How many Americans are aware that the most sophisticated tools of modern communication are being used on a daily basis in a vast program of disinformation about this country and its people that is beamed into almost every country on earth?
Every time I travel abroad I see this program at work and witness its results. "I am so grateful for this opportunity to get to know you and your family," said a Muslim woman in India in 2000. "We thought that Americans have no values, that they are materialistic, and care only about themselves. We thought there is no commitment to children and families, that everyone lives in immorality. It is so wonderful to see that these things are not true!"
Our own self-created propaganda wages daily war against us.
Whence this image of America? If someone had set out to create a powerful propaganda strategy to completely discredit a nation, they could have come up with nothing more effective than the garbage stewed up in Hollywood, marketed abroad and shown daily to billions of global citizens.
Our soaps show on a daily basis in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, Nairobi, Bangkok, and thousands of other cities globally. Re-selling these shows makes nice profits for Hollywood.
As Americans, we ourselves are cheapened by their presence in our homes. But at least most of us know that neither we nor our neighbors live in glistening mansions filled with lustful people looking for their next liaison.
Unfortunately most of the world does not know this. When this realization first dawned on me living abroad in the 1980s I was stunned.
People really think that what they see on TV is real life in America? Today, there is no question in my mind. Over and over again, after they have had enough chance to get to know me that they feel free to speak honestly, I have had the experience of people in Africa and Asia saying, "I didn't realize there are ordinary, decent people living in the US. I thought everyone was....."
To the world we are Sin City.
Hollywood's profiteering means that to the world we are Sin City. We create and peddle, people believe, cheap and immoral sensations whose only design is to arouse unseemly hungers. We are unprincipled; materialistic; we indulge ourselves without thought, they believe, in our lusts.
This means that whenever Americans point to high standards or claim to seek the welfare of others, we are eyed with suspicion. People have pictures before their very eyes that, they believe, show who we are and how we live. Why should they trust nice words? Our inclination to lecture others on right and wrong makes us look especially hypocritical.
Worse yet, our vast military network - bases in 60 countries - and our history of frequent use of violence to advance "national interests" - we have dropped bombs in 23 countries since the end of World War II - makes us look like not only an immoral but also a ruthless giant.
Can we blame Muslims, for whom sexual modesty and purity is an important value, for finding it easy to consider us servants of Satan? Luckily, most Muslims oppose violence against America and know the Koran teaches against attacks on innocent civilians. But given the picture of us that Hollywood places on the screens of our globe every day of the year, a percentage are stirred in righteous anger. If anything, it is amazing that there is not more hatred towards us than already exists.
Many Americans are disappointed with the response of Iraqis to our occupation. Why do they not have a little patience, people wonder?
Part of the answer is that, like most of the world, Iraqis have long been skeptical of American intentions. Because they wanted to be rid of Saddam, many hoped for the best when the US invaded. But because their trust was so low to begin with, it took only a few months of errors on our part to convince Iraqis that their long-standing doubts were true.
In an age of weapons portable and powerful, no military force on earth can create security for Americans as long as the majority of human beings believe we are morally corrupt and selfish. Sadly, the truth is that moral corruption and selfishness do exist within us. But could we not at least curb the peddling of wicked exaggeration to the world?
Because we are not trusted at the most basic level of social integrity, the grim truth right now is that any military move we make that is not clearly supported by the majority of the world works against us. Not only do we look immoral, we look ruthless and unaccountable.
What it will take to build sustainable security.
Our security can never rest in futile efforts to destroy with violence every threat that dwells abroad. We cannot, as the saying goes, "chop off the head of the snake" that now threatens. When the majority distrust us, every strike, even "successful" ones, multiples our foes.
Sustainable security will come when people of the world see that we, the wealthiest and most influential nation in history, take seriously the daily well-being of others; when they believe that we care deeply about the ability of their children to get basic healthcare, good education, and jobs.
When the majority see evidence of this - and right now no honest person could point to much - the extremists of the world will gain few followers. In that day, scattered rabblerousers may still murmur and rail against us from the margins of their communities, but the world will handicap and neutralize them far more effectively than our bombs and marauding Special Forces.
In the meantime, could we insist that the entertainment moguls show some responsibility to their fellow citizens and ease off on the disinformation they are peddling abroad?
Copyright Ron Kraybill 2006.
How Hollywood Soaps Threaten America's Security
Celebrity Inspired Jewelry - Get The Look For Less
These days, everyone wants the red carpet look without the million dollar price tag. If this sounds too good to be true, think again. Thanks to celebrity inspired jewelry, it’s now possible for anyone to own the best on a budget.
The craze with celebrity inspired jewelry first began with the diamond engagement ring given by Ben Affleck to Jennifer Lopez. A large emerald-cut pink diamond takes center stage as the main focal point of this beauty. One each side, white baguette diamonds proudly accentuate the enormous center stone. Fans fell in love with this ring around the world, which lead to the demand for designers to recreate the ring in a look that anyone could afford. The result was a sterling silver creation featuring a large emerald-cut pink cubic zirconia center stone, which is accented by white baguette cubic zirconia on each side.
It wasn’t long before the trend of wearing celebrity inspired engagement rings became the next big thing in fashion jewelry. When Nick Lachey proposed to Jessica Simpson, a beautiful pear-cut diamond ring came into style in a big way. This bold beauty dazzled the media and fans alike. With one diamond located on each side of the stunning pear-cut center stone, Simpson’s new ring was as bright as the spotlight itself. Once again, designers came through with a creation that everyone could afford. A bold sterling silver band with a large white cubic zirconia pear-cut center stone, which is accented by white cubic zirconia on each side, began showing up on jewelry lovers around the globe.
When it came to trends, Lachey and Simpson weren’t the only musical duo making their way into the line of celebrity inspired jewelry. Kevin Federline gave Britney Spears a stunning ring featuring a cushion-cut center diamond sitting atop a double row of connected diamond-encrusted bands. The inspired design was recreated in sterling silver and glistening white cubic zirconia. The cushion-cut center stone, which replicates a flawless diamond, sits boldly above a double band of cubic zirconia accents.
What line of celebrity inspired jewelry would be complete without a dazzling pair of earrings? As far as trend setters go, Oprah Winfrey is one of the best. Not only has she made a name for herself in the media, but also for her fantastic fashion sense. Oprah’s famous pear drop diamond earrings won her fans over in a flash. The design features a round white diamond stud and a large pear-cut diamond dangling below. In an effort to recreate this stunning design, jewelry manufacturers released their own version done in affordable sterling silver. Like Oprah’s authentic diamonds, the inspired earring features a round white cubic zirconia stud and a dramatic pear shaped cubic zirconia dangling below. Because the earring is available in cubic zirconia and sterling silver, fans can have the look of the real diamond earring for a lot less cash.
When it comes to red carpet wear, the styles are both dramatic and unique. Any woman who watches the annual award shows will probably agree that seeing the glamorous jewelry is one of the most interesting aspects of the red carpet arrivals. Not many can afford a million dollar ring or necklace, but most could afford that look if it were created in sterling silver and cubic zirconia. Thanks to celebrity designers, including Nolan Miller and Charles Winston, many of today’s most expensive looks can be worn by those who only watch the red carpet from afar as opposed to actually walking on it.
Celebrity gossip: How much is for real?
There's certainly no shortage of celebrity gossip on the planet. The question is, if you were the talked-about celebrity, how much of what is in print is true? There are rumors of this and that which take on a life of their own in a New York minute. The celebrity person has little, if any control over what is said, suspected or verified. However, celebrity gossip is a hot topic and fans can't wait to read what their favorite star has - or perhaps has not - been doing, with whom and where and when.
The average fan's thirst for knowing what celebrities are up to borders on the insatiable. Celebrity magazines and websites are more than willing to oblige. Celebrity gossip is fuel for conversation, at the very least. Just think what you can share with your friends, if you're the first to hear.
If the truth be known, the celebrity gossip gristmill is quite the cottage industry. Unless the gossip is outrageously unsubstantiated or particularly over the line, few celebrities bother to sue over what shows up in print. It's hardly worth the trouble. Besides, if you're worth gossiping about, you get lots of free publicity and the fans get plenty of entertainment.
It does make you wonder. Fans must certainly know that not everything they read can be true. Celebrities do have exciting lives, much lived under the spotlights of eager photographers and reporters. Probably most fans know that celebrity gossip should be taken with a grain of salt, but, after all, it's entertainment.
Most fans never meet the object of their attention and so are satisfied to fantasize about these beautiful people, moving from an agonizing ordeal to a mysterious tryst or scandalous behavior in a big name club. Even a simple lunch date can result in a full page article, detailing how one celebrity was having lunch with her mother, when rumor had it they hadn't been speaking. When the magazine, entertainment show or website publishes the story, millions of people eagerly read. It's something to talk about.
Even though there's likely more fantasy and speculation than fact to most of the celebrity gossip in circulation at any given time, the reporters and photographers who track down the stories are very well compensated. Why? Because the stories sell to an adoring and attentive audience. As a hobby or pasttime, it's all in fun. No one really takes it all as gospel. If celebrity lives were as ordinary as ours, it wouldn't be any fun at all!
Celebrity Stylist Shares Secrets For Terrific Hair
Hair care expert Tim Rogers, who has among his clients Yoko Ono, Missy Rayder, Diane Sawyer, Kelly Gray, Samantha Boardman and Amanda Peet, combed through some of the secrets he gives celebrities when they have a bad hair day and came up with a few you may use:
Q. Any advice on how I can take better care of my hair?
A. Wash hair no more often than every other day. Water can be very drying to hair, exacerbating frizz and static flyaways. Wash with lukewarm water and always follow with a conditioner. Protect color-treated hair. New Results Colour Bright shampoo and conditioner are created specifically for treating and protecting multitonal hair shades. Don't forget sunscreen. The sun's rays can strip away natural oils as well as the pigment that gives hair its color. The sun can weaken hair cuticles, causing peeling, breaking and split ends. Defend hair with a hat and products with UV filters and keratin, for strength and elasticity.
Q. I need a new hairstyle. Can you help?
A. Take advantage of the multitude of virtual stylists on the Internet. Web sites like www.smartfixx.com offer comprehensive advice from salon professionals. Online, you can access info on trends 24/7. There's step-by-step styling advice in video you can play, pause, rewind and download to see how to get the look you like.
Q. I'm thinking of changing my hair color from blond to red. What's the best way?
A. Redheads aren't defined by "light or dark" but by tone. Consider which works with your skin. Glossing treatments deposit tone without lightening hair for maximum reflection and minimum damage. They're a great way to deliver customized shades of red.
Q. I'm a guy and I really like my new short hairstyle but it requires multiple styling products mostly created for women. Are there multipurpose products men can use?
A. Some really great unisex styling lines-like the new one from Charles Worthington London-have what you need. For short hair, wax sticks or gel strips are fantastic multipurpose options for keeping hair in place, taming flyaways or giving it a textured, spiky look. My favorite products from this Smart Fixx line are the H2O Styling Strips, which you can get at drugstores. Simply add the gel to wet hair with your fingertips. The strips come in a convenient pocket pack for on-the-go styling.
Condition for your hair type, says celebrity stylist Tim Rogers.
What's the deal with celebrities? Wait a minute! I'll give you the spiel. First of all, they make far too much money. Come on already; do they really work hard enough to make 10-20 million a picture? Please! Second of all, they spend all their free time pampering themselves with ridiculous spa treatments that cost more than your home. Do you realize what that kind of cash could do for the needy? I would feel bad spending a grand on lunch, but somehow it doesn't bother J Lo. And then to top it all off, fans worship them. Worship them for doing what? Did I miss something here? Do celebrities save innocent people or fight in wars? Not that I'm aware of. Most of them just sit around in their luxurious settings, griping about conservatives. And yet, what do you know; people still want to be like them. Well, if you're really down for the financial challenge, you can try to keep your self up like them with celebrity skin care products and a number of other spa treatments.
Much of our grooming comes down to what we're willing to spend. This applies to time and money. How much effort are you willing to devote to making yourself look nice each day? The truth is you can spend as much as you're able to. The prices go up and up. Ever heard of the Golden Gate Spa? This is a fancy one. But, when it comes to celebrity skin care and pampering, the stars go all out. Personally I can only take this to a basic level. Since I'm a man it consists of fine shaving products, some hair wax, and a moisturizer from Jack Black. How's that for celebrity skin care? Uh, it's probably not up to par. I watched a special VH1 program on celebrity skin care and pampering, and it almost made me hurl. J Lo is one of the most ridiculous. She apparently purchases some sort of special moisturizer that's produced according to the lunar cycle. It costs thousands, and she smears the stuff all over her entire body. Give us all a break J Lo. This is absurd.
There are products online that are advertised as those used by celebrities. One thing you can always count on about celebrity skin care is that it's pricey. So don't be shocked if you have to fork out the big bucks to have a complexion like J Lo's or legs like Fergi's.
Football Celebrities are Good Neighbours
Against the opinion of Lee Dixon, Lambourne’s business partner and a former Arsenal defender that “some people would perhaps rather have a doctor for a neighbour” there are a many advantages to have a famous football player moving to your area. A research from a buying agency specialised in finding homes for sports celebrities revealed that towns and villages in which footballers have bought properties have had bigger price increases than in similar areas.
There are many examples that can sustain this opinion. John Terry, the Chelsea captain owns a home near the club’s training ground in Cobham, Surrey. Since he moved there in 2004 the price of a detached property in the area has risen by 28 per cent. An even more impressive change in the value of the properties in the area they moved was given by David and Victoria Beckham. Since they became residents of Sawbridgeworth in Hertfordshire in 1999 property values have risen by 84 per cent. Five years ago, the Arsenal defender Sol Campbell bought his home in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Since that moment prices have gone up by nearly a third. The prices in the area where Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United’s young Portuguese winger, owns a flat have been growing too. Actually not only Alderley Road in Wilmslow, where Ronaldo’s property can be found is more valuable but the entire Cheshire, which is close to Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Everton and Blackburn, particularly in “Gold Trafford”,
the triangle that runs from Wilmslow to Alderley Edge and Hale.
An explanation for the rising prices of the properties in the areas where footballers are buying comes from Jeremy Lambourne, director of Oakhall, the same agency that came out with this finding. Lambourne says that “football players will very often improve an area because they spend money on their homes and bring in investment,” Not far from this opinion is Stuart Flint, who covers the smartest parts of Cheshire for Knight Frank who believes that “footballers are well advised these days and they understand the importance of maintaining their properties”.
But are any disadvantages in having a football celebrity as your neighbour? The same residents that benefited from the increased prices of their properties in Cobham, Surrey had to face the congestion created by the cars parked along the narrow roadside when John Terry held a party for his team-mates at his home. David and Victoria Beckham’s neighbours have had to suffer an invasion of paparazzi and fans since these celebrities became their neighbours. But generally footballers are not worse neighbours than ordinary people.
Another interesting finding about the properties where footballers chose to invest is revealed by by Country Life. Their survey’s results suggest that rather than always going for Dallas-style new-builds, footballers are increasingly buying country houses. The same magazine reveals that 20 prime country homes costing more than £2 million each have been snapped up by premiership footballers over the past three years. As Mark Hedges, editor of Country Life, says: “Like most people who buy these properties, footballers — despite what you may see on TV — are looking for somewhere with character that also has peace and quiet.”
Sell Celebrity Photos For Big Profits
Ever wonder why you see so many paparazzi surrounding each and every celebrity that roams the streets? If you think it is only because they want a glimpse of their favorite stars then you might be surprised. The truth is that taking pictures of celebrities is big business. Being at the right place at the right time can mean capturing an image that can be sold for thousands of dollars. But before you head off with your camera to try and cash-in on this growing market, read these helpful tips to get started on the right foot.
Get the Right Shot
Of course you will probably be happy with your first capture of a celebrity in action, but not every picture will command big bucks. First off, get creative. Don’t follow the crowd or else you will have the same shot that everyone else is trying to sell. Next, always remember to capture their face in the shot (this is easier than it sounds). You should also make sure your subject is clearly centered, in focus, and free from background distractions. Finally, you need to obey the law. You can only take pictures of stars in public places. This means you can’t pretend to be a customer or employee of the hotel or restaurant they are at, but you can catch them outside of these locations.
Get Connected
Once you have your winning picture it is time to take to take it the marketplace. Since you are just starting out you will have to work hard to meet contacts from the major media outlets. Send emails to the editors at the big magazines and newspapers. Include a watermarked attachment of your image to verify your authenticity. If you don’t have success with print editors, then turn to the most popular celebrity blogs and websites. You won’t get as much money, but at least you can start building your reputation. If all else fails, sell your image to another photographer who can resell it through his established contacts.
Build Your Business
The hardest part of selling celebrity photos is finding the best spots to shoot and making the right contacts. Start taking notes of every place you find success capturing the stars at play. Build this into a route that you can drive each day looking for activity. Don’t be afraid to sell your pictures cheap at first. Once you begin to consistently capture desirable images, you will build a solid reputation in the field. This will give you access to the top-level editors and the biggest payouts. Remember to keep pushing your products no matter how many times you hear “no”. You simply never know when an editor will come around and decide they want access to your shot.
Selling celebrity photographs can be an exciting and lucrative career for the adventurous photographer. But breaking into this niche business requires an entrepreneurial mindset. You have to find a way to get the shots that no one else has access to. Once you begin to find some success, your contact list will grow and you will have multiple options for selling your work.
The key to this business is persistence and consistency. Don’t knock on the doors of publishers until you know you have a quality image. More importantly, don’t give up when you get turned away the first few times. Keep working towards your goal and eventually the money will follow.