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lies – but life has to go on and how one handles this scrutiny determines their future success.
Accepting criticism is one thing but dealing with lies is a different ball game altogether.
At play comes the issue of perception versus reality. Most celebrities have their lives built on fans’ perception, hence perception management becomes sacrosanct.
Some stars are more sensitive to criticism than others, with some feeling victim to things like eating disorders, divorces among others while many are able to withstand public scrutiny.
While there are others who try to develop a thick shell from criticism, they, at some other time in their career, find themselves vulnerable.
This is the time that they either go on the defensive, hiring publicists to defend them and do all the talking for them while they retire into the shadows to lick their wounds or watch as events unfold.
But there others who choose to go on the offensive, counter-attacking those who lob their verbal darts at them.
How often have some celebrities declared their open distaste of certain reporters and tabloids who have written something they deem unfair about their lives and careers?
Are celebrities sacred cows, who are not susceptible to criticism even when they are found wanting?
By being a celebrity, most of them tend to forget that they are just as human as everyone as they tend to have some unique behaviour in the spotlight trying to cause a stir, but does that help them to reach their stardom or they are just false pretences?
Reigning beauty queen Miss Zimbabwe 2011 Malaika Mushandu, who said at some point she faced criticism pertaining to her height, said one has to give a gift for self-analysis if they want the world to appreciate them.
This, she explained, was important in that it helped the person to appreciate one’s weaknesses as well as strengths and then rectify them.
“There are some people who just criticise for nothing, you should not be more concerned about what they say as ‘empty vessels make the most noise’. But first check on what made them to give that criticism,” she said.
The 18-year-old beauty queen said her height is her most prized possession.
“Imagine if we were all of the same height, how then where we to differentiate between Peter and John? Besides, my height has made me who I am today – the Miss Zimbabwe 2011,” explained Malaika.
Commenting on how she deals with criticism she says: “As of now I haven’t faced any but all I know is that silence is golden and just adapt to the situation, after all that is the life of a celebrity,” said the vivacious belle.
A local young fashion designer, Esther Dube of the Poyzen label, said criticism helps her to develop new strategies and enlightens one to do more.
“Living in the spotlight is not always a bed of roses, especially when you are being criticised on your every move. One thing you have to learn and understand is that you should take all the criticism and accept it. By this you start building up from your mistakes as sometimes those critics are there to help and make you stop,” she said. Dube added that critics in Zimbabwe are more conservative than in the international arena as they are more concerned about the culture.
“Culture is dynamic and people do talk for a reason. Sometimes criticism comes from different angles as it may also lead to your downfall but as a celebrity one should stand firm because you are in the people’s eye, whatever happens to you is news to them and they always have something to talk about or to comment,” explained Dube who has dressed different models across the country and is currently working on her fashion show project to come out soon.
Distinguished visual artist based at Avondale Shopping Centre, Hermit Muyambo, said that it depends were the critics are coming from.
“I listen well, try not to be emotional and try to fit in that person’s shoes and try to understand why I am being criticised,” he said.
Hermit, who is famous for his paintings that portray some prominent figures like Jacob Zuma, Thabo Mbeki and Pastor Emmanuel Makandiwa among others, said one should try to use sound judgment to their advantage.
“If it’s constructive criticism I try to correct myself. If I don’t see why I am being criticised I just ignore it and move on,” noted Hermit.
Popular talk-show host Rebecca Chisamba also shared the same sentiments that people talk for a reason.
She, however, said criticism depends with the character and where it is coming from.
“We are all human beings and we make mistakes. When dealing with criticism the best thing to do is to smile rather than being troubled, since some of the critics are there to pull you down,” she said.
Mai Chisamba said even Jesus faced criticism from all angles, so it is a matter of having facts to boost your life as a celebrity.
“It is a matter of truth, remember we hear a lot of stories being said but what do we do with them. Imagine you only hear few critics and you start to feel offended, even in the Bible we have stories of criticism on Jesus but he kept on striving for the best,” said Mai Chisamba. She further explained the different celebrity lifestyles stating that here at home it is more about passion compared to what happens in the West.
“The reason why we are more criticised is because we do things for passion so when we die people start to scrutinise everything, looking at the family and lifestyle but they forget that we are there to entertain them and we also have a life too,” she said.
United States teen sensation Miley Cyrus raised eyebrows with her music video, “Can’t be Tamed”, in which she clearly erases herself of her Hannah Montana and Disney image much to the dismay of many.
However, Miley, aged 18, couldn’t care less about what people have to say about her.
“I don’t really listen to criticism because if you don’t want to watch my video you can turn it off. Or if you don’t want to listen to my music you don’t have to,” she said. The singer added that she has never been one to really care about what people think because she is an artiste and that is the lifestyle she is living.
Recently a New Zealand minister hit out at critics of his, “dead possum” haircut, chastising bald-headed journalists for mocking his manicured mane.
In a light-hearted video blog posted on YouTube this week, Revenue Minister Peter Dunne said too much attention was paid to his bouffant hairstyle.
“What’s this thing about my hair? I’m getting a bit fed up with being described as having a dead possum on top and all sorts of other things like that. Some people who think it s untidy, it’s grey, it’s too brushing. The only thing that ever goes on this is a comb and a hairbrush,” he said waving a comb and a hairbrush.
“And I think it is really bald-headed men (behind the criticism).”
Dunne, who happens to be the leader of United Future Party, said appearing on one high-profile current affairs show was awkward because the interviewer constantly stared at his hair.
Taking a dig at another television host, he said: “I quite like your plastic hair too.”
British director Sam Taylor-Wood has been having a hard time dealing with criticism for her relationship with Aaron Johnson who is 24 years her junior. Taylor-Wood who was previously married to art dealer Jay Jopling said she was surprised by the public response.
“I am in love and blissfully content. Everyone who is involved is happy. Exactly which bit of that do I have to defend or apologise for?” she was quoted as saying.
She said she truly tried not to read any comments written about herself but just act as if nothing is happening.
Online Reporter