In a society that spends so much time online, it’s quite easy to fall into the trap of parasocial relationships. Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) actor Anthony Mackie recently talked about his experience with fans and the importance of setting boundaries during a Hollywood Reporter Roundtable discussion. His refusal to take photos with fans has sparked conversations online about our expectations from celebrities and content creators. Some villainized him for not being kind to his supporters, while others felt that his boundaries should be respected. The bigger question is, what price do artists have to pay for the sake of our entertainment?
Parasocial Attachment to Celebrities
There is often a sense of entitlement that the public feels when it comes to entertainers. This is usually rooted in the romanticization of how we perceive artists. We create an imaginary version of celebrities based on virtual interaction with their content. But this relationship is parasocial; it’s entirely one-sided, with the celebrity unaware of our existence. The projection of the persona we create in our heads is not grounded in reality because we do not know these entertainers on a personal level.
So when we encounter celebrities who do not match up to the persona we gave them, it is easy to become antagonistic. Fans are quick to vilify celebrities when the illusion of their assigned persona has been broken. Because of the idolization, we also separate celebrities from humanity, giving them god-like qualities. This results in their dehumanization, which is why we may feel entitled to their time, space, and energy.
There’s also a sense of validation that we desire from people we idolize, and if it’s not granted, our egos are bruised. This is why some fans responded to Anthony Mackie aggressively; why would he refuse a fan photo with a child when he portrays a superhero on TV?
Since we don’t view celebrities as human beings, their autonomy is essentially nonexistent. We lack boundaries with them, asserting they gave up their right to space by encountering fame. As Anthony Mackie mentions in the roundtable discussion, entertainers are viewed as objects and not artists.
Anthony Mackie also discusses the misuse of photos he used to take with fans as one of the reasons why he is uncomfortable with the request. This leads to a bigger conversation about the inappropriate use of celebrity photos, especially if taken without consent. The lack of permission before recording and posting celebrities is an indication that people lack boundaries with themselves. However, if photo consent is granted, then it is still your responsibility to not misrepresent someone’s character. Consent is rooted in a strong sense of boundaries; if you are unaware what that looks like, then it’s hard to apply it to celebrities.
Dismantling Parasocial Relationships
To avoid engaging in parasocial relationships, it’s important to learn what boundaries look like. Honoring boundaries for yourself will help you respect other people’s boundaries. Enforcing boundaries comes from a place of self-worth and acknowledging that you cannot please everyone. That means honoring your needs and pouring into yourself before pouring into others. Prioritizing yourself can often feel selfish, especially if you are new to the practice. Remembering that you belong to yourself by tapping into your autonomy is a helpful practice.
Divesting from celebrity worship is also beneficial to avoid engaging in parasocial relationships. You can respect and enjoy art without removing celebrities’ humanity in the process. Putting public figures on a higher pedestal than yourself is understandable due to the social power they possess. However, reclaiming your power by reinvesting that energy into yourself is transformative. Only you can decide how much power you give away.
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