The Cult of the Celebrity

Written Analysis - 3
Due March 13, 2016

           I would not go as far as to call Taylor Swift a hero, but I would definitely classify her in the cult of the celebrity category. The cult of the celebrity is a kind of fanatic that obsesses over a celebrity and makes them more famous than they would be without these fanatics.

Taylor Swift has many followers and fans and some may say that is the reason that she has become so famous. According to Renu Rangela, the author of Taylor Swift: A Case of Celebrity Worship Syndrome, psychologists have defined Taylor Swift’s great success as “celebrity worship syndrome” (2016). This syndrome implies that Taylor Swift’s success is mostly because of her cult following and her fans giving her such a high status, a kind of idolization.

Looking at this a different way, Taylor Swift has a group of girlfriends that she refers to as her “squad.” This group of models, singers and actresses, are all famous female celebrities that have become “besties” with Taylor Swift. They decided to call themselves a “squad.” Some have started to believe that this “squad” has become like a celebrity cult with Taylor Swift as their leader.  According to an article in the New York Post, to be a part of this “squad” there are rules. Speak when spoken to, follow the dress code for parties and concerts, and stick up for Taylor Swift at all times (Putnam, 2015).

I realize that some of the things people say in the media are not always trustworthy, but I would have to say, the “squad” seems a little intense. I remember when this was big in the media and people were starting to create their own “squads” and post pictures of them on social media. I would think- here we go again, another celebrity gaining more popularity and fame for a silly reason. To me that is the idea of the cult of the celebrity- doing nothing and gaining in return.

References

Putnam, L. (2015, September 1). Taylor Swift’s ‘squad’ has become a cult. New York Post online. http://nypost.com/2015/09/01/taylor-swifts-squad-has-become-a-cult/

Rangela, R. (2016, February 18). Taylor Swift: a case of celebrity worship syndrome. Healthaim. http://www.healthaim.com/taylor-swift-case-celebrity-worship-syndrome/41082