Celebrity or Talent? Talent vs. Celebrity
- Arson .
- May 23
- 2 min read
Celebrity vs. Talent: Why Does Fame Win?
In a world where an Instagram post can make you an icon, why does fame seem to trump talent? From music to art, often creating a buzz is enough to be considered "the best." But at what cost? Let's explore this phenomenon and its consequences.
The star-making machine
The Kardashians, reality TV stars, dominate thanks to their mastery of self-promotion on social media, eclipsing less visible, genuine talents. Their visibility trumps any artistic expertise. This phenomenon is explained by the attention economy, where every click counts. Algorithms amplify what's viral, not necessarily what's profound.
As Guy Debord said, we live in a "society of the spectacle," where image takes precedence over substance.
Today, fame is no longer just a reward for exceptional talent: it's an industry. Social media, the media, and algorithms transform media figures into cultural products, consumed like brands. A reality TV star or influencer can become a leader in their field, not through technical mastery, but through their ability to capture attention, often without any real interest.
Why? Because we live in an attention economy. In a world saturated with information, what is visible is perceived as valuable. The algorithms of platforms like Instagram or TikTok favor those who generate clicks, likes, or shares, regardless of the quality of their work.
A lack of culture?
Is it a lack of culture or critical thinking? Not quite. The public, overwhelmed with information, favors what is accessible. A hyped pop song overshadows a less visible masterpiece. But critical thinking can change the situation!
[Poll: “Are you influenced by fame or talent?” – embedded via Wix Forms]
Forgotten talents
This system marginalizes authentic talent. A quiet writer or a musician who shuns social media risks remaining invisible, no matter their genius. It's a cultural injustice: only those who master the visibility game shine.
How to change the situation?
Here's how to give talent back its place:
Cultivate your critical thinking: Learn to question media narratives.
Support independent artists: Festivals, exhibitions, platforms like Bandcamp…
Slow down: Take the time to appreciate a work in its context.
Appreciate it by asking yourself what meaning the artist intended it to have.
Let’s rewrite the rules by reinventing a less superficial society!
Fame shouldn't define value. By supporting authentic talent and cultivating our curiosity, we can change that.
What do you think? Share an artist you admire in the comments and let's discover some gems together!
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