Instructions: With many stars being criticised lately for complaining about their enduring lifestyle and the constant attention received by the media, the question remains: isn’t that the price for fame? What are the pros, cons and limits of the price for fame? Write your essay.

Alexandra has to write her essay. She has outlined her main ideas and bullet-pointed the arguments and examples. She only has to write 180 words but has compiled plenty of ideas to choose from. This is her first draft.

“(Introduction)

In this essay I will discuss the different paths to fame and its consequences on those celebrities’ lives and the privacy issues raised. Indeed many celebrities complain that they have no privacy and are outraged with the ruthless tabloid tactics used by the mainstream media. We will see:

1) how people become famous,

2) the pros of fame,

3) the cons of fame,

4) the limits of the price for fame [conclusion]

(Argument 1)

Becoming a star can be achieved in different manners – whether you are an actor, a musician, an athlete, a content creator, a CEO or a regular person appearing in a reality show:

• Some people have taken it upon themselves to become recognised and be famous as often fame and success are interpreted as being synonymous to them. They don’t always have a particular talent but are desperate for media attention, posting real time news, updates and selfies on social networks, parading their children, showing off their figures…
• Others will do literally anything to be in the limelight or to remain in the public eye.
• Others however try during their entire career to remain private people, seeking success in the field, striving to become a name in their industry but without any interest in fame.
• And others that have tasted fame have tried to pull out from the public eye but have lost their relevance.

(Argument 2)

The pros of fame are numerous and we can easily understand the appeal:

• Brands endorse celebrities, giving them large sums of money or freebies to promote their goods or services.
• Celebrities get invited to red carpet and other glamorous events.
• You can become a sensation and a spokesperson for a generation or a field (YouTube).
• You can use your international status to give coverage to charities and promote good causes across the globe.

(Argument 3)

The cons of fame are also countless:

• Celebrities have to put up with the constant criticism of the fan base and the general public, receiving hurtful emails, nasty comments on Twitter and so on.
• The tabloids are constantly tracking down celebrities.
• Celebrities can also be very easily forgotten or disposed of: losing one’s relevance, giving the celebrity a feeling of emptiness. Some are then desperate for a comeback.
• Celebrities can get lost in the whole glitz and fall into a spiral of drugs and other excesses.
• Celebrities can feel lonely.
• Celebrities can be the target of serial celebrity pranksters, harassment, burglars or stalkers.

(Conclusion)

The limits of the price for fame:

• Although, it is important to receive criticism and appraisal from your viewers or followers, in order to improve your performance or sell more, some criticism is just a negative flow having the adverse effect on the star’s life and career choices.
• Ability to stay relevant is what stops them from taking a break. Breaks are a death sentence for most celebrities, destroying their livelihood.
• In this day and age, the whole concept of privacy is falling apart.”