BOLLYWOOD, BOLLYWOOD, BOLLYWOOD!!

Did you know that Bollywood is a thriving film industry that is larger than any other film-producing district in the world? Yes, it's even bigger than Hollywood. Bollywood productions are known for their "musical-scores" that can make the movie last for three and a half plus hours! Thousands upon thousands of fans obtain soundtracks of movies before they are released and often recreate dance numbers from movies at parties, weddings, get togethers, etc. Bollywood is also known for its ability to attract the masses with little to no violence and sex. Unlike Hollywood, Bollywood is more family friendly and suitable for all ages. And it's getting more attention and viewership in the west!! Will Hollywood become an extension of Bollywood in the future?
Also, ever wonder how the fashion industry and celebrities developed their synergistic relationship? The answer is one word: Bollywood. Because of its immense popularity, fashion houses had the idea of promoting their labels and brands in movies. As a result, Bollywood and the fashion world (and the entertainment aspects of cultures around the world too) have created a beneficial relationship that benefits both parties. Popular and "hot" designers pay top dollar to have their clothes worn in movies and they dress "A-List" stars. In return, these Bollywood stars give the fashion houses exposure obtained nowhere else. Whatever clothing or trend or accessory is seen in a Bollywood movie automatically becomes the next "must have" thing.

Above is a montage of clips from the top ten Bollywood movies of 2008. Try to look for any interesting fashion choices and also try to resist from singing/dancing along!

The Power of OPRAH!

By far, the most influential famous person in America, with the most pull out of any celebrity has to be, by far, OPRAH WINFREY. You know it's true. You can't deny it. I dare you to prove me wrong. She is the most powerful woman in America and there is nothing you can say or argue that will prove me or anyone else otherwise. If she wanted to, she could easily become the next president. She could cut me with $100 bills.

Oprah makes $732 a minute. $732 a MINUTE!! That means she makes $351,360 just for sleeping. For closing her eyes, she makes 350k. Furthermore, she makes $1,054,080 a day. Yup, for what it would take the average American 21 years to make, Oprah makes in a day.

How did an ordinary woman, from Wisconsin, with a sordid past, become this "deity-like" figure? After years of work, she emerged as a likeable personality in a culture that stresses the importance of celebrity and fame. As a result, she was catipulted to this status of beyond elite. In a recent poll conducted in random public middle schools around the United States, more students knew the face of Oprah compared to the faces of Barney and Jesus. Through successive marketing, good people skill's, and likeability, Oprah has commanded the attention, opinions, and wallets of millions of Americans.

When Oprah recommended the book A Million Little Pieces by James Frey for her book club list, the book soon sold a record number of 3.5 million units within that month span. However, soon after, Frey's suppossedly non-fiction novel was discredited by sources and evidence that clearly prove he fabricated some of his information used in the book. Many readers were outraged and as a result, Doubleday, the publisher, offered a refund. But when Oprah was asked for a comment on the situation and she said she would still endorse the book on her book club list, claiming it still supported the framework of a memoir. In conclusion, although some readers returned Frey's book in disgust, there were no where near the number of returns projected. Why? One word: Oprah.

BOTTOM LINE: Oprah yet another example of the extreme emphasis most western culutures put on celebrities and fame. Oprah can have what she wants, when she wants, and how she wants it 24/7/365. Oprah, and her production company HARPO (Oprah spelled backwards for all you geniuses who have not yet caught on), have truly become the epitome of success. Oprah has been able to successfully distribute and sell her brand while promoting her own image to set herself up for success down the line.

(information courtesy of http://www.chacha.com/question/how-much-money-does-oprah-winfrey-make-a-minute)

Lily Allen's Pro-Drug Comments force Government and Anti-Drug Agencies to Respond

In a recent interview with The World Magazine, British singer Lily Allen was quoted saying, "The only story is that drugs are bad and they will kill you. You will become a prostitute or a rapist or a dealer. But that's not true. I know lots of people that take cocaine three nights a week and get up and go to work every day, no problem at all." Shortly after her suggestively pro-drug comments, Ms. Allen received backlash from many including the United Kingdom's Shadow Home Secretary, Dominic Grieve, who said that Ms. Allen's comments were "dangerous and stupid." -- He stole the words right out of my mouth. -- Not stopping there, Grieve then goes on to say that "drugs fuel crimes and wreck lives," and that Lily seemed to assume that strife and misery weren't associated with drugs, which is completely false.
When a government official goes out of their way to correct and denounce a statement made by a celebrity, what does that say? The said celebrity has power! Honestly, all I know about Lily Allen is that she is a singer whose partying supposedly* overshadows her talent and potential (*I have yet to hear one of her songs). Maybe not to me, but to people across the globe, especially in Europe, and maybe the US, Lily Allen's comments have the power to influence. They have the power to cloud the judgment of fans, followers, people who (I don't know why) look up to her. Like the British National Drug Prevention Alliance said, "When someone like Lily Allen makes these remarks she is only harming young people. We already have a major drug culture in the UK and she is affecting that."
Grant it, her comments were published in a respectively circulated publication in Europe. But, if we're being honest, it’s not it was The Times or The Sun. Also, some might argue that the only reason Lily Allen is getting this press is because she is a celebrity. However Courtney Love is a celebrity. If Courtney Love made the same comments about drugs, would you believe her, much less be influenced to experiment? I didn't think so!! But wait before you say Lily Allen is nothing like Courtney Love! Lily Allen is known and has personally admitted to have experimented with drugs. Now, this is an assumption, but we, the general public, doesn't usually trust drug users, do we?

BOTTOM LINE: Although one example, pop culture in Europe and the United States is ubiquitous in everyday life. It is considerably heightened in these two countries' cultures, compared to those around the world. People take celebrities' words seriously and consider acting on them thus forcing officials to spend time, energy, and money combating these uneducated remarks/actions. Remember you Americans and Europeans, just because someone is famous doesn't mean that they are always right...