Fame You Don't Want

Glitterati emerge from black limos onto red carpet, police struggle to hold surging crowds back, and cameras blind everyone within fifty miles. It doesn't matter if they are a singer, movie star, or athlete; there are certain people within society that stand out. You can't escape their influence. You see their latest pictures and stories on the cover page of magazines at the checkout counter of Target. What they wear becomes the hottest new trend. What they say is analyzed, praised, critiqued, ripped apart, and then reexamined all over again. The fame, wealth, attention, who hasn't desired it at some point in their life?

Yet, being a celebrity can be deceitfully glorious. Take it from someone who's had a taste of the life. No, I've never starred in Star Wars, sung a song with Lady Gaga, or made a touchdown at the Super Bowl. I have been one of the few white people to live in a highly populated Asian city. You may think that has nothing to do with fame, but trust me, it does.

Being one of the few foreigners, I was so different looking from the typical short, black-haired and black-eyed person, I was stared at twenty-four seven. It didn't matter if I was on a crowded bus, sitting in McDonalds, or walking down the crowded streets, everyone stared at me. Some watched until I disappeared out of sight. Others shouted out any English phrases they knew which usually consisted of "Hello! What's your name?" and ended in hysterical laughter. It was not unusual to find myself being pulled into a never-ending cycle of pictures with complete strangers. It got to the point where I had to start charging people if they wanted to take pictures, that way they would either let me leave or compensate me for my time. If I had to go buy something in the morning I could never just roll out of bed, throw on some clothes, and put my hair up, for fear of the hundreds of people that would scrutinize me.

So while the paparazzi, fame, and excitement all might be good and fun for a while, it grows old fast. Living that way is too much pressure for most people. The crowds, the way people snoop into your private life, or invade your personal space bubble, are the least of a celebrity's worries. There home is also more likely to be invaded. Thieves often target homes of celebrities. They know there will be tons of expensive goods in there. However, celebrities aren't the only ones that have to worry about keeping their homes safe.

Even if someone isn't rich or famous that won't deter a crook from breaking into a house. Any house that is unprotected or appears to be easy to break into, is at risk of being burglarized. The good news is, it's much cheaper for the average citizen to protect his or her house then it will be for a celebrity.