OC HIGH / STUDENT NEWS & VIEWS : MY TURN : When Stars Fall From Grace, They Bring Ideals Back to Earth

Many famous personalities become idols for youth. However, when those ideal people are involved in negative things, an unhealthy message may be conveyed to their young fans.

In the eyes of fans, stars of the screen, sports world, radio or politics may seem perfect. But what is the idolizer to think when his or her favorite star falls from grace? Sometimes the pressure of trying to be perfect may be enough to make them fall. Fans experience shock, awe and confusion over what their idols have done to themselves.

Teen-age girls hooted with adoration when River Phoenix appeared on the movie screen in such features as “Stand by Me” and “My Own Private Idaho.” Last fall, the 23-year-old actor died of a drug overdose, shattering their image of him and of their own immortality. Many teen-agers felt disbelief at the death of an actor so close to their age.

Similar disbelief was felt when revered NBA basketball player, Earvin (Magic) Johnson, disclosed that he was HIV-positive, a precursor to AIDS. His admirers were many and they said he existed as a model for achievement and self-esteem; many had modeled themselves after him. Johnson redirected his position in the spotlight when he decided to campaign to find a cure to AIDS.

The music group Queen produced many songs that are still listened to today. Their songs, “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions,” have become traditional fight songs for sports games. But it was a sad shock when lead singer Freddie Mercury died of AIDS. His musical accomplishments were celebrated by a group of well-known musicians on a TV special and Americans everywhere keep his music playing.

The public watches and wonders at the soap-opera lives of stars. All too often, the public’s idealized images of these famous people is spoiled.

The public’s eyes grow wide with shock when celebrities such as superstar Michael Jackson and child-entertainer Pee Wee Herman find themselves in negative categories. They bite their lips when the Prince of Wales cheats on his wife. They shake their heads when stars marry in what looks like a mismatch. And they wonder why models such as Kate Moss set the trend of being as thin as a wire.

Still, many fans enjoy idolizing their favorite people, satisfied and inspired by what they see. Others are disappointed when these famous personalities turn to drugs, sex, excruciating diets or are involved in other scandals that are ethically degrading.

Are the scandals just the publication of the imperfections of the human character, or do they reflect the negative perceptions of society?

The individual must decide.