The Idolization Conundrum: Art & the Artist ( Part 2)

They say, you should never meet your idol. 

While this statement may come off as melodramatic or extreme, there lies an undeniable truth to this idea. The complexities involved in our perception of artists—be it film stars, musicians, or athletes—raise significant questions about celebrity culture and how we construct our relationship with them. In many cases, especially in this part of the world, separating art from the artist can prove exceptionally difficult. The struggle to reconcile the public personas of these figures with their private realities not only leads to disappointment but also reflects broader societal issues.

The Artist and Their Craft: A Flawed Persona

In the realm of entertainment, our connection with artists often hinges on the characters they portray. Actors, in particular, bear the brunt of this phenomenon. When we watch a film, we invest emotionally in the narratives and roles that unfold on screen, easily conflating the personas depicted in these stories with the individuals who play them. This conflation is rooted in our inability to detach fantasy from reality, often leaving us to create an imaginary profile that fits the characters we admire.

Consider the case of film stars. We tend to align their public personas with the kinds of roles they portray. An actor known for playing heroic characters may be envisioned as inherently virtuous, while one known for more nefarious roles can be labeled dangerous—or worse, reflective of such traits in their personal life. Yet, this is a misunderstanding of artistry. Acting is, after all, a profession; it serves as a vessel for storytelling rather than a direct reflection of one’s personality. It's not that we don't know the fact. But, we don't want to accept that. 

Similarly, musicians often present narratives that stretch beyond their personal lives. Singers who write passionately about love, rebellion, or spirituality may not necessarily be rebel, romantic, or spiritual persons in their personal lives.  These themes are professional choices, selected as they resonate commercially or creatively, rather than truths about the person behind the microphone.

In the world of sports, the disconnect is glaring. A revered cricketer may dazzle us with athletic prowess and sportsmanship, only to be revealed later as having a questionable moral compass. The gap between the idolized figure and their real character can lead to deep disappointment when fans confront this dissonance.

The Heartbreak of Reality

The real heartache occurs when the illusion we have built around these figures crumbles upon revelation. The realization that our idols are flawed, complex, and sometimes contrary to our expectations can leave us heartbroken and bewildered. We grapple with the realization, often refusing to accept the reality we now face. This persistent denial can lead to irrational behavior, clinging to a falsehood that provides comfort, however misguided.

Psychologists would explain this tendency for multiple reasons. This phenomenon can be understood through the lens of societal pressures and personal aspirations. In many developing nations, ongoing struggles with identity, socio-economic disparity, and collective frustration manifest in the idolization of celebrities. In contexts where dreams of upward mobility seem painfully out of reach, people often turn to these figures for solace. They provide a fantasy, an escape from the grind of everyday life. Our made-up heroes become a coping mechanism against the harshness of reality, enabling us to project our desires for validation, success, and perhaps a better life onto someone who seemingly embodies those ideals.

The Wider Implications

However, this tendency toward idolization has ramifications that extend far beyond personal disappointment. A society captivated by unachievable ideals becomes vulnerable to manipulation by corporations and politicians. The more we confine ourselves to a world of imagination, the easier it is for these entities to exploit our desires, aligning their agendas with the careful construction of our belief systems.

When we believe that our heroes "can't do anything wrong," we effectively relinquish personal responsibility in favor of consumerism and compliance. This blind allegiance often comes at the cost of our well-being—both mental and financial. Our expectations create an environment of denial, wherein we fail to question the integrity of the systems that profit from our idolization.

While it is natural to admire and respect individuals for their talents and contributions to society, it is essential to recognize the distinction between the person and their profession. Our emotional investments should remain grounded in realism, acknowledging the complexities and flaws inherent in humanity. As we navigate the fragile terrains of admiration, it becomes crucial to create a relationship built on understanding rather than idealization, resisting the pull of a manipulative glittering façade in favor of educated, critical engagement with the artists we admire. It is in this awareness that we truly honor their craft—individuals who, like all of us, are beautifully and imperfectly human.