Dustin Gandof
What are some examples of celebrities’ failed attempts at relatability?
Celebrities have always been a source of fascination and inspiration for many people around the world. From their glamorous lifestyles to their creative talents, celebrities often seem to live in a different realm than ordinary folks. However, in recent years, there has been a trend among some celebrities to try to appear more relatable to their fans, often through social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok. While some stars have succeeded in showcasing their humanity and empathy, others have stumbled in their attempts to be seen as “just like us.” In this article, we will examine some of the most notable examples of celebrities’ failed attempts at relatability, and explore the possible reasons and implications of these missteps.
One example of a celebrity who struggled with relatability is Kim Kardashian. Despite being one of the most famous and influential people on social media, with over 200 million followers on Instagram alone, Kim has often faced criticism for her seeming detachment from reality. While she occasionally shares glimpses of her family life or personal struggles, much of her content revolves around her products, promotions, and self-promotion. Moreover, her extravagant lifestyle, which includes private jets, yachts, and mansions, can be hard to reconcile with the daily struggles of many of her fans. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, Kim’s tweets urging people to stay home and practice social distancing were met with backlash, as many people pointed out that her resources and privileges allowed her to avoid some of the hardships that others faced. Similarly, her recent attempt to sell “body makeup” to cover up skin imperfections has been accused of perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and reinforcing the idea that one’s appearance must be flawless at all times.
Another celebrity who faced difficulties in being relatable is Chrissy Teigen. Known for her witty remarks, candid confessions, and honesty about her mental health struggles, Chrissy initially gained a following for her relatable and humorous online persona. However, as her fame grew, she also faced more scrutiny and backlash, especially after multiple instances of online drama and controversy. In 2020, Chrissy’s attempts at being relatable and quirky during the early days of the pandemic and quarantine were criticized as tone-deaf and privileged. For example, her tweet about getting tested for COVID-19 despite having no symptoms was seen as a waste of resources and a flaunt of her privilege. Her post about baking banana bread in her home kitchen, while seemingly harmless, was also seen as out of touch with the reality of many people who struggled with food insecurity or lacked access to basic ingredients. Similarly, her decision to share intimate photos of her pregnancy loss and grieving process was praised by some as brave and healing, but also questioned by others as exploitative or attention-seeking.
Of course, there are many other examples of celebrities who tried and failed to be relatable, either through awkward interviews, cringe-worthy endorsements, or tone-deaf comments. Some experts argue that the increasing pressure for celebrities to appear “real” and “authentic” to their fans is a symptom of our celebrity-obsessed culture, which values fame and fortune over talent and character. Others suggest that the trend reflects the changing dynamics of social media, which allows for more direct and personal connections between stars and their followers, but also exposes them to more scrutiny and criticism. Still, others see the failures of celebrity relatability as a sign of the deeper problems of our society, such as inequality, injustice, and systemic issues that celebrities may not fully understand or address.
In conclusion, celebrities’ failed attempts at relatability are a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon that reflects the challenges and opportunities of our digital age. While some stars have managed to bridge the gap between their glamorous image and their human struggles, others have stumbled in their efforts to connect with their fans. Ultimately, the success or failure of celebrity relatability depends on many factors, such as personality, context, sincerity, and audience reception. By exploring the various examples and implications of celebrity relatability, we can gain a deeper understanding of the role of celebrities in our culture, and how we relate to them as fans and fellow humans.
