Relatability has been propelled to the forefront of our perception of public figures. The once-veiled allure of fame has surrendered to a new social media-driven epoch, where accessibility and normalcy take precedence. The confluence of the widening wealth gap and the rise of social media has catalyzed a paradigm shift that not only challenges the conventional narrative of celebrity worship but also reshapes the very essence of being in the public eye. This metamorphosis changes the role of celebrities, as people are growing to resent what celebrities represent. But trying to bridge the growing rift between the lived experiences of celebrities and the broader population often emphasizes them instead, which only deepens the public’s resentment.
In a bygone era, celebrities were draped in an air of mystique, presenting themselves as unattainable icons. Rock stars of the 1970s and 1980s, like Mick Jagger and David Bowie, projected an image of otherworldly charisma and artistic eccentricity, emphasizing their divergence from the mainstream. Jagger, with his flamboyant stage presence and androgynous style, epitomized the rock ‘n’ roll excess of the era. Bowie, known for avant-garde fashion and personas such as Ziggy Stardust shattered conventional norms. Their extravagant lifestyles underscored the distance between them and the public. This reinforced the traditional view of celebrities as enigmatic figures who existed on an elevated plane of existence, immune to the mundane realities experienced by the average person.
But now, in an era of expanded economic disparities, the realization that achieving significant wealth is an increasingly elusive goal has shifted societal expectations. With diminishing trust in traditional institutions, we have witnessed the surge of celebrities as influential figures. The shift toward influence is intertwined with the pursuit of relatability: The more a celebrity permeates various aspects of public life, the more crucial it becomes for them to maintain an image that resonates with people. In doing so, celebrities aim to bridge the gap between their elevated status and the daily struggles experienced by their audience, fostering a persona that is both influential and relatable.
Platforms like Instagram have been a driving force behind this metamorphosis. Once serving as a voyeuristic lens into the opulent lives of celebrities, these digital spaces are now becoming curated arenas for stars to unveil their “real” moments. The thriving culture of relatability leverages these platforms as backstage passes, granting access to the morning routines, personal spaces, and struggles of celebrities.
However, celebrities have often struggled to project relatability. Take, for instance, Kim Kardashian’s interview with Variety in 2022, where she imparts advice to women in business, stating, “It seems like nobody wants to work these days” and emphasizing, “If you put in the work, you’ll see the results. It’s that simple.” Kardashian offers this advice as if she’s one of us, despite her privileged background and the advantages she has enjoyed throughout her life. In 2019, Chrissy Teigen, renowned for her opulent lifestyle, casually tweeted about her mom’s tendency to lose AirPods, portraying the expense as inconsequential.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Gal Gadot, along with several celebrities, faced backlash for an Instagram rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” In an apparent attempt to demonstrate solidarity in a challenging time, the celebrities sang about a world without possessions. However, the well-off celebrities presented this message of unity from their lavish homes, highlighting the stark contrast between their privileged lives and the struggles faced by many during the global crisis. The video was widely criticized as tone-deaf, and many viewers agreed that “a bunch of rich celebrities imagining a world with ‘no possessions’ while people around the country suffered a social, health and economic crisis wasn’t what the world needed at the time.”
This pandemic-era critique represents a broader societal awakening to the disproportionate impact of crises on different socioeconomic strata. While the world grappled with the health and economic fallout of the pandemic, social media became a platform for celebrities to share images of their luxurious quarantine experiences, spacious mansions, and access to exclusive resources. Billionaire record producer David Geffen posted a photo of his “quarantine confines,” which constituted a superyacht estimated at some $590 million with the caption: “Sunset, last night… isolated in the Grenadines avoiding the virus…I’m hoping everybody is staying safe.” As the wealthiest stratum weathered the storm in splendid isolation, the public increasingly expressed its discontent.
The collective frustration voiced during the pandemic became a pivotal moment in reshaping the discourse around celebrity relatability. It emphasized not only its impracticality but also potential harm in times of genuine crisis. Now, the public increasingly questions whether relatable content represents a sincere bridge between celebrities and their audience. The pedestal once reserved for stars is now being dismantled. It’s an acknowledgment that the gaping chasm between the privileged elite and the ordinary masses persists, casting a dubious shadow over the evolving landscape of celebrity culture and the nuanced political undertones it carries.