CFP Celebrity Culture

Invitation to Submit Abstract

One of the many books and articles on the cult of celebrity contains the observation that "celebrity culture surrounds us," but I believe that the culture of American society actually is a celebrity culture. This fascination with celebrities from chefs to athletes to people who are only famous for being non-celebrities in a reality TV show permeates how Americans view themselves, how they vote, the causes they give to and care about, the products they buy, their health concerns and even how they view suicide. Much scholarly attention has been paid to how the cult of celebrity developed and the connection between the production and consumption of celebrity. Individual journal articles have explored particular aspects of the effect of celebrity of American culture. It's time for a book that integrates these scholarly pursuits into one thorough exploration of the effect of celebrity on Americans' public and private lives, a meta analysis of America's entertainment orientation. !
 Basically, contributors would consider how celebrity effects change. I would expect this book to be an easy read with lots of illustrations from celebrity magazines for undergraduate audiences in sociology or media introductory courses or even for a non-academic audience. Contributors might explore the following:

-         Celebrity activism

-         Celebrity trials and their inevitable suspicion of the victim trying to take advantage of a celebrity as well as their nexus of race, wealth and culture

-         The cult of celebrity and its effect on democracy and politics (Oprah and Obama; Ted Nugent, etc.)

-         Celebrities and animal welfare (creation of the First Dog, Michael Vick, etc.)

-         Cult of celebrity and women's health (self-image, narrow definition of attractiveness, the perfect 10, Dove's natural beauty campaign)

-         Celebrity effect on body modification (dimple plasty)

-         Celebrity image vs. brand image

-         Celebrity health crises and their effect on health awareness and behavior (Prince Harry and mental illness, Angelina Jolie and breast cancer)

-         Celebrity suicide (Robin Williams) and its effect on the public's understanding and empathy

-         Celebritizing conflict (Ben Affleck and the Congo)

-         Celebrity exemplars and their ability to affect health behavior in college students (reality TV and Twitter)

-         Celebrity endorsement of charity appeals

Abstracts are due by September 4, 2017 and must be emailed to Carol M. Madere, editor, at cmadere@southeastern.edu. Contributors should use Chicago style and provide a brief author bio along with the 250-word abstract. Contributors will be notified of acceptance by October 7, 2017 with a deadline for the completed chapter of January 7, 2017