After reading a recent Atlantic article about Justin Bieber and listening to Bieber’s snapchat, I wanted to add my perspective to the conversation surrounding “entitlement.”
I often hear the argument that if celebrities really appreciated their fans that they would stop to give an autograph or in recent years take a selfie. However, many people often forget that a celebrity is human. Although they might have a tremendous appreciation and respect for their fans the timing of the autograph or selfie request might not be right. Fans need to remember that there may be other emotions and factors at play when each request is made. Maybe the celebrity is having a bad day or just received unfortunate news and may deny a fan a selfie or autograph. In most cases a denial should not be seen for any more than what it is, a “not at this particular time.”
A few months back, I met one of my favorite actresses. She was very sweet, but was in a bit of a rush. After standing with her, I noticed that she had been crying. She explained that she had received a phone call with upsetting news. However, she was committed to taking photos with her fans, but in each photo she had her hat pulled over her eyes hiding her tear stained face. I came back a few weeks later to see the play she was in and happened to catch her after the show. She was back to her comedic and happy self.; the remnants of that difficult day nowhere to be found. I sat outside the play’s venue with her and talked about Boston and theatre and we took a great photo. This experience helped me to realize how different a day can make an interaction with a celebrity, and that sometimes a denial or the apprehension to take a photo with a fan may be result of a bad day and not in anyway be a reflection of the way they feel about their fans. It is certain that fans have the right to ask celebrities for an autograph or selfies, but in the same vein celebrities have a right to deny; after all we are all only human.
Another thing that all fans should keep in mind is that nobody asked anyone to wait outside for hours on end in crazy weather; we do it because we have an affinity for the artist. As much as a selfie/autograph seeker doesn’t want to have to wait hours in the rain, a celebrity doesn’t want to have to stop in those conditions either. “But I waited for hours in the cold for you,” is not a valid argument and does not mean that anyone is “entitled” to the graph, it just makes the person who uses it sound a little nuts.
“Entitlement” however is not owned by artists either. Just because a celebrity gave a good show today, yesterday or many years ago does not mean that they will maintain a fan base because they are “owed” that. Taking the few minutes before or after a show to acknowledge loyal fans that have waited sometimes hours in all the weather elements to “thank” them with an autograph or a selfie is appreciated.
So as I pack my bag as a grapher, I keep in mind that although I hope to get a graph and a picture with all the celebrities I set out for today, I remind myself to never lose sight that this is a hobby not a job, it should be fun, and that celebrities are human; my hope is that the celebrities such as Bieber remember the human side of their fan base as well.
Girl Grapher 