Why is Project Inspired so obsessed with celebrities?
Answer:
I write some of the culture shock posts here on Project Inspired, and a lot of them are focused on celebrity news.
Do I really care about these celebrities and what they do? If so, does that make me obsessed?
The truth is, I don’t so much care about what celebrities do, but rather how Christian teens are influenced by them and what they do. And so I write about them, because you care.
I like to introduce entertainment news and use it as an example for Christian girls to ponder and discuss.
It’s not a bad thing to look up to a celebrity, to follow a celebrity’s modest dress style, or emulate some positive characteristics or interests. In fact, we at Project Inspired also feature positive stories about celebrities. But as we have seen many times, even some good celebs turn bad. And what if that leads young girls who look up to them to begin mirroring behavior that is no longer reflective of Christian values?
The reality is that many young girls discover a celebrity they like, fall in love with them, and then continue to follow them and defend them, even when their behavior turns bad. They either assume that everything they do is okay or justify it in some way, and then go on to copy it.
And this is the most important aspect when it comes to emulating a celebrity and the reason why we use them as examples. We base their behavior according to Christ’s teaching. Personally, I like to give my take on the behavior, if I can, because that usually prompts a discussion.
Celebrities influence so many aspects of a young girl’s life, from fashion to attitudes about God. If a popular celeb with a large following of young girls starts dressing provocatively, I’ll write about whether that act follows Christ’s teaching. If a celeb is a huge Christian and praises God continuously, I’ll write about how that act glorifies God. If a celeb loves to give back, I’ll write about how that act pleases God.
Celebrities are often used as examples but ultimately, Christ and His teaching is highlighted. And determining whether a celeb’s action is appropriate for a Christian to emulate is dependent on whether that action would be approved by God.
PI is not obsessed with celebrities. We are obsessed with Christ, and we only offer up celebrities as examples of actions that would displease or please Him. We care because young girls often care too much, and we pray you are not negatively influenced by the actions of celebrities. Our desire is to use celebrities to redirect your attention toward Christ.
Are you obsessed with celebrities? Do you look up to celebrities who are devoted to Christ?
Written by T. M. Gaouette
Image: Justjared.com
ALL COMMENTS 13
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Well said! If you read the articles you could see that there is no obesssion.
I am not obsessed with celebrities at all… but I am super glad you posted this article! Thank you for caring so much about us girls that you take the time to analyze them and share your opinion on them.
Celebs definitely influence us, even on a subconscious level. Or on a very obvious level. I remember seeing an ad for Rimmel London’s Scandaleyes mascara, and Zooey Deschanel was (I’m assuming) wearing said mascara in the ad. When I bought it, the thought did cross my mind of “I’m wearing the same mascara Zooey wears!”
There’s other examples, too. Like when Demi Lovato came out of rehab and showed the world her “Stay Strong” wrist tattoos, I wouldn’t be surprised if that tattoo suddenly became a popular choice among other people. Even if they didn’t get the tattoo, people would insert a “Stay strong” at the end of every tweet or make a “stay strong” graphic and post it on tumblr. At least the message is positive.
While PI should never become a forum for celeb gossip (and hopefully never will), I think it’s important to acknowledge what’s going on in the entertainment world and discuss it from a Godly perspective. I worry most about the 12 year old Christian girls–some of them are so strong in their faith right now, but there’s a lot of distraction ahead of them. I hope and pray they don’t try to emulate any bad choices that celebrities make.
As for the older girls (I’m going to be 21 on August 23rd), we need to make sure we’re living the life God wants for us. I know it’s tempting to want to do what everyone else our age is doing (especially in college), but younger people and our peers are looking at us. We need to be God’s hand extended to the world. That’s more important than any low-cut dress, can of beer, or night out dancing at the club.
And no one is better than anyone else. So we don’t condemn the celebrities. Without Christ, I would be a horrible person right now.
Sorry this comment is so long!
You rock, girl!
great article! It responds to some of the stuff iv read from pi girls about how this is just gossip when really its not( i haven’t heard many say this just 1 or to). Also nicole i love your comment and totally agree and its not to long
That was really well said! I totally agree! And your comment was the perfect length.
I wish there were more celebrities who were devoted to Christ. It seems to me like all of the celebrities that you see these days aren’t devoted to Christ, or haven’t found Him. I don’t obsess over celebrities, and I don’t understand why people do. What’s the point? Why is it that hollywood always has to dictate society?
The reason (I assume) is because maaaaaaany people who are obsessed with Hollywood is because they haven’t found God… I used to be all “What happened with so and so?! I CAN’T BELIEVE THEY’RE DIVORCING blah blah blah” and then when I found God, I lost interest in their personal lives and noticed their actions and wondered why it used to be so interesting.
thats great! it sounds like God did a great work in your life.
coolios sounds like a good idea… ive been looking for a site like this for a while… now ive found it!
i am grateful that PI takes the Christian lead in addressing the celebrity culture of the day as I have 2 teen grandgirls very impressionable and it gives me tools as well to talk w/ them abut the influences of the fallen world around us. God bless u and keep u strong in your devotion. I also love your transparency in listening to comments or suggestions that may further your responsible manner of living for Christ. I love u in Jesus!!!
I look up to Taylor Swift,Carrie Underwood,and Demi Lovato. They seem to be the only honest and down to earth celebrities left.
I look up…um…well, bands I like, mostly. Arcade Fire, The Beatles, Matisyahu. And artists.