Fame has always been considered to be a concept with a shiny cover and an ugly background. It takes a lot of work to get to the top, no matter what you choose to specialize in. As a celebrity, all eyes are on you. You can’t make any mistakes; you must be thin enough, pretty enough and overall fit the public’s image. But as this frustration builds up over time, many artists have spoken out against the dehumanization of fame, and the side effects that come along with it.
Last month Chappell Roan made a tiktok video speaking out about the side effects of her career and her opinions on it. The video gained tons of publicity, racking up three times her normal view count.
“I don’t care that this crazy type of behavior comes along with the job… That does not make it okay, that does not make it normal,” Chappell Roan said.
The huge traction she gained from this video was far from supportive though, as many fans claimed she was being “ungrateful” for her fame. Shortly after her video went viral, she released a statement on Instagram reiterating her beliefs and making them more clear. I will admit that I felt that her initial video on TikTok came across quite aggressive, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about it, but after reading her statement I stood by her 100%. The music industry is full of stan and idol culture, and while these artists have so much talent and potential, that does not mean they are making music just for your entertainment. Music is a form of art used to convey our emotions, and while popular artists share their works with us, that doesn’t mean they are obligated to do anything more.
Similarly to Chappell Roan, Doja Cat spoke out about her own experiences as an artist last year. Doja Cat is known for being an internet troll and is very active on her social media accounts. In July of 2023 she made a remark against the fans in her comment section calling them out for their stan behavior. “If you call yourself ‘kitten’ or ‘kittenz,’(the fanmade fandom name) that means you need to get off your phone and get a job and help your parents,” Doja Cat said.
The original commenter took her comment lightly and asked what they should say instead but was met with a similar reply.
“Just delete the entire account and rethink everything. It’s never too late.” Doja Cat tweeted.
Around the same time Doja Cat rebutled a tweet of a stan asking her to say “I love you.”
“I don’t though cuz I don’t even know y’all,” Doja Cat tweeted.
Just like Chappell Roan, she has also been called “ungrateful” for the way she treats her fans who’ve “made her,” but I disagree with the statement. Doja Cat and many other artists don’t owe anyone anything. While her fans helped her gain the fame and wealth she has now, that doesn’t mean she is required to return the favor in any way. Just because she is well-known does not mean she should be treated like an exhibit.
Stan culture has always been a very intense ideology as devoted fans become overly obsessed with their favorite celebrity. Over time though, this culture has become extremely common and normalized in the entertainment industry. This leads to doxxing and leaks of personal information of people who consider the rest of us strangers. I’m sure that almost all of us would be completely weirded out if a stranger asked to take a photo with you, so why should celebrities have to act like it’s normal to them.
Even on top of all of the stalkerish behavior artists have to face, many fans also treat them rudely and inappropriately by yelling and throwing things at the performers. Many celebrities such as Bebe Rexha, Harry Styles, Ava Max and Nicki Minaj have been hurt by objects thrown at them while performing. Although, Steve Lacy and Cardi B were faced with harsh criticism for responding aggressively, or in my opinion, appropriately to the attacks. Steve Lacy smashed a disposable camera that hit him before ending the concert early, while Cardi B threw her mic at a “fan” who threw their drink at her from the crowd. Both of them were faced with criticism for being “too aggressive,” but I’d argue that most of us would act very similarly if we were treated that way.
Singers, actors, dancers, no matter how they perform they are still human, and deserve to be treated like one. Your favorite artists are not pursuing their career for your individual entertainment. I think that many stans need to realize they are privileged to see the musicians they love perform on stage, and especially to receive any form of acknowledgement, because they are not in any way compelled to do anything for you. Like Chappell Roan said, “I’m a random b****, You’re a random b****, just think about that for a second, okay?”
