Celebrity Status

Hi! My name is Olga Dewar and I am a celebrity.

Seriously! Lately I've been hearing this: "Oh, you're Olga! I see you everywhere!". Even kids point at me on the street. I've arrived! And being an Aries this does not hurt my ego. LOL! We'll discuss this later.

Let's start with an official (well, I think it is) definition of celebrity from wiki (I can always count on you):

"A celebrity is a person who has a prominent profile and commands a great degree of public fascination and influence in day-to-day media. The term is synonymous with wealth (commonly denoted as a person with fame and fortune), implied with great popular appeal, prominence in a particular field, and is easily recognized by the general public."

This seems to be pretty self explanatory. But of course I have few things to add.

Let's start from the beginning. We all know who the celebrities are and know of them (unless of course you live in the deep forest, but then you will not be reading this). There are many different types and sizes (I'm mostly referring to their egos) of celebrities. Should we look at few? Ok, how about these outstanding samples that have changed the world and our lives:

Oprah Winfrey:
 - known around the world
 - richest African-American of the 20th century
 - big personality
 - HUGE giver

Mariah Carey:
 - known around the world
 - HUGE diva (she is a fellow Aries after all)
 - big giver but mostly known for dramas

Bill Gates:
 - known around the world (would you actually recognize him on the street)
 - do not hear much about him unless you follow his adventures or ventures
 - HUGE giver

I am sure my readers know all three mentioned above. Theses people have a HUGE influence on the world, people around them and people that follow them. This is the ultimate celebrity status!

My question is what about us, little celebrities. You know, those people that are known in the community due to their work with public. People like local TV personalities, local politicians and yes, local Real Estate Representatives. We do not have the HUGE wealth but have the following and some of us have HUGE personalities.

What about influence and difference. Could what we do effect our followers? Could what we do inspire people? Could what we do help? Absolutely! But (and this one is BIG but) it all depends on what we do and how we are perceived.

With the arrival of reality TV and YouTube there are many regular people that became celebrities overnight. Kim Kardashian or Honey Boo Boo anyone? How did they become celebrities? Sex tape and glitz redneck pageant child. Can this influence anyone? Well, apparently so, since Kim and the family are racking in millions from their expanded businesses and Honey Boo Boo (I still find it hard to believe I know who she is) is a guest on multiple talk shows (even CNN) and "appears" on SNL (that was soooo good!).

Yes, they are famous. But what is the message they're sending out? We get our messages through media and these personalities are part of it. So, there has got to be some message?! Could it be Kardashian's ignorance about everything beyond the walls of their fame or Honey Boo Boo's family life style with redneck games and "shopping" in garbage containers? Harsh words? Could not resist in this case.

We hear stories of the well known people rehearsing acceptance speeches in front of the mirror while they were kids; or living hockey from the young age to be the star of NHL; or as a child, interviewing stuffed animals in your room to become a well-known journalist.

But these people had it in them from the early age, they were meant to be. And most of them knew that celebrity status comes with a big responsibility of influence and a message. They say a word and people will listen. These people make a positive difference in our lives and lives of many around the world.

What scares me, is the new reality TV stars' celebrity status. It seems to be the ultimate desire for many to be famous. But in their mind, responsibility does not come with the status. The attitude seems to be - do whatever you can to attract more attention and who cares about the consequences. Well, at least that's how I see it.

Yes, there are exemptions, just look at these "Presidential Candidates". They'll be looking for your vote in 2040! Positive message for kids? I think so!

Now, going back to my Aries comment earlier, here is something you might know about me. As long as I remember myself I wanted to be a star. Superstar if you wish! I remember always being at the front of the crowd and loving to be a center of attention (very typical for a person that was born under the sign of Aries). Even my family encouraged that, they used to put me on a chair when I was 3 and ask me following: "Who is the princess? Who is the beauty?". LOL! You can guess the response. Oh, and any party or birthday celebration always included a concert by one and only, sincerely yours. There was even a time in the Pioneer camp talent show that I sang a whole Opera by myself representing all of the characters (well, I was behind the curtain since I could not split myself in five so all five characters can appear on stage at the same time). What happened to all that talent? Oh, it's still here, just hiding. Waiting for the right opportunity. Hmmmm.....

Never mind, back to my point! Still, from that time I knew that I had a responsibility to influence, to lead, to inspire by a positive example. It was installed in me by my family. And as I grew older and my ideas became more mature so did the ideas about responsibility.

Yes, I've accomplished a status of local celebrity. I am proud to say that this status seems to make a difference. People support my ideas and my work. And it feels great!

Current Woman is part of me, part of my world. It's been with me for a long time and is just starting to spread it's wings. It has BIG plans and hopes to accomplish many things that will change many lives for better.

So help me to spread the word of positive influence of Celebrity Status. Let's make sure that we, our friends and families, anyone we know understand the difference between celebrity status and their representation. And if you're a celebrity, lead by a positive example!

Thank you for listening to this rant. These are my opinions as a person and as Current Woman.

I would love to hear what you have to say about my ideas. Negative or positive, I listen to all!

In the mean time, take care of yourself and don't forget,

Be Active! Be Involved! Be a Current Woman!