Celebrities and the Cultural Theory of Reading

Paper Summary:

This paper uses Rosalind Coward's theory of the power of the reader to construct a discussion around the balance of hegemonic power between the paparazzi photographer, its subject, the newspaper or magazine, and its reader. Specific reference sto the case of David Beckham's alleged affair with Rebecca Loos.

From the Paper:

"Exactly why so many readers of newspapers have such an interest in images of celebrities in their private lives is worth consideration. Coward explains that 'Western culture has become obsessed with looking and recording images of what it has seen' , and that taking pleasure in 'looking' is enjoying the feeling of security that comes from knowing that you are distanced and that the subject cannot look back at you. So, to apply the theory to people reading tabloid newspapers, the human need to be informed is fulfilled in a way that is as little unsettling as possible by looking at photographs of celebrities. We can gain information about them and their lives, but without the risk of them gaining any information about us. Besides this, there is an element of self-importance linked to looking at photographs of other people: the reader enjoys the position of authority from which they are free and able to judge, criticize or praise the subject of the photograph."

More papers on Celebrities and the Cultural Theory of Reading:

• Analytical Essay # 136487 : "Paradigm Shifts and the Germ Theory of Disease"
• Book Review # 107776 : "The Cultural Contradictions of Capitalism"
• Essay # 49158 : "Bentham, Utilitarianism, and the Classical Theory of Criminology"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: