1. To become a celebrity sometimes requires a change in name or appearance. Name some rrent celebrities who are known to have changed their names or undergone plastic surgery to improve their appearance.
2. Celebrities are often given "story lines" to live order to capture public admiration. metimes the story line is true, sometimes not. ed below are some commonly used story es. Can you name celebrities who match each story?
- Poor boy or girl makes good
- Celebrity overcomes personal disaster and misfortune
- First of a kind
- Following mom's or dad's footsteps
- The great rivalry
- Gentle giant
- Superhuman abilities
4. How does a celebrity differ from a hero? Can u name heroes who have been in the news ccently?
5. Record the number of times you read about, see, or hear about celebrities through mass media during one week. Specify the medium and the celebrity. Find examples ot pseudo events and other star-making activities of the celebrity-manufacturing business.
6. In what ways has politics been influenced by the celebrity industry? In particular, think about political candidates' commercials you have seen or heard.
7. Stage a debate or write a paper to prove or disprove this statement: "Top rock groups become successful because they record the best music. They become celebrities because people like them."
8. In what ways are athletes subject to the same process of manufactured fame as other entertainers? Remember that the skill level separating professional athletes in most sports is very small. Explain why some athletes become household names while others, equally talented, are known only to fans of the sport.
9. What are the drawbacks of fame? Can a celebrity lead a "normal" life? Would you want to be a famous celebrity?
