I’ve watch in amusement the last few month as another cultural icon, teen heart throb Justin Bieber, self destructs publicly. Of course, he is one of an endless series of vapid actors an singers we idolize, only to lament in their humanity. In fact, an uneducated, un-mentored “artist” who rises to fame is the least likely person to handle it well and the most likely to look foolish in the process. It’s our reaction the is the most curious.
Hero worship is a way to role model after someone who has traits we wish we had, i.e.: singing well and being popular. We then assume that person has other traits (maturity?) too and that they in fact may be “perfect”. We then psychologically attach to the idealized object, bolstering our sense of self. A narcissistic self object you use to self nurture. But what if your role model is Justin Bieber?
Bieber’s music and 12 year old appearance never did anything for me. He lost me forever several years ago when visiting Anne Frank’s home in Amsterdam. He stated “She was teenage girl. She would have been a Bieber- head!”. A woeful misjudging of his place in history (he never took it!) and total disrespect for a true cultural icon! And he’s now the little boy who’s never been told “NO” and behaving like an ass.
It’s thought that one measure of maturity occurs when you realize you no longer have any heroes. I’m not sure this ever entirely happen ( I’ve still got Dr. J and Batman!). But choose and reevaluate your heroes wisely. You are the only you and, I promise you, you do not want to be a Justin Bieber!