Groupie Phenomenon
On the whole, the groupie phenomenon is a form of idolization or worshipping another person. In itself, this behavior is rather dangerous because it leads to dependence or even bondage on someone else. This fanaticism is very widespread among adolescents because their personality is not fully shaped and they desperately need to follow some role models, for instance, celebrities (Wolman, 68). Sometimes this extreme dedication often invokes a sexual desire for the idol. It seems that this social aberration must be discouraged by parents and educators. The first reason is that a groupie (either female or male) becomes practically unable to think independently. He or she dismisses everything that contradicts his or her icon. Moreover, the inability to gain the love of popular stars can drive them to severe depression or even suicide. This is why family and teachers should do their utmost to stop this pointless pursuit of a chimerical dream. Secondly, in terms of law groupies intrude into the privacy of other people. Many musicians or movie stars try to avoid them because these fans only deprive them of the possibility to work or to stay close with family and friends.
It is rather difficult to say whether this behavior is peculiar to both sexes or not. In the vast majority of cases, teenage girls are most likely to act in this way. For many of them, it is a form of self-expression. In this way, they try to emphasize the fact that they have grown up. In their opinion, the attachment to an adult man is the symbol of womanhood, prestige, belonging to society, and so forth (Dicker & Piepmeier, 280). It is hardly possible to draw a distinct line between idolization of people and a pursuit of them. The problem is that they may be equally harmful. Naturally, there are individuals whom we may admire for their talent or beauty but they must never become the major drivers of our lives.
Frank Zappa: Composer & Social Critic
As a musician, composer, and critic Frank Zappa supported the creativity of the most marginalized people in American society (Miles, 105). He believed that art must never be divided into two groups: appropriate or impropriate (Miles, 309). According to him, underground culture has the potential to win peoples recognition. His firm conviction was that creative and artistic qualities could be found practically in every person but one had to discover and appreciate them. This argument can be substantiated by many examples: at the beginning of the twenty-first century such genre as jazz was also marginalized, and the community looked at it with disdain. But nowadays, it is an inseparable part of popular culture. Moreover, psychologists and educators say that virtually every person has a spark of genius in oneself. But people cannot find its expression and application. This is why Frank Zappa was always open to new experiences and never rejected alternative approaches to art.
In fact, practically every area of human activities requires creativity: it is not limited only to arts. For instance, teaching comprises both scientific and artistic aspects. Management also requires creative decisions and innovation. Every person, who wants to achieve success in his profession, must be inventive and imaginative.
Zappas contribution is now recognized throughout the world but we should also point out that many musicians are very grateful for him, because his ideas and compositions inspired them and helped them to move from underground to mainstream culture. They are mostly representatives of such musical styles as heavy metal, alternative rock, punk, rap, rhythm, and blues, etc (Miles, 121). This evidence proves that any form of art should not be discouraged or dismissed as primitive.
References
Dicker R. C. Piepmeier A. “Catching a wave: reclaiming feminism for the 21st century” UPNE, 2003.
Miles B. “Zappa: A Biography” Atlantic Books, 2004.
Wolman B. B. “Adolescence: biological and psychosocial perspectives” Greenwood Publishing Group, 1998.