Tis a Mystery

[maggiebee]

Why is it that you can say "I don't like him/her" without even having met or spoken to them? I was listening to the radio this morning and Chris Evans had Jools Holland on with him. Without thinking I said "I can't stand him". Now I've never met the man so why would that be my reaction? Judgemental or what?

[andy-hughes]

commoner - 'little'? He's 6'2"!!!

[andy-hughes]

We are pre-programmed to sum people up quickly, within the first few seconds of sight or hearing. It's part of our primeval protection which still works, albeit subconciously.

This applies particularly when we see people in the media, which enables us to gain an impression of them which is false, because it is based entirely on a unreal ineraction with someone who is usually presenting a public persona.

This we can develop a severe and sustained dislike of someone famous based entirely on what we believe a person to be like, which is often and usually a very long way away from what they are like.

Jeremy Beadle, one of the most disliked men on TV was universally accepted by his peers as a wonderful professional, and thoroughly nice guy.

Victoria Beckham is entirely aware of her public persona, and was once quoted as saying that if that was what she was really like, even she would dislike herself!

Part of being an established media personality is being aware that people will take against you for absoultey no reason what ever, based on their own hostile perception.

I interviewd Gary Numan at length, and he confessed utter bafflement at the way complete strangers would approach him the street to advise him in a loud voice that they thougt his music was rubbish, and he was a part of female anatomy.

Such is the price of fame, and our 'celebrity culture' - but we should all be aware of taking someone's media image of being a relfection of their true selves - although of course i am prepared to believe that Frankie Boyle really is a souless nasty man with a swinging brick for a heart.

IKidding!)

[emmie]

I like Jools Holland, on TV or seeing him in concert, but i cannot abide Chris Evans, he may be a nice guy in real life, but on TV and the radio he is a prat

[Postdog]

two words - ricky gervais.

[commoner]

andy ..he'd still be a little twit in my eyes if he was 7' 2"....;-)

[emmie]

postdog, don't mention that name, ugh...

[cathfromsaron]

jules had that affect on me this morning too ...

[mccfluff]

i avoid russell crowe films because i think the man is a Salads Chef

[Flyhalf]

Mrs J commented that she didn't like Jools, but that as he came across as thoroughly nice on Chris Evans's show, she was revising her opinion.

[emmie]

aw don't, i love Russell Crowe, absolutely adorable in Gladiator... x