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Obsessed with Taylor Swift? There’s a line fans should not cross
There is a difference between being a loyal supporter and the obsessives who feel they should have a say in their idol’s lives.
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US singer-songwriter Taylor Swift greeting fans during the MTV Video Music Awards in September.
PHOTO: AFP
David Tan
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The relationship between a fan and his hero, between you and the movie star or sporting icon you worship should be a straightforward one. Heroes are inspiring and you aspire to be like them. If only it were that simple.
Two issues have given this relationship a twist. One is that by entering the commercial arena, pushing and endorsing products and services, celebrities have been ramping up their “personal connection” with fans. Related to this, fans think they know their idols – whom they largely see on screen – far better than they really do, become possessive about them, and even think they have a right to dictate how their heroes should lead their lives.
