Why do people care...

[LindsayDunn228]

When I checked the news groups this morning I see, "Brittany shaves her head."

We're at war for Pete's sake and Brittany Spears grabs media time.

When ANS died, I had the TV on the following morning on CNN. Fox, MSBNC, or something like that. It NEVER went off the subject of her. I asked my husband, "Aren't their starving kids in Somalia they could be reporting on??"

He agreed.

 

[cardaway]

Not sure what the OP is watching, but every time I turn on the TV news there is still plenty of coverage about the "war".

As for the people on the Op's list, each one has done something newsworthy. A couple of them even have some talent besides being famous.

But I agree about ANS. Her newsworthyness starts and finishes with her death. Hopefully her newsworthy status will end soon as well.

 

[Stitchfans]

I think it is just human nature to tune into "news" good or bad. I personally feel bad for anyone famous or not if they pass away or are ill, or just down in their luck. Again, I am very happy for total strangers when something good happens to them. For example, I enjoy reading about other people's experiences and dreams that are going on at Disney World.

 

[Cindi0511]

I was stuck at the car dealership with my two young daughters, 5 and 2, waiting for my service. They had non-stop ANS, and it was nauseating. Hollywood is just so full of people who are truly miserable inside that it's sad. However, I certainly do not want my girls hearing about that stuff nonstop -- OK, and I don't want to hear it, either. I'm to the point of not watching any news except the weather.

Having been a journalist for 10 years before my kids were born, I know firsthand how NOT fair, complete or accurate the "news" today is. And I agree with a PP -- who cares what in the world some actor or actress thinks about politics? Is that thought process based on how much they had to drink/snort/shoot up that day -- regardless of which side of the fence they're on at the moment?

If something major happens, I'll watch CNN or Foxnews or MSNBC for a little while, but the big three have lost me as a viewer. Ugh. PLEASE tell us something that really matters.

 

[Saphire]

I agree with several of the reasons stated here as to why people care. I also would add that people tune in to those stories for the same reason they watch the news. It makes them feel better about themselves, and it is exciting in some twisted way. Few people want to hear good or uplifting stories, because it may make them feel envious. People don't often enjoy rejoicing with you if you share great news in your own life. I think it is a statement about our human nature more than anything, but, I guess that would be another thread.

 

[ckay87]

I kind of understand the fascination with celebrities in general, but I believe it's the media who is selecting WHICH celebrities to focus on. Anna Nicole - no brainer - you couldn't make that story up if you tried.

I'm personally fascinated with truly talented celebrities, and I'm sure I'm not alone. I'm obsessed with that "Inside the Actor's Studio" because it focuses on acting as a craft. I'm interested in the business of the music industry. I'm interested in entertainment, but who is dating who and who SHAVED THEIR HEAD...don't care.

 

[Liberty Belle]

For me (and not that I follow them all that closely) it comes down to being fascinated with people. If they plucked one person out of the masses and then started following his or her life, I think I'd be just as interested.

I think with the celebrities, though, that so many of them live lives so different from ours that we are interested in seeing what they do next.