By Sheila Orysiek
SAN DIEGO — As I write this the AOL news feed has forty-two items – fourteen of which are about the activities of various “celebrities” – including the clothing they wear (and malfunctions thereof), their romantic/marital escapades, legal and criminal entanglements, as well as their political opinions. Why a “celebrity’s” political opinion is more important than anyone else’s – mystifies me. How these people got defined as “celebrities” is another mystery.
Of the fourteen items dealing with “celebrities” – six are about the sudden death of the popular singer “Prince.” In addition, almost every news channel on TV is consumed with this event. I will readily admit that, except for generally recognizing the name, this “celebrity” is unknown to me but I am used to being on the fringes – actually in another galaxy – when it comes to pop culture.
However, I accept what others say – that this “star” was a bright shining light in the universe of modern entertainment, music, singing – selling umpteen gazillions of his albums, CD’s, records, – or whatever one calls the packaging. But, a deity – he was not. None of us are. I remember when Bing (“I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”), Crosby died he was dubbed the “greatest entertainer of all time.” As smooth as his voice was – that declaration seemed a tad overblown.
This brings me to the Second of the Ten Commandments: “You shall have no other gods before Me.”
During the years I attended Torah Study, this Commandment always elicited several questions concerning what is meant by the words “other gods.”
Does this mean that the One G-D is implying there are indeed other gods?
Does it mean that one can have other gods as long as they are not “before” the One G-D?
Does it mean that people should not create anything in any form and give it the status of a god?
Or, does this prohibition include the human proclivity to elevate ourselves and/or others such as kings, potentates, religious zealots, etc., above the rest of the community and into a godly stratosphere?
I can’t recall that last interpretation of the Second Commandment ever being discussed at a Torah Study, though I think it the most likely to occur.
These celebrated people may be influential, powerful and/or talented. They may be charismatic. They may have entertained us, even enhanced our enjoyment of life. However, as recompense most of them have been amply rewarded with the accoutrements of lavish living. In our culture there is a tendency for the adulation often bestowed upon “celebrities” to approach the level of “other gods.”
Think how many of them turn out to be hollow idols. Many die young of drug addiction problems. Acclaimed masters of various sports activities are almost daily exposed in criminal behavior; as are major figures in politics. This mass adulation of a singer, a holder of public office, or a sports “hero,” et al., only serves to debase the general understanding of what makes for a life well lived and truly worthy of applause.
There are entire groups of people unduly venerated such as clergy who expound how G-D wishes a congregation to live and behave, but in all too many instances, have transgressed even into criminal behavior. History is rife with examples of kings and cult leaders elevated to godly status only to lead their believers to ruin.
Perhaps the intent of the Second Commandment was not only to warn us of false idols shaped from stone or clay but also to warn us of over zealous adulation of “celebrity.” This elevation not only corrupts us, it also corrupts the person or group who are the object of this veneration.
It is always sad when someone dies at a relatively young age. It’s a good thing that this singer sang songs others enjoyed. Surely, talent should be valued and its loss mourned.
But, I think the Second Commandment counsels perspective.
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Orysiek is a freelance writer who specializes in the arts and literature. She may be contacted via sheila.orysiek@sdjewishworld.com. Comments intended for publication in the space below must be accompanied by the letter writer’s first and last name and by his/ her city and state of residence (city and country for those outside the U.S.)