It looks like the clock is winding down on the final seconds of fame for the Heene family. Reading today's news I learned that the Balloon Boy's parents have pleaded guilty to charges associated with their now-infamous hoax. One thing is for sure, Richard Heene sure knew what he was doing in creating a media spectical. I watched, riveted and terrified (and obviously fooled) as his jiffy-pop creation sailed his quirky brood into instant media stardom. Just what he wanted, and then, not. A short 48 hours and some lying-induced vomiting later, and it was over. No reality show to speak of, although the stunt did inspire some pseudo-creative yet still hilarious productions...so not a total loss.We do some crazy things for fame; and because of our fascination with celebrity, we are pretty generous in granting it to those willing to put themselves out there. Reality TV has given us the power to make stars out of nobodies with our viewing and our votes. Doubt me?
So I wonder, is it worth it? After the public interest has waned in kooky haircuts and 22-year-old girlfriends, do our insta-celebs look back with regret? There is nary a happily married bachelor to speak of, yet plenty of embarrassed and heart-broken bachelorettes following each and every most dramatic rose ceremony ever. The original Survivor, Richard Hatch, is serving time for tax evasion and may soon have reality alum Adam from Big Brother as a cellmate. Disappointment is the odds-on favorite when it comes to taking a shot at reality stardom.
But I get it - we all chase our own star, right? I do. A few actually, some even with a reality-bent (although not with the special kind of crazy that drives Richard Heene). I may never be the female Ken Jennings or wow the world with my samba rolls, but it's the trying that keeps me going. Reaching, improving, growing, trying to achieve something. And when we fail, we focus on moving forward.
And sometimes, the universe just decides when it's time for your 15 minutes....
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