, as it underscores the responsibility media outlets have in shaping public perception. The preferred reading aligns with the notion that The Viv's ambition can inspire others to pursue their dreams, while the oppositional reading suggests that reducing her to her career goals reinforces a superficial standard of success.

In the article where Orville Peck mentions his inbox being flooded with banana emojis after a racy nude photoshoot, it highlights how the media, specifically Attitude magazine's website, can stereotype celebrities in a negative way by reducing them to sexualized objects rather than exploring their depth as individuals. This approach to idolizing celebrities often disregards their artistic contributions, personal stories, and complex identities, focusing instead on their physical appearance and sexual appeal. Stuart Hall's idea that stereotyping, as a form of representation, reduces people to a few simple characteristics or traits is directly applicable here. By emphasizing Peck's nude photoshoot and the subsequent reactions, the media perpetuates a stereotype that equates his worth with his sexuality, ignoring the multifaceted nature of his artistry and personality. This form of representation strips away his identity, reducing him to a mere object of sexual desire. The media's focus on the superficial aspects of Peck's image overshadows his musical talent, his unique persona, and the deeper messages within his work, reinforcing a shallow and dehumanizing portrayal of celebrities. This not only affects how the public perceives Peck but also contributes to a broader culture where celebrities are valued more for their physical attributes than for their intellectual or emotional depth.