34 pages • 1 hour read
Empire Of Illusion: The End Of Literacy And The Triumph Of Spectacle
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Themes
Celebrity Culture as Religious Idolatry
Throughout Empire of Illusion, Hedges criticizes American citizens for worshipping celebrities as religious figures: “We all have gods, Martin Luther said, it is just a question of which ones. And in American society our gods are celebrities” (17). Hedges describes how celebrity-worshippers flock to the graves of famous people just like pilgrims visiting a sacred site; he also points out that certain individuals will seek out items that have been worn, used, or touched by celebrities as though these items are religious relics.
The effects of celebrity-worship are far-reaching and negative. As Hedges explains, “Celebrity culture has taught us to generate, almost unconsciously, interior personal screenplays in the mold of Hollywood, television, and even commercials” (16); these internal screenplays encourage such individuals carry themselves as though a camera is always present. These behaviors can encourage superficiality and selfishness in people susceptible to valuing appearances over personality or moral substance. In addition, celebrity-worship distances people from reality and from their immediate surroundings. The popularity of trivial celebrity gossip illustrates the ease with which many Americans can avoid the complex issues and challenges America faces as a society.
