Looking at television and magazines today, it seems that the majority of information focuses on celebrities, their appearance and their lifestyle. Tabloid covers are adorned with photos of cellulite celebrities or celebrities flaunting bad habits to the public. They are often criticized by the media for the bad traits or behaviors they may display, as if they will inevitably influence the men, women and young people who dote on them. But instead, we choose to view the celebrity lifestyle as an unattainable goal. As Daniel Harris says in Celebrity Bodies: “The dreamer imagines an existence as different from his own as possible and is content to admire this world from afar…” (428). But celebrities aren't just admired from afar, they're criticized for being too thin, too fat, obsessed with their health, or just plain unhealthy. They are criticized for the clothes they wear, the films and television shows they choose to star in, the way they conduct their personal relationships, and even the way they raise their children. It's like they can't catch a break. They are constantly monitored and every decision is analyzed by the media. This is the reality of fame, not so glamorous and wonderful. But Americans face a host of problems that require immediate attention. It seems like the media should focus less on the supposed flaws of celebrities and instead focus on how they can be a good influence on the American people. Although people tend to vilify celebrities, Americans should try to be more like them because they are healthier, more charitable, and more active than typical Americans. For starters, America has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world (Finklestein 15). The vast majority of celebrities are very slim and toned. Celebrities...... middle of paper...... portrayed as negative and anyone can turn a positive into a negative. We should view the way celebrities live their lives as an achievable goal, not something to criticize. If Americans focused more on eating healthier, were more kind, and stayed active, we would probably be a lot happier than if we spent our days on the couch watching TV, reading trashy magazines about who, what, and where. celebrities. , and criticize people for being too vain and selfish. Works Cited Finklestein, Eric and Zuckerman, Laurie. The fattening of America. New Jersey: Wiley & Sons, 2008. Print. Harris, Daniel. “Celebrity Bodies.” The presence of writers: a pool of readings. Ed. Donald McQuade and Robert Atwan. 6th ed. Boston: Bedford, 2009. Print. (425-433) Pringle, Hamish. Fame sells. New Jersey: Wiley & Sons, 2004. Print