Friday, Boston, Massachusetts
A survey of preschool children revealed what we already suspect and fear. When asked what they want to be when they grow up, the first choice of these young children was to be famous! That’s right. Early on kids are clear that they desire to become a celebrity when they are older. The researchers asked parents what they thought their children, between ages two & five, would choose as a career. About one third said their sons and daughters wanted to become a famous singer or actor.  Of course when it comes to their own preference for their children, parents aspirations for their kids were loftier and more predictable. They included physician, engineer or some other kind of scientist. Only one in ten agreed with the choice of their child to become a performer.
 According to the study (commissioned for the animated BBC TV series Lunar Jim, on CBeebies), traditional favorites like firefighter and astronaut had dropped down the list. The show’s creator noted “In an age of celebrity it’s not surprising that so many youngsters want to be performers - but it’s encouraging that their parents really do see the importance of developing an interest in science-oriented learning.”Is anyone surprised really? Is it not a measure of where we have come as a society that children aspire to be celebrities? And furthermore, we are well aware of the pathetic fact that many of America’s “hottest” celebrities enjoy their notoriety utterly detached from personal accomplishments or laudatory achievements. What are the worthy achievements of Paris Hilton, David Spade, Nicole Richie, Andy Dick, (the late) Anna Nicole Smith, Brandon “Greasy Bear” Davis? And even many of the super celebrities that actually have careers in show business or sports, where have we come that kids believe that will happen to them when they are older?At the risk of hysterical ranting, it seems that this survey gives pause to parents about the need to speak out more boldly against the antics of the celebrities their children see in the media. It’s time t be more forthcoming with our opinions.

TO WIT:

If your child is more enamored with Paris than their teacher, with Tom Cruise more than their physician, it’s time to spit it out. While there are surely exceptions, stars who live life well, in far too many cases the celebrities we gawk at and read about are horrible role models. So many are circus acts, media freaks who, due to inherited wealth or a fortunate moment in a stadium or a movie set, are enjoyable to look at but ludicrous to emulate. In many cases these individuals are intellectually limited, emotionally stunted and spoiled beyond reason. It’s time to grow up.Read a summary of the report HERE