LM has expressed that she does not believe in the cult of celebrity, and further states that "…it is always hard for me to consider myself any different than any other individual in the world making his or her way through this mysterious journey called life. I suppose that this, in itself, may be one thing I would like the public to understand about me."
Wikipedia defines "the cult of celebrity" as: "The widespread interest in arbitrarily famous individuals. The public fascination with…celebrities, though not technically a cult, leads to a level of idolatry. Driven by constant publicity and exposure…the cult of celebrity…is associated with an increased focus on celebrity by the entertainment industry."
I admire LM's attempt to exist simultaneously as both a celebrity and as a regular person. But to what extent does she succeed at being the same as the rest of us? True, we are all equal in our humanness, but the very fact that so many of us enjoy LM's music makes it impossible for her not to be singled out. Therefore, can a celebrity simultaneously be a non-celebrity? Does LM manage to strike a balance between the two?
One author is rather opinionated in her take on this issue: "Celebrities who insist…that they do not court publicity, who try to wrest their private lives from the public gaze on which they are totally dependent, are naive only for failing to realise that this is the balancing-act they are required to perform" (Jacqueline Rose).
What Rose fails to distinguish is that it's not so black-and-white. Celebrities come into their renowned status in different ways and with varying intentions. For example, there is a difference between a famous person who just wants to live for his or her art, and if others like it, great - versus a celebrity who revels in fame and glory. I'm sure it's clear to all of us here on the QR MB which of these two categories LM falls into.
In LM's own words: "I think it is important to continue to live your life according to your values and hopefully who you are will be revealed and stand for itself."
Originally posted by Liliesfair: LM has expressed that she does not believe in the cult of celebrity, and further states that "…it is always hard for me to consider myself any different than any other individual in the world making his or her way through this mysterious journey called life. I suppose that this, in itself, may be one thing I would like the public to understand about me."
Wikipedia defines "the cult of celebrity" as: "The widespread interest in arbitrarily famous individuals. The public fascination with…celebrities, though not technically a cult, leads to a level of idolatry. Driven by constant publicity and exposure…the cult of celebrity…is associated with an increased focus on celebrity by the entertainment industry."
I admire LM's attempt to exist simultaneously as both a celebrity and as a regular person. But to what extent does she succeed at being the same as the rest of us? True, we are all equal in our humanness, but the very fact that so many of us enjoy LM's music makes it impossible for her not to be singled out. Therefore, can a celebrity simultaneously be a non-celebrity? Does LM manage to strike a balance between the two?
One author is rather opinionated in her take on this issue: "Celebrities who insist…that they do not court publicity, who try to wrest their private lives from the public gaze on which they are totally dependent, are naive only for failing to realise that this is the balancing-act they are required to perform" (Jacqueline Rose).
What Rose fails to distinguish is that it's not so black-and-white. Celebrities come into their renowned status in different ways and with varying intentions. For example, there is a difference between a famous person who just wants to live for his or her art, and if others like it, great - versus a celebrity who revels in fame and glory. I'm sure it's clear to all of us here on the QR MB which of these two categories LM falls into.
In LM's own words: "I think it is important to continue to live your life according to your values and hopefully who you are will be revealed and stand for itself."
Any person who has come to know someone, knows and understands who they are in their heart based on the actions of their life course and inner heart core beliefs. Many people say many words, that doesn't mean that they hold any real credence, they are simply just saying what they think. Miss Loreena has proven who she is at heart through many actions and works; let her be who she is without all the need of (cult celebritying yourself) by putting yourself in the limelight with your many words.
Posts: 4 | Location: Ohio | Registered: December 05, 2010
That is a good way to make a stand. Sends out the message that just because celebrities or well known individuals are pushed into the limelight because of the work they do, does not give anyone the right to invade the privacy of others. Away to go California!
Posts: 209 | Location: Westchester, New York | Registered: April 17, 2008
Since this discussion topic is about "the cult of celebrity" and trying not to be constantly "in the spotlight," here is something I would like to mention. There is a new law in California (it took effect on January 1, 2010), in which celebrities can sue the paparazzi if these photographers pursue these notable names in entertainment when that famous person is involved in personal activities. Now, this would sure make Ms. McKennitt, a strong advocate of having privacy while being famous, very happy. Loreenya
Posts: 315 | Location: Sterling Heights, Michigan | Registered: December 04, 2007
As a performing artist , it's difficult to express to non -performers..(stage,essentially), what drives us to public "exposure"..What pushes us to do this ,is complex and simple at the same time... to strive be "ordinary " people(and live "ordinary" lives) is normal , for normal artists .. But we are not on earth, for "normal " reasons".. i'm certain of this, now , after all these years.. We are surrounded by different time scales,or passage of time , as you will.. and like in our dreams, music , as in all artistic expression , is in "other" time zones .. When we are doing our stuff.. time is of a different order.. all who've tried this , even as amateurs, or other forms of public expression.. have had "brushes" with this intense mystery.. We work very hard at mastering the tools that allow us to express what we've learned , absorbed , over the centuries.. takes "many lifetimes".. not just for music..
Now, celebrity... the balance between this capacity to express, at the highest level, each time , and to grow better,and be exposed enough to earn our livings, reach as many people as possible... meet new artists, performers, create new projects ...produce them..etc.. All of this creates energies..positive and negative... And great envy, frustration, in as many as those we bring beauty to... Now , the really talented ones, they have an even harder time balancing the simple joys of being appreciated , loved , admired , and enjoying the "mobility" that comes from celebrity.. And being or remaining "acceptable" to many , who are in their lives ambivalent towards the dedicated and (my god ! they do exist!)successful performing artists.. remember , a painter can allowably paint a great painting , not show it to anyone , and put it in a closet , for all time .. Most musicians do their thing to be with other players , and with the public.. What it's for .. though the reasons for making music have changed , over the ages .. Trance -like states .. that occur in our playing communicate to most people .. Our desire to do all that is possible to continue to do so in front of audiences , is the reason for the industry's great capacity to exploit this inner drive... takes two to waltz, or tango.. whatever.. I'll not even begin to pretend to know where Loreena is ... with regards to celebrity...not at all important.. she brings joy..& trance -like states to us .. I do, as we musicians all do... enjoy... Chris hayward , France
Posts: 1 | Location: Paris, France | Registered: December 26, 2009
After her e-interview on St. Patricks day There was nothing but lots of humble pir for me, a long time "fan" of LM. Hersongs i use to think of a deram , but a reflection of the past. But for some a reality. The highwayman is a alive a well, didn't you know? Not that her singing encourages but documents the truth of life. Row row your boat, but is it really so ? I decide for myself, yon pilgram.
Posts: 24 | Location: United Sates of America | Registered: March 15, 2009
I guess every person who is known across the globe is a celebrity. I also believe that every artist likes to get recognition for what he does. But don't we all like to receive a little praise when we achieve something?
Of course there are two kinds of celebrities - ones that does everything and anything to accomplish fame and glory and others who achieve the same by staying true to themselves.
I'll quote Loreena herself: "I think it is important to continue to live your life according to your values and hopefully who you are will be revealed and stand for itself."
Beautifully spoken in my opinion.
There is a lot of truth in KrisW's post, too.
Celebrities who do not let their fans anywhere near them are called snooty and arrogant by their fans.
On the other hand celebrities who choose the closeness of their fans also walk on a small and narrow ledge because some fans cannot get enough - always want, yes, even demand more. Forgetting that the artist has its own life he would like to live. Some fans do not and cannot for some reason understand that an artist cannot be every fan's personal friend.
I was able to work backstage at Germany's second largest Metal-Event "The Magic Circle Festival" this year. The headlining band, Manowar, did signing sessions two days in a row for over 8 hours in total. They signed and signed and let pictures be taken with themselves and were always nice and polite to their fans.
On both days I had to make the announcement to stop the signing sessions due to the time schedule. I did not believe the disrespectful words I heard from some of the fans after the band had spent so much of their time to satisfy so many people.
On the other hand I saw fans with their entire back catalogue in their hands wanting every single CD and LP to be signed by the band - spending so much time and slowing everything down - being totally egoistic in my opinion.
So whose fault was it that many devoted fans couldn't get an autograph?
There are always two sides of the medal and people always seem to only notice their side.
Fans also seem to forget that the artists are actually working - they are not there for pleasure and leisure time.
So, in my opinion Loreena is a celebrity because she is known across the globe for living her life pursuing her own values, staying true to herself and for giving us her music.
And I love the fact that she has her own business and is not a marionette of some great record label!
And she seeks the closeness of her fans! Would she write her personal opinions and feelings on this message board if it was otherwise?
I was reading your writings on the Cult of Celebrity. First off, I think it’s fantastic that you share your thoughts in a personal way.
When I think of the word celebrity, I think of a person who is unreachable and is only there for you to hear about. Maybe even someone who just interacts with those who are famous like him or herself. With that said, I have come to realize that this does not sound like you, to me. The word I would describe your instance is that you are well-known.
What may give you somewhat of the celebrity edge (not that you are a celebrity) is that you will have people like me, whose tongue gets tied because they meet someone they admire and are in awe of them. This, of course, is no fault of your own. I have to say that I’m not use to seeing someone as well-known as you, to be personable as you are and responsive. Course maybe I could see this more often, if I didn’t claim that I was going to faint from sheer excitement. But I digress.
I saw you perform at Barnes and Noble in New York City, playing a café like setting, and it seemed to me that you are just like us. Just like us in that, you do work, (sounds like early days and late nights), you run, plan, and represent your business. I can relate to this because I have started a small business. I could see the entrepreneurialship when it came time to introduce ourselves to you. You made sure, that after we took photos and had our cds signed, that the person assisting you, had us sign up for your newsletters and membership. That’s business, which I appreciate. Still you were personable and in touch with all those who came to hear your music. So it is not as if no one could relate to you or you to them. But I guess what is so awesome about you, is that you are living a life you love (That is right isn’t it?) and you are well-known and admired around the world. That is a big deal.
So what I’m really saying is that you are, as you once said at the meet and greet in NYC Barnes and Noble (that was Union Square) “I’m just an ordinary person”. This was in response to my dramatic words of “I think I’m going to faint!” I didn’t respond to you then because I didn’t know what to say at that moment. I think I was still stunned in meeting you. But as I thought about it, and I would like to say to you now, is that yes, you are an ordinary person, but an ordinary person, who I think is doing some extraordinary things (if you will). And you know what? That is how it should be. We need to have individuals like your self to go beyond where others have not reached just yet. Only because you and other wonderful artists are so inspiring. You give hope in the knowledge that all things can be made possible. For me, it makes me look at my life, my dreams, my goals and my path in life. Gives me the feeling that I could possibly step out and express the gifts given to me by the almighty above.
May Blessings Be Upon You Always!
Lizjul
Posts: 209 | Location: Westchester, New York | Registered: April 17, 2008
I've been thinking a while about what you’ve written
quote:
Originally posted by Loreenya: I would like to say that Ms. McKennitt will always be a celebrity, whether she likes it or not. ... Loreenya
Yes, ms. McK is a celebrity. But does that remove her right of having a private life? Or any other celebrity for that matter?
I come to think about respect, again. Isn’t it a kind of lack of respect not to let the celebrities live their own lives in privacy? At least when they are at home or not in a celebrity-related situation, like shopping or visiting the beach with the family or walking the dog.
I'm not saying that you Loreenya do not have that respect, as I don't really know what you mean by saying
quote:
... whether she likes it or not.
I'm not quite sure of your intention by saying this. Is it meant as a statement?
I would very much like to know what you mean.
Take as much time you like to answer. I know I'm a little hard on you.
Sincerely
Anxious 2
Posts: 919 | Location: Denmark | Registered: January 25, 2008
It's another decision in the UK courts. I'm wondering how much weight it carries in the US and Canada (does British jurisprudence carry over to Canada as part of the commonwealth?) and what enforcement mechanisms are there other than dragging the offender into court. These are civil cases that are initiated after the fact. The idea is to prevent someone from violating your privacy instead of being forced to sue them after it happens...
I would like to say that Ms. McKennitt will always be a celebrity, whether she likes it or not. Besides, she has been the talk of the town in her hometown, Stratford. Even if she is one, she doesn't have to go on some game show like "Celebrity Jeopardy" and hang around with her fellow Canadian, Alex Trebeck (which, on the other hand, would be pretty interesting if it happened. Ms. McKennitt and Mr. Trebeck would have a wonderful, lively conversation on the show. I wonder if they'll get along.)--Loreenya
Posts: 315 | Location: Sterling Heights, Michigan | Registered: December 04, 2007
Certainly LM doesn't go out of her way to cultivate her celebrities like a lot of UK and West Coast Celebrities do. Most of her "celebrity" activities revolve around her charities or straight forward promotion of her music business. The incident with her brother's cows and the privacy lawsuit are the only things that smack even vaguely of celebrity self aggrandizement and even that is very much an overstatement in my opinion. There is no reason that she shouldn't be given the same considerations as other people and be ignored as much as she wants to be. As I believe I've said before, if she came to Austin, she could walk from one end of 6th St to the other and no one would recognize her, I promise.
Posts: 39 | Location: Heart of the Central Texas Universe | Registered: January 11, 2007
