Supplemental Post #7: Celebrity Paraphernalia

Jackie Stacey's article, Feminine Fascinations: Forms of Identification in Star-Audience Relations, suggests that one way in which women connect to their favorite film actresses is through consumption. Purchasing the same cosmetics and clothing as Doris Day, for example, is one way a woman might identify with the celebrity's persona without ever having to come in contact with Doris Day in real life. While consumption is just one of the ways in which both men and women can identify themselves with a celebrity, I find it particularly interesting because it reveals the film industry's ties to capitalism and consumerist culture.

I'm actually surprised to find that Stacey did not mention much about celebrity paraphernalia -- novel goods designed to be consumed by only the most rabid of fans. Often these items come in the form of ordinary objects that have come into contact with a star. Autographs, photos, props, and personal items can fetch ridiculously high prices based on the nature of their intimacy to a star. For example, a used tissue from Scarlett Johansson sold for $5, 300 in 2008 (she at least signed it as well). In 2013, a fake fingernail worn by Lady Gaga during one of her tours was sold for $13,000. Meanwhile, the most bizarre piece of celebrity paraphernalia may be Marilyn Monroe's chest x-ray from 1954, which was sold for $45,000 at a Las Vegas auction in 2010.

Of course, those are extreme examples. I just find it fascinating that physical contact with a celebrity can turn an ordinary object into an extraordinary product in American consumerist culture. One of my own prized possessions happens to be a signed vinyl from my favorite rap artist, Childish Gambino. I once looked up the selling price of this vinyl, and was surprised to find that this ordinary record could potentially be sold for thousands of dollars simply because of the rapper's signature.

I also find it ironic that vinyls have resurfaced as consumer trend. Today's music enthusiast often purchases vinyls of their favorite albums even if they don't own a record player. It's weird to think that you can own Drake's Take Care as a record, but nothing says "hardcore fan" like owning a physical copy of an album (albeit a giant LP) in today's preference for intangible media files. 

The novelty with these vinyls is indicative of the novelty of celebrity paraphernalia. Physical encounters in modern society are increasingly being replaced by virtual connections. Could it be that celebrity paraphernalia could be more valuable today in our attempt to feel closer to our celebrities? What does the class think? Do any of you have any awesome celebrity paraphernalia?

- Michael Francisco