Our culture is one that is enamored with all things celebrity. The glitz and glamor of the stars who appear on the big screen or on stages or catwalks or in sports arenas is intoxicating for many. Whether it is the idea of someone rising from nothing to gain what society tells us is everything, or it is more about the simple idea of living in excess, the masses love their celeb news and gossip.

The way we view celebrities and success

While there is much to be admired about those who succeed in the industries that give them pedestals to stand upon, there should be an effort made to balance that idolization to something more productive. It is good to have role models to look up to, be inspired by, admire, or aspire to be like. But a line is crossed when people view those individuals as a completely different class, to be treated differently to the point that some rules apparently do not apply to them.

And on the other end of the spectrum, you have well intentioned celebrities providing a positive example, and are given little to no privacy because of the demands of the public to know everything about them. People are people, and when we start to classify others, worshipping or condemning those we have not met, just because they’re in the spotlight, we start to fail as a society and as a species. Celeb news can be a fun source of entertainment, but there must be a balance for the sake of our humanity and decency.

Black celebrity news today in entertainment

It is no question that there is a racial divide in this country. Until every single person feels safe and is given equal rights as the next person, regardless of race, gender, or creed, we have a lot of work to do. For this reason, the right black celebrity news can be a major uplifting element for those looking for a role model who they can identify with. At about 15% of the country’s population, over 45 million people in the United States are African American. Seeing diversity in Hollywood, in major sport leagues, and in the music industry can make a positive difference in many people’s lives.

BET, or Black Entertainment Television, is one of the main sources of black celebrity news. In 2010, BET was the leader in African American culture and entertainment, as it was being watched in over 90 million homes around the globe. From Tyra Banks and Will Smith breaking records and barriers, to Oprah Winfrey overcoming incredible odds to attain the heights she has, the continued focus on positive African American role models can play a part in bringing this country together for the good of all.