Answer the question – Fame
Stage schools like the Sylvia Young Theatre School are more popular than ever, but do young people want fame too badly?
| I used to be in the Sylvia Young Theatre School. Girls as young as five ‘knew’ that they were going to be famous and had that diva attitude... |
I don't think they do, but because of all the famous people now it makes children want to be like them. I wouldn't like to be a celebrity because you lose your privacy and there are too many famous people already. Do we really need any more? I wouldn't like to have fans chasing me everywhere. Worst still, what of no one liked you? I'd only like to be famous if I could still be normal.
Cere Ebanks, 9
Because of all the commercialism around pop stars these days, children do want fame too badly. The TV programme, Popstars, which turned out the pop group Here'Say tried to glamorise getting in a band. It made it look all happy-happy, when really it's all saddy-saddy. There are a lot of bad things said about famous people, even though most of it isn't true. However, I wouldn't mind being famous for being in a musical but never for just being a pop star.
Carmen Kalnars, 12
Yes they do and lot of this is to do with the media. Everyday we see famous people in the newspapers and on TV. It must make people wish that they could be just like them. A lot of young people would like to be famous just for the money. They think its quick and easy money and you don't have to do any work and all you have to do is go to parties.
Benjamina Avro-Owiriwa, 13
Young people don't want fame more these days but the cost of fame is higher and the competition is a lot more than say 30 years ago. Nowadays things are different. There are more drama schools, model agents and talent scouts then there used to be. Hence more competition. Young people who want fame shouldn't just hope for it to come knocking at their door. But they should follow their dreams. Surely there's nothing wrong with that?
Emma Dennis Edwards, 13
Being famous wouldn't be that bad. You'd get lots of money and fans and do loads of TV and radio interviews. But then again, look at Victoria Beckham, she's had notes left on dressing table saying they'll take her baby away. Also some of the things that famous people say rub off on younger children like being a certain weight. Or they might think they have to look perfect. If you're young you should be able to enjoy life. But if young people do want fame really badly it's not a problem.
Loui Ebanks, 13
Young children definitely want fame too badly. Fame is highly over-rated by celebrities and the media. I used to be enrolled in the Sylvia Young Theatre School and the atmosphere was so one-minded. Girls as young as five 'knew' that they were going to be famous and had adapted that diva attitude that some stars have. I believe that if children become famous at a young age it could affect them in the long run. Parents should make performing arts a hobby.
Della Hicks-Wilson, 15
About the team
The Answer the question panel are members of Children's Express London bureau. This column was published as part of Teen Talk, the Children's Express page in New Nation.
