Celebrity Culture

Popular fascination with the rich and famous is an inescapable part of contemporary consumer culture, and Celebrity Culture is a comprehensive survey of the phenomenon. This new edition of the textbook is fully revised and updated, incorporating up-to-date examples, case studies, and additional features, including a timeline and retrospections at the end of chapters.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Celebrity culture has become an integral part of modern consumer culture, captivating the attention of people worldwide. From blockbuster movies like Black Panther to chart-topping music by artists like Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, and the Kardashians, we have been fascinated by the lives and stories of these famous individuals. This fascination is not surprising, as celebrities often embody the ideals of wealth, success, and glamour that many people aspire to.

In his book "Celebrity Culture," author Simon Cashmore explores the origins, evolution, and impact of celebrity culture in the 21st century. He argues that celebrity culture is a unique phenomenon driven by rampant consumerism, advertising, and the media. The book provides a comprehensive survey of the phenomenon, covering topics such as the evolution of fame, the growth of consumerism, the rise of the paparazzi, the fluctuating value of sex scandals, the transmutation of blackness, the metamorphosis of the British royal family, the emergence of influencers, the appeal of celebrity couples, the increased visibility of queer culture, the transformation of politics, the reconstruction of talent, and the attempts of theories to grasp celebrity cultures magnetism.

One of the key themes of the book is the evolution of fame. Cashmore argues that the 21st century has seen the emergence of a new kind of fame, characterized by social media and the internet. He describes how celebrities can now gain widespread recognition and influence in a matter of seconds, thanks to platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. This has led to a shift in the way we perceive and value fame, with celebrities often being seen as more accessible and relatable than ever before.

Another important aspect of celebrity culture is the growth of consumerism. Cashmore argues that celebrities are now marketed and sold like products, with their image and brand being carefully cultivated to appeal to a wide audience. This has led to the creation of a celebrity-driven economy, where products and services are often associated with famous individuals, and consumers are willing to pay a premium for products that are endorsed by celebrities.

The rise of the paparazzi is another significant aspect of celebrity culture. Cashmore describes how the paparazzi have become an integral part of celebrity life, following them around and documenting their every move. This has led to a culture of privacy invasion, where celebrities are often subjected to intense scrutiny and invasion of their personal lives. However, the paparazzi have also played a crucial role in shaping celebrity culture, by providing a constant source of entertainment and gossip for the public.

The fluctuating value of sex scandals is another topic explored in "Celebrity Culture." Cashmore argues that sex scandals have become a staple of celebrity culture, with celebrities often being targeted by the media and public for their sexual behavior. However, the value of these scandals can vary greatly, with some scandals resulting in significant damage to a celebrity's reputation, while others are quickly forgotten.

The transmutation of blackness is another important theme in the book. Cashmore argues that celebrities have played a significant role in the transmutation of blackness, by challenging traditional notions of race and identity. He describes how celebrities like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Lupita Nyong'o have used their platforms to promote blackness and challenge stereotypes, and how this has had a positive impact on the representation of black people in the media and popular culture.

The metamorphosis of the British royal family is another fascinating aspect of celebrity culture. Cashmore describes how the British royal family has evolved from a traditional institution to a modern celebrity family, with members like Prince Harry, Princess Diana, and Kate Middleton becoming household names. He argues that this transformation has been driven by the media and public's fascination with the royals, and how this has led to a shift in the way

The emergence of influencers is another significant trend in celebrity culture. Cashmore argues that influencers have become a powerful force in the marketing and promotion of products and services, with their followers often being highly engaged and loyal. He describes how influencers can use their platforms to promote brands and products, and how this has led to a new era of celebrity marketing, where celebrities are no longer the only source of influence.

The appeal of celebrity couples is another topic explored in "Celebrity Culture." Cashmore argues that celebrity couples have become a popular source of entertainment and gossip, with fans often following their relationships and marriages closely. He describes how celebrity couples can use their fame and influence to promote causes and charities, and how this has led to a new era of celebrity philanthropy.

The increased visibility of queer culture is another important theme in the book. Cashmore argues that celebrities have played a significant role in the increased visibility of queer culture, by promoting LGBTQ+ rights and challenging stereotypes. He describes how celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Lady Gaga, and RuPaul have used their platforms to promote LGBTQ+ rights and challenge stereotypes, and how this has had a positive impact on the representation of LGBTQ+ people in the media and popular culture.

The transformation of politics is another significant aspect of celebrity culture. Cashmore argues that celebrities have become a powerful force in the political world, with their voices and influence being heard on issues such as climate change, social justice, and political activism. He describes how celebrities like Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Emma Watson have used their platforms to promote political causes and raise awareness about important issues, and how this has led to a new era of political engagement and activism.

The reconstruction of talent is another important theme in "Celebrity Culture." Cashmore argues that celebrities have played a significant role in the reconstruction of talent, by challenging traditional notions of what it means to be a successful artist or performer. He describes how celebrities like Kanye West, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish have used their platforms to promote authenticity and creativity, and how this has led to a new era of artistic expression and innovation.

In conclusion, "Celebrity Culture" is a comprehensive yet accessible survey of the pervasive phenomenon of celebrity culture in the 21st century. By exploring the origins

Celebrity culture has become an integral part of modern consumer culture, captivating the attention of people worldwide. From blockbuster movies like Black Panther to chart-topping music by artists like Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, and the Kardashians, we have been fascinated by the lives and stories of these famous individuals. This fascination is not surprising, as celebrities often embody the ideals of wealth, success, and glamour that many people aspire to.

In his book "Celebrity Culture," author Simon Cashmore explores the origins, evolution, and impact of celebrity culture in the 21st century. He argues that celebrity culture is a unique phenomenon driven by rampant consumerism, advertising, and the media. The book provides a comprehensive survey of the phenomenon, covering topics such as the evolution of fame, the growth of consumerism, the rise of the paparazzi, the fluctuating value of sex scandals, the transmutation of blackness, the metamorphosis of the British royal family, the emergence of influencers, the appeal of celebrity couples, the increased visibility of queer culture, the transformation of politics, the reconstruction of talent, and the attempts of theories to grasp celebrity cultures magnetism.

One of the key themes of the book is the evolution of fame. Cashmore argues that the 21st century has seen the emergence of a new kind of fame, characterized by social media and the internet. He describes how celebrities can now gain widespread recognition and influence in a matter of seconds, thanks to platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. This has led to a shift in the way

Celebrity culture has become an integral part of modern consumer culture, captivating the attention of people worldwide. From blockbuster movies like Black Panther to chart-topping music by artists like Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, and the Kardashians, we have been fascinated by the lives and stories of these famous individuals. This fascination is not surprising, as celebrities often embody the ideals of wealth, success, and glamour that many people aspire to.

In his book "Celebrity Culture," author Simon Cashmore explores the origins.

Celebrity culture has become an integral part of modern consumer culture, captivating the attention of people worldwide. From blockbuster movies like Black Panther to chart-topping music by artists like Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, and the Kardashians, we have been fascinated by the lives and stories of these famous individuals. This fascination is not surprising, as celebrities often embody the ideals of wealth, success, and glamour that many people aspire to.

In his book "Celebrity Culture," author Simon Cashmore explores the origins, evolution, and impact of celebrity culture in the 21st century. He argues that celebrity culture is a unique phenomenon driven by rampant consumerism, advertising, and the media. The book provides a comprehensive survey of the phenomenon, covering topics such as the evolution of fame, the growth of consumerism, the rise of the paparazzi, the fluctuating value of sex scandals, the transmutation of blackness, the metamorphosis of the British royal family, the emergence of influencers, the appeal of celebrity couples, the increased visibility of queer culture, the transformation of politics, the reconstruction of talent, and the attempts of theories to grasp celebrity cultures magnetism.

One of the key themes of the book is the evolution of fame. Cashmore argues that the 21st century has seen the emergence of a new kind of fame, characterized by social media and the internet. He describes how celebrities can now gain widespread recognition and influence in a matter of seconds, thanks to platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. This has led to a shift in the way we perceive and value fame, with celebrities often being seen as more accessible and relatable than ever before.

Another important aspect of celebrity culture is the growth of consumerism. Cashmore argues that celebrities are now marketed and sold like products, with their image and brand being carefully cultivated to appeal to a wide audience. This has led to the creation of a celebrity-driven economy, where products and services are often associated with famous individuals, and consumers are willing to pay a premium for products that are endorsed by celebrities.

The rise of the paparazzi is another significant aspect of celebrity culture. Cashmore describes how the paparazzi have become an integral part of celebrity life, following them around and documenting their every move. This has led to a culture of privacy invasion, where celebrities are often subjected to intense scrutiny and invasion of their personal lives. However, the paparazzi have also played a crucial role in shaping celebrity culture, by providing a constant source of entertainment and gossip for the public.

The fluctuating value of sex scandals is another topic explored in "Celebrity Culture." Cashmore argues that sex scandals have become a staple of celebrity culture, with celebrities often being targeted by the media and public for their sexual behavior. However, the value of these scandals can vary greatly, with some scandals resulting in significant damage to a celebrity's reputation, while others are quickly forgotten.

The transmutation of blackness is another important theme in the book. Cashmore argues that celebrities have played a significant role in the transmutation of blackness, by challenging traditional notions of race and identity. He describes how celebrities like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Lupita Nyong'o have used their platforms to promote blackness and challenge stereotypes, and how this has had a positive impact on the representation of black people in the media and popular culture.

The metamorphosis of the British royal family is another fascinating aspect of celebrity culture. Cashmore describes how the British royal family has evolved from a traditional institution to a modern celebrity family, with members like Prince Harry, Princess Diana, and Kate Middleton becoming household names. He argues that this transformation has been driven by the media and public's fascination with the royals, and how this has led to a shift in the

The emergence of influencers is another significant trend in celebrity culture. Cashmore argues that influencers have become a powerful force in the marketing and promotion of products and services, with their followers often being highly engaged and loyal. He describes how influencers can use their platforms to promote brands and products, and how this has led to a new era of celebrity marketing, where celebrities are no longer the only source of influence.

The appeal of celebrity couples is another topic explored in "Celebrity Culture." Cashmore argues that celebrity couples have become a popular source of entertainment and gossip, with fans often following their relationships and marriages closely. He describes how celebrity couples can use their fame and influence to promote causes and charities, and how this has led to a new era of celebrity philanthropy.

The increased visibility of queer culture is another important theme in the book. Cashmore argues that celebrities have played a significant role in the increased visibility of queer culture, by promoting LGBTQ+ rights and challenging stereotypes. He describes how celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Lady Gaga, and RuPaul have used their platforms to promote LGBTQ+ rights and challenge stereotypes, and how this has had a positive impact on the representation of LGBTQ+ people in the media and popular culture.

The transformation of politics is another significant aspect of celebrity culture. Cashmore argues that celebrities have become a powerful force in the political world, with their voices and influence being heard on issues such as climate change, social justice, and political activism. He describes how celebrities like Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Emma Watson have used their platforms to promote political causes and raise awareness about important issues, and how this has led to a new era of political engagement and activism.

The reconstruction of talent is another important theme in "Celebrity Culture." Cashmore argues that celebrities have played a significant role in the reconstruction of talent, by challenging traditional notions of what it means to be a successful artist or performer. He describes how celebrities like Kanye West, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish have used their platforms to promote authenticity and creativity, and how this has led to a new era of artistic expression and innovation.

In conclusion, "Celebrity Culture" is a comprehensive yet accessible survey of the pervasive phenomenon of celebrity culture in the 21st century. By exploring the origins, evolution, and impact of celebrity culture, the book provides a valuable insight into the complex and multifaceted nature of this phenomenon. Whether you are a student of social sciences, humanities, or simply interested in the world of celebrity, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of fame and celebrity.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032196022
Edition number: 3 ed