Celebrity, people, stars, VIP, celebs... all these terms qualify an individual who benefits from a large media coverage and who generates a lively interest from the public. A priori, Beckham, Brad Pitt, Barack Obama and Charles Manson share no common trait, except that of being harassed every ten seconds by some random guys when they walk in public areas.

In the famous people category, there are all those people with a little something in particular that the average guy hasn't. Pro soccer players are considered as demigods because, in contrast, a little fellow from a regional soccer team in Utah will never get their footwork. There is also little doubt on the fact that people knew Einstein very well when the big-sized brain scientist was still alive.

The next category lists all the people who work for the entertainment industry. It's a fact, anonymous individuals like being entertained. When they seek for entertainment “in block”, when 202 044 569 spectators view “Gone With the Wind” and 15 film tickets for “Batman the Dark Knight” are sold per second in its first weeks, it's not surprising then if EVERY-body gets to know the name of Hollywood's best actors and what do they look like. Moreover, actor rhymes with Glamor. People would rather be aware of their existence than that of a Taliban's chief.

Next, there are all those personalities known for the power they have on the average citizens. From the decisions of presidents, ministers and other State officials depend the peoples' general interest.
However, a new class of celebrities has been emerging for a few years: the “people”, a mass of individuals who do their best to become famous, when they literally do “nothing”. Participants to reality TV shows and Paris Hilton fit in the category. Of course, the random guy “loves” modern fairy tales and tabloids give them what they need.

The access to iconic status and stardom has many advantages: Paris Hilton spent one single night in prison for driving under the influence of alcohol. Since it wasn't her first breach to the law, she should have done more time. But it can turn to a nightmare for people who didn't seek to become famous. Kurt Cobain would probably tell you how being famous means having unauthentic relationships with people and Lady Di that paparazzi may kill.