Everyone wants their idols to like them, right? That golden seal of approval from the people that are so important to us. To chat to the ones who inspire us, human on human. But the thing is they are just that... Humans.
If someone came up to me, running and sobbing and telling me all these overwhelming things that I'd done for them, yes, I'd be humbled and think it's a lovely gesture, but most of all, I'd feel really overwhelmed and pretty intimidated. Imagine the responsibility that is entailed when you are portrayed as more than just a human being. If someone admires you for what you do, great. But if someone treats you like you're a god or you're better than them then it can even be upsetting. As a pop star, youtuber, or general person of influence, you want to encourage self love and for people to put worth on themselves and others and see all humans as, pretty much, equal, and just do as much as you can with your power to use it to the benefit of society, so when people see you as something better than them or any other human, and essentially diminishing their own self-worth, it can be pretty disheartening.
On the other hand, if I was a person of influence and somebody came up to me saying something along the lines of "Hey, oh my gosh! Its so great to meet you, I love what you do! You look really great today" etc. Then yes, that would be a great and lovely gesture, as you are still telling your idol what they mean to you but they are more likely to treat you like a person rather than a fan (more on that later) because you are giving them the respect they deserve and acting in a civilized, humane way. This way you are also more likely to fulfill your lifelong dream of becoming friends with this splendid celeb. They are likely to go home thinking "wow, what a lovely person I met today".
Another bug bare of mine is when the celebs / people of influence themselves call their audience their fans, especially people with lesser fame such as youtubers and members of small bands. In the recent past, I have been referred to as a fan of a (very small) band that I enjoy listening to by the lead singer. He meant no harm at all by doing this but it felt as if he was being very demeaning towards me and other people who liked their music. I had engaged in conversations with him multiple times, in real life and through social media and if I'm honest, before that comment, I saw him as a friend. I am very begrudging of the term 'fan' as in my head it makes me feel like they are entitling themselves to this pedestal that I, as a listener of their band, have not put them on. I see this as arrogance and self-creating a barrier between yourself and your audience, which i don't see why anyone would want to do.
Yes, it is a completely different story for the likes of 1D and Bieber as it would be physically impossible for them to engage in conversation with everyone who listens to their music, so only certain people, who have paid to do so, get a chance to meet them, in which way, it's not biased. You pay, you meet them. First come, first serve. Fair's fair.
I don't have anything against self proclaimed 'fans' (although I hate the term). Just those who are disrespectful to their so-called idols to the point where they make them uncomfortable and sometimes even endanger them.
Peace, Violet
x
