Why is it that we feel better when someone famous does what we are already doing? It’s our basic human need to be validated.
I experienced that recently. I was watching Top Gear, a British show about cars and driving fast. The most famous of the show’s hosts, Jeremy Clarkson, was interviewing Slash, the guitar player for an 80s rock band. Both of them revealed that they previously owned and enjoyed the Honda CRX (pictured). I owned one too. I loved that car, and so did Heather. While we were dating, my choice of that car impressed her.
We appreciate when our friends say they like something we like. When a celebrity says they like what we like, it’s somehow even better. At some level, we expect that famous people are so far removed from our lives that they wouldn’t experience average things like we do. Recently, Mr. Clarkson’s garage has been home to several Ferraris, and Slash has owned multitudes of Aston Martins. Both brands’ offerings are a bit more expensive than Hondas.
When was the last time a celebrity’s choice mirrored yours?
Photo courtesy of Grant C.
I’m married to a celebrity, and despite being from different countries we have an amazing amount in common. Some of it is having grown up in the same generation and in the same place, we have a lot of shared cultural referents. I can break into song or recite an old commercial and she laughs because she remembers it.
I don’t spend much time listening to media celebrities but it always stirs me when other people notice the same things I do. (You remember the eyebrows of that country singer who sang at an SIL chapel one time?)
Tim, I can’t remember the country singer you mentioned. I must have a strong mental filter in that area.
I think the funny/sad/telling part of your post is “Slash, the guitar player for an 80s rock band.” He and they were so huge back then, all you needed to say was “Slash” and “G&R”. 30ish years later you have to remind people who he is/was.
Deb, it’s true – what was once mainstream is now on the margins. That’s sometimes really sad.