Starstruck: The Business of Celebrity
The topic of celebrity is extremely relevant to the social studies and in nearly every field, with maybe the exception of Geography. Throughout history and especially in politics celebrity has been a key feature to the formation of governments, nations, policies, and movements. In our social studies classes we can use the current concept of celebrity and apply it to historical precedents or use it an analogous sense. Maybe even more importantly we can use the concept of celebrity to expose our students to current events that are indeed relevant to our social studies classes. Celebrity affects politics, culture and society in an unprecedented way in our world and therefore is a valuable topic of discussion and debate. Students could really learn valuable social studies lesson, and also life lessons, from the exploration of celebrity events and scandals. The evaluation of these events have a lasting impression on society, much in the same way that major historical events impact society. However, we need to guide students through the entangled web of celebrity because their minds are not as keen on proper behavior or the propaganda that is embedded in celebrity. Sometimes they take what they are told, or what they see for pure fact, when in the world of celebrity it might be far from the truth.
The question I would like to address is the one dealing with celebrity turned political candidate or vice versa, as it seems to be happening more and more in today's world. However, this is not a new trend. Think back into history, or just look at how many war heros have become American Presidents. This trend goes way beyond America too. Back in those times a war hero was a celebrity and were thus given power because of their fame, some of which turned out to be disastrous. But, when we discuss these things within a classroom we can show students how celebrities of yore were or were not fit for the job, and then relate those instances to current day candidates, like the Donald Trumps, the Arnolds, and so on. Rather than dwell on the fact that some of these candidates win because of their fame we should teach our students to vote in spite of the fame and vote for the best candidate. There is a great civics lesson in this discussion and one that our students could greatly benefit from.
I like your idea of teaching by relating 'celebrity' politicians in the present-day to celebrities in history. I think this could go over very well with students...everyone likes a hero story and this could really help students see how certain themes (such as fame, celebrity) are inherent throughout human history. I think this could be very effective in having students also analyze and pick apart both negative and positive character traits of historical and contemporary celebrity politicians'. This was something we did in my internship class-debating whether Napoleon was a hero or a tyrant. The students loved it and immediately (without prompting) started comparing some of Napoleon's attributes to modern celebrities (one student even drew comparisons with Beyonce, I can't really remember how that related, but...) Anyway, they were really engaged. And I love how you mention teaching students to vote in spite of fame. That is so important, especially now. Our politicians' image is so hyped up that many people fail to focus on the issues they represent.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree that celebrity applies to every social studies class but maybe geography. You can use it to relate historical figures to modern day celebrities so students can gain a better understanding of what type of person certain figures were. With everything celebrity affects it is a great way for students to connect with history and understand events and civilizations such as Alexander the Great. I also agree that we must teach the students how to take celebrity with a grain of salt. There is a great deal of propaganda in magazines and news articles. Even though news articles are considered secondary sources, it’s a great way to teach students how to make sure a source is neutral. Even if you didn’t use the book in class, you could use its teachings and information in your classroom.
ReplyDeleteJoe you bring up some great points. Teaching current events through celebrities is such a great idea. Think of how many current events today would fall under that category... the Weiner scandal for one. This is a great way to get students talking and analyzing events that are both relevant to social studies as well as their young lives. Secondly you as well as others in their blogs this week (like Stephanie) allude to or outright mention media literacy. You can totally kill multiple birds with one stone here- celebrities, current events, politics, media literacy, etc. This topic of celebrities is also a great way to dive into media literacy and help our students filter through all the nonsense that they are absorbing every day. At first glance it may not appear that celebrities fit into the Sunshine State Standards but they do! Emily brings up a good point about teaching neutrality of sources; this can be expanded to exploring primary and secondary sources as well. The world of celebrity is so useful it would be a shame to ignore it because it is a slightly unconventional topic. Who knew Paris Hilton, Tara Reid or even the Jersey Shore cast would come in so handy in your classroom?!
ReplyDeleteGood ideas, Joe - I agree with the classroom applications and also think it could be both fun and relevant in geography, since so much of geography is culture. I'd like to have students do cultural comparisons of celebrity around the world, and try to figure out how a particular sense of place affects the idea of celebrity. Love your idea of historical perspectives on celebrity!
ReplyDeleteTully, I'm going to give that Napoleon-Beyonce connection some serious thought. :) Inquiring minds want to know...
Jill, I absolutely agree about the standards and especially about the importance of media literacy!