There is a desperate hunger for belonging. People feel isolated and cut off. Perhaps this is why a whole nation can assemble around the images of celebrities. They have no acquaintance with these celebrities personally. They look at them from a distance and project all their longings onto them. When something happens to a celebrity, they feel as if it is happening to themselves. There is an acute need for the reawakening of the sense of community.
In his book "Eternal Echoes," John O'Donohue discusses the pervasive feelings of isolation and the longing for connection among individuals. He suggests that many people today experience a profound sense of disconnection, leading them to seek solace and meaning in the portrayal of celebrities. These figures become symbolic representations of their desires and aspirations, even though they have no personal relationship with them. When a celebrity faces challenges, fans often feel...