Are outrageous outbursts now an effective public relations tool? Oh my!
“Lions and tigers and bears, oh my gosh!” – Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz
The media is full of bizarre stories of rude and downright bizarre behavior once exhibited by attention-seeking narcissists that can now be used as a clever and inexpensive tool for mass publicity. In the age of ‘all publicity is good publicity’, are high-profile outbursts the result of emotional dysfunction or a clever ruse to get media attention? One has to wonder.
The misbehavior that we have seen fill our newspapers, Internet, and television screens recently indicates that, as an advertising tactic, acting appropriately is a very effective and inexpensive tactic to raise public awareness. There seem to be little to no negative consequences for public displays of harm and insult to others in order to further an egoic agenda. It seems that the more outrageous the behavior, the higher one climbs the ladder to fame and fortune.
Oh my!
Not many people have heard of Rep. Joe Wilson before barking “You lie!” President Barack Obama during his televised address to the nation. Singer Kanye West’s star status rose dramatically when he snatched the microphone from Video Music Award winner Taylor Swift to announce her preference for Beyonce to the world. Still this week, tennis great Serena Williams did not like a call made against her by a linesman at a tennis match for engaging in a profanity tirade. Once again, all of these incidents were televised over and over again to the masses increasing the visibility and popularity of the people who committed what were once humiliating, potentially career ending actions.
Those who exhibit offensive behavior then enjoy a media frenzy of interviews, articles, and rebroadcasts of their spotlight. The offender apologizes on all available media platforms, further raising public awareness. Even those who have never heard of these celebrities are now talking about them around water dispensers, tables, blogs and chat rooms. Fame-seeking impersonators are now inspired by emotional outbursts rather than convincing acting.
I understand that I am drawing attention by writing about this topic. What disturbs me enough to devote energy to the topic of how bad behavior has been turned into an effective publicity stunt is that, as a deliberate public relations tactic, these events have increased dramatically in frequency. With the number of incidents increasing, the stardom of those committing such public tantrums has risen even more dramatically. Irresponsible behavior is now rewarded. Irresponsible behavior, public attacks on other people, now result in furthering a personal agenda. What kind of life affirming lesson is that?
“If you rise to fame without understanding who you are, that will define who you are.” -Oprah Winfrey
It will be interesting to see if the long-term results of such misguided behavior. The self-hating narcissist who thinks that any attention will make him feel better about himself will eventually realize that he is spiraling downward into an ocean of self-sabotage and will look for more positive ways to make his star shine or continue to expand upon his life. erratic behavior until it becomes his downfall. For those who end up completely bankrupt, repeatedly in jail, or dead from a drug overdose, no amount of care can fill the emptiness felt within. Those who decide to get off the roller coaster of self-destruction often amaze us with impressive responses. Robert Downey, Jr. and Mickey Rourke are two shining examples of such inspiring change.
Those acting as a publicity stunt will continue to behave inappropriately to gain attention until the media and public either tune out or respond with our pockets. If we no longer pay attention or support those who seek to climb the ladder of fame by trampling other people, then we send the message that we support positive energy and stay away from negativity. How we react to such social dysfunction is our responsibility and reflects what we value. So, it’s your choice. What behaviors will you model and devote your energy to? I’ll tell you this, where the energy and focus goes, the experience flows. Be aware of your choice. Will you speak and act at the expense of others or positively in the direction of your dreams?
“But once I got acclimated and really used fame for what it offered me as a tool to fulfill my life’s purpose of inspiring and contributing, then it started to be fun again.” -Alanis Morissette
Copyright (c) 2009 Valery Satterwhite