The parallels of stardom.


The society makeup at present doesn’t only give a ‘celebrity’ the pedestal to shine on, it also is responsible for the pedestal’s make up. Admiration often blinds people into wrongfully believing that they have ultimate power in any or every situation. Excessive money often equals to excessive power or at least a strong belief of excessive power possession. In the famous case of Aaron Hernandez, a young NFL star, the lures of easy fame and money ultimately led to his involvement in homicide and death. A stark similarity is in the case of celebrity sex trafficker, Jeffrey Epstein. His later years of conviction and death were similar.

The two stars, though convicted of different crimes, had many areas of commonality. Both were largely of a belief that they could get away with any act, ethical or otherwise. The now deceased convicts were able to make quick money, furthering their self belief of ultimate power. At a deeper level of study into the lives of the two, it is apparent that the two were eventually thrown down from the pedestal they long enjoyed and little valued to keep safe. Ending their lives in their respective cells, the cycle of similarity seems to have been complete.

The societal organization may have been responsible in this quick rise of ordinary men and an even quicker fall. The media, an essential component in both trials, may have been responsible in portrayal of toxicity in a glorifying pretext. After exposure to power and influence, the complete shutting down of acceptance is difficult and not something all people can absorb. Sentenced to life, both the men were definitely shocked beyond recovery. Although the reason for both the suicides are debated upon and unclear, a major catalyst could be the rapid fall of a façade they had kept concealed for several year.

Another factor in both incidents that meet the eye at first look, are the two women romantically involved with the convicted men. Aaron and Jeffrey were with women who are alleged co-conspirators in the respective crimes. While the former girlfriend is not proven to have helped him, it was believed she did by hiding the weapon used in the crime. The latter’s girlfriend was testified against by many victims and is a proven alibi of her boyfriend. A deep rooted loyalty and support are strikingly similar. 

The issue at hand is not of merely two deaths under similar circumstances. The bigger issue is of the societal make up at present. The popular culture is as big a bane as it is a boon. The fast paced changes in the spectrum of fame and power can often lead to the destruction of life. The karma of these subjects is a completely different issue, but to lose individual’s to the distorted system of flashy lifestyles, quick money and large scale fame is a wake up call for all.   

 


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