Popular 'Experts'

I opened Facebook several days ago and of course there were all the requisite quotes, videos, 'you might want to friend...', notifications, advertisements and in between all of this were a few actual friend posts. I remember the days when that was all that was on Facebook were the actual posts and now we have to weed through the 'junk' to get to an actual post or update on friends and family.

As I was perusing the myriad of stories I saw a post by Tyler Perry, who I follow. I have really appreciated his body of work as a writer, producer and actor. I think his back story of coming out of poverty to where he is today is the American story and I can appreciate that piece. What I was reading though was a post of his that was somewhat inspirational but very simple. It was something to the point of 'Make the day count' or something to this effect. What made me pause wasn't his comment but the thousands of responses listed. You would have thought that he had said something prophetic and awe-inspiring. It was as if he gave us the secret recipe to Coca-Cola. 

This started my wheels to turning. Why do we take someone who is popular and give them 'expert' or 'saviour' status. It's as if Tyler and Oprah have risen to the ranks of PhD or self-actualized sainthood. Any common person could say many of the same things 'stars' say and it's trivialized or marginalized but when someone with notoriaty states an opinion we look at it through the lens of awe and are immediately struck at its clarity and as an extension their ability to give perspective.

I think it's quite funny that many opinions of the Kim Kardashian's and Phil Robertson's would be overlooked if not for their risen stardom. We live in a culture that reveres the Honey BooBoo's and Mama June's of the world but demonize the very community they are a part. We really have created our own Freak Show. 

I typically overlook comments and behavior of said 'stars' and think to myself that they pull their underwear on one leg at a time just like me and their brand name may be more expensive, but theirs serves the same purpose as mine. Don't get too enlightened with the next Oprahism or Dr. Philism. They are human too!

for what it's worth...

jamie

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