Seminar Paper Abstract: Celebrity Persona

What is your main intention? What do you propose to argue in this paper?

· I plan to discuss the phenomenon of celebrity. In particular, I would like to focus on the development of a celebrity persona and the proliferation of that persona.

· Additionally, I want to examine the importance celebrity has taken within American society and why.

· Specifically I plan to look at celebrity activism, i.e. "Charitainment", and its effect on the star persona as well as public opinion.

· Ideas for a case study: Angelina Jolie, Jenny McCarthy (need some help here)

How will your argument proceed? What are some of the main structural steps you will take?

· First I would like to define celebrity and celebrity persona. Then I would like to examine the way in which a celebrity persona is created. Next I want to look at how different events (drug abuse, court appearances, divorce, charity work, etc) affect on public opinion of the stars.

What methodology (including sources and media texts) will you rely on?

· Poniewozik, James. "The Year of Charitaniment." Time Magazine.

· Furedi, Frank. "Celebrity Culture." Society 47.6

· Alexander, Jefferey. "The Celebrity-Icon." Cultural Sociology 4.3

· Armstrong, George. "The Reification of Celebrity: Persona as Property" Louisiana Law Review 51.3

· Carroll, John. "The Tragicomedy of Celebrity" Society 47.6

· Turner, Graeme. "Understanding Celebrity." Understanding Celebrity.

· Turner, Graeme. "Manufacturing Celebrity." Understanding Celebrity.

What is the projected conclusion or outcome – the “big picture”? How will this paper contribute to larger discussions in a particular field?

· I plan to argue that celebrities who take part in charity work are not only viewed more positively by the public, but that this positive attitude allows them to more easily sway public opinion, even when they are far from an expert on the given subject.

· This paper will contribute to the discussion of why celebrities are so powerful in our society. Examining and beginning to understand this power will become part of a check on the power celebrities have, which I believe for the most part is immune to public scrutiny.