The Game

[forfattare]

While, The Game, by Ken Dryden, speaks of many advantages in stardom it also highlights the prominent life long commitment that one must make to their image and the toll it can take. Dryden speaks of how he feels trapped and that he can never get away from "an image of [himself] that isn't quite real;" smiling, shaking hands, and autographs. Even after all the years that have passed the author acknowledges that he feels guilty, a "co-conspirator to a fraud." While many people are familiar with donning a mask,from time to time, to please their family and friends, to live one's life as a grand masquerade - I could not image the toll it takes on a person.

Comments

[cereaseb]

So true, I also cannot image being in the public eye; constantly having people judge not only your appearance, but your choices, your speech and your family.

[bodanna]

I've often felt that I have little to no sympathy for celebrities; that they choose to live that type of life. I would never take a sob story about being famous from a family like the Kardashians; though I find their show hilarious, what are they famous for anyhow? Ken Dryden was an NHL player though, he did not choose to be a celebrity, it just comes with the gig. He speaks of his education, do you think he is too smart to play the "image" game?

The Game

[cmedve]

Excellent point; being in the public eye and constantly scrutinized must be taxing. However, I feel that most celebrities are properly compensated: they are treated to a higher standard, they receive millions of dollars annually, and they, as least athletes, get to play a sport they love. Ultimately, celebrities are aware of what their careers entail and consciously accept this lifestyle.

Can't win

[teejay27]

Yes, being a celebrity must be taxing- I could not imagine the toll it would take on me either. I don't necessarily think Dryden or other athletes chose to be famous. I think for a lot of athletes they do something they love and then become recognized or it and then famous for it. Then, the money comes into the picture. Then the pros and cons of the situation. Soon, the celebrity is in an internal battle with all the factors combined.

Dryden is a little hypocritical ...

[auto_bot]

An interesting point has been touched upon here; as Dryden claims that he feels guilty about being "co-conspirator to fraud," he chooses on his own to be favored and be treated the way people like him expect to be treated. I find it a bit ironic as there are many celebrities who don't play into the public's hand, and keep to themselves without becoming overly glorified. Dryden doesn't need to sign autographs,and shake hands with anybody, he consciously makes the decision to create a more famous (celebrity like) appearance by feeding into this facade. I find it very funny how he talks about exposure in media/public relations and yet he was a politician, a sports entertainer, and to top it off, an author!

Re: Can't win

[agentk1990]

100% agree with this. At the end of the day, I don't think they would ask a genie to grant them a wish to be normal. They find ways to cope with these inner struggles, and accept reality for what it is, being rich and famous.

Re: Dryden is a little hypocritical ...

[agentk1990]

I think he's ahead of the game for this reason exactly. He know's its a game, and he drew a lucky hand! So I think he acknowledges that there are definately advantages and disadvantages to being a celebrity but overall, knows how to play the game, and knows how to play it well.