What do you want to be when you grow up?

Got Fame?
From movmnt’s Editor – Fall 07

Whenever I pondered that question as a youngster, I always had a clear vision of what I wanted to do: to make a contribution to the media world. At a very early age I knew my passion for communication would remain a constant in my life. Journalism knocked at my door when I was eleven and never really left.

During my recent travels around the country, I asked quite a few teens what they want to be when they grow up. The frequency of the word famous was startling. What happened to wanting to be an actor, or an astronaut, or a fireman? Yesterday’s kids dreamed of becoming heroes. Today they just want to be famous.

I always wanted to be on TV but only in pursuit of my work. Fame, however, has become accessible to anyone, from anywhere, and, unfortunately, for anything. Even worse: sometimes for nothing. Our culture’s obsession with famous people has mutated into an obsession with fame itself.

Today’s overexposed mediocrities have finessed an odd combination of exhibitionism and vulnerability into a career. We yearn for a movement where talent and dedication take precedence over a thirst for stardom.

To be as respected as Rolling Stone, or as recognized as Time, are the results of great achievement. But like fame, they are not goals in and of themselves.

Pop culture is part of our heritage. The challenge is to raise the stakes and add to its legacy instead of recycling it. movmnt aspires to bridge the gap between pop culture and today’s real talent, and recognize artists over fame junkies. We aim to bring fashion, dance, and pop culture together as a lifestyle.

David Benaym

Published in movmnt magazine “Got Fame” – Fall 2007 issue