‘15 minutes of fame’ is a well known expression that connotes a brief period of fame, or fame that is highly fleeting.

The phrase is often attributed to the American visual artist Andy Warhol. In 1968, Warhol ‘predicted’ that tools to become famous (albeit for a brief period of time) will become available to every person. 

Indeed, today, anyone can gain short bursts of fame by using digital tools and social media platforms. But such folk often fall back into oblivion. The irony is, if gaining fame has become easier, sustaining it has become harder. Fame can be addictive — even that of the 15-minute variety. People want to elongate it. They become desperate enough to even cross certain ethical boundaries to remain in the picture. 

And when they can’t, they plunge into depression. Some ultimately accept their fate, but some try to rekindle moments of ‘fame’ by triggering sympathy for themselves through self-pitying/ teary-eyed videos and posts. They may also start talking about their deteriorating mental health, or apologise for their ‘unethical’ behaviour. This may lead to another round of ‘fame’, but one that doesn’t have much staying power as well. 

The desire to cling to one’s 15 minutes of fame can be a rather awkward manifestation of pathos. It is present in politics as well. In May 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic had started to peak, a report by Reno-based journalist William Puchert pleaded that the state government of Nevada start taking more serious steps against protesters who were regularly gathering to oppose the mandatory wearing of masks and the closure of shops. 

From viral videos to populist........

© Dawn (Magazines)