Unit 8
The Star System

In Unit 8, we discuss the nature of “stardom,” especially television stardom. We begin our discussion with a brief look at televised sports and sports celebrities; then, we consider the bases on which celebrity is constructed, the functions it serves, and its effects on our lives and culture. We close the unit with a look at the reciprocal nature of celebrity—does the celebrity affect or reflect the audience?—and we ask to what degree celebrities can and do serve a counter-hegemonic function.

Objectives

After completing this unit, you should be able to

1. discuss the nature of television star power.
2. describe the characteristics that differentiate this type of stardom from other types.
3. analyse the effects of the relationship between star and fan.
4. evaluate the overall usefulness of stars in either promoting dominant ideologies or encouraging non-dominant ideals.