RESEARCH: STARDOM

Richard Dyers star theory is the idea that icons and celebrities are manufactured by institutions for financial gain. He believes that stars are constructed to represent 'real people' experiencing real emotions. Stars are manufactured by the music industry to serve a purpose; to make money out of audience, who respond to various elements of a star’s personality by buying records and becoming fans. 

Dyer proposes that: "A star is an image not a real person that is constructed (as any other aspect of fiction is) out of a range of materials (eg advertising, magazines etc as well as films [music])."

Stars are made for money purposes alone. The company that supports the 'stars' manufactures each identity in a way that can make the company a lot of money. The company promotes the artist and this is why we see so many up and coming artists hitting the charts quickly, and very successfully. The company then models the artist around the target audience they choose. For example Lady GaGa, according to Dyer, was modeled around fashion forward people so the audience can relate to her as a person and also her music. 

For Dyer, "Stars are commodities produced and consumed on the strength of their meanings."

It is the idea that the audience relates to the star because they have a feature they the share or admire with the star. Some fans may attempt to replicate the star in their behaviour, and copy exactly what they do. This can range from changes in fashion and lifestyle.

However, this could also be a negative impact as some stars often are heavy drinkers and drug abusers which sets a terrible example for the youth of today. For example in the 60's and 70's there was an increase of illegal sales of cannabis due to The Beatles being open about using it. In today's music we still have a lot of drug references within the lyrics, as well as inappropriate lyrics that feature a sexual nature, also setting a bad example for the youth of today.

A star may start a fashion trend, with masses of fans copying their hairstyle and clothing. 

Pop stars establish their character and personality through songs and performance and will strive for immediate star identity with a first album. 

• Richard Dyer Stars (1980)

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