Celebs-u-Taunt
I call it Jerry Springer syndrome, though the Springer reference may be a bit outdated, mixed into the realm of quasi-celebrities. People love to watch other people that they think are total train wrecks. There is an entire paparazzi industry based on that sick whim. (And yes, on some level, we are all guilty of it). And in the anyone-can-be-famous TV world of today where so many outlast Andy Warhol’s 15 minutes of fame prediction, quasi-celebrities that just won’t go away seem to be the norm now.
Case in point - Sanjaya. Remember him? The kid with the wacky hair in last year’s American Idol? Well, apparently after the summer AI tour and all opportunities washed up (seems he did not following in his predecessor Mr William Hung’s path of success, performing “She Bangs” at malls across America), Sanjaya disappeared from almost everywhere, aside from the except occasional audience camera shots at this year’s American Idol.
Well, Nationwide Insurance has swooped in to rock him in their “Poke fun at yourself to regain attention” cradle as they have done before. Past fools-rush-in for this commercial appearance have included for ex Mr. Britney Spears Kevin Federline, former romance novel hunk Fabio and “You Can’t Touch This” (No really repo man, please don’t touch this.. please) rapper MC Hammer. The commercial campaign entitled “Life Comes at You Fast” shows how fast the fall from grace can be (and why you need to be insured when you end up back at the bottom of the heap).
And, with the rise and fall of so many quasi celebrities now - it seems this campaign will live on longer than the famed Miller “Tastes Great. Less Filling” debate of retired athletes in the 80’s. My reason for this pop culture diatribe? Because it makes such cool mobile conversation fodder… Pop in the kinda-sorta-celebrity of choice and poke fun all you want. Your friends will love it! Send some to me too… I have developed an unhealthy fascination…
