Juan D.

Melo Cadena

ENGL-1301

Professor Lori Watts

17, October 2023

Causal-Analysis Essay on “Mirror, Mirror on the Web”

In a post-boomer generation where the “micro-celebrity” disease spreads

rapidly, it has now become more than essential to study the reasoning behind this

behavioral affection. The reality is, in fact, that post-modern society has found itself

living in the midst of “not being seen,” especially when the tools to do so are present

and accessible to everyone.

All the merit, honor, and effort that “achieving fame” required from humankind

to embrace them with recognition has been downgraded. Let us consider how this

valuable quality, “reserved for world leaders, pop icons, and high-profile CEOs”

(Chaudhry, pg.1), is now accessible to everyone who is “silly” enough to catch others'

attention. Moreover, fame has now become a necessity and a “commodity” (Chaudhry,

pg.3) more than an admirable recognition.

It is undeniable that the presence of digital platforms like YouTube, MySpace, or

Facebook, has allowed the disease to spread faster than ever. In fact, platforms like this

might be the disease’s biggest “sponsor.” Actually, all these not only feed the idea that

fame is closer to the one than it has ever been but, they also allow them to fulfill every

desire of “self-promotion” that individuals might have.

 However, humankind also partakes in this disease’s growth and spread.

Consider that tools mean nothing if there is no one who can make use of them. In this

sense, there is something about humankind needing to be fulfilled, that impulses and

promotes the creation of opportunities to become “recognized.” Hence, it is the

individual’s narcissism, the motive, and the cause behind this “self-implanted” disease.

Humankind has always desired to be “seen” and exalted. Consider the fact that

societies have always found a way to exalt those among “common” people that are

“greater” and influential; this might look like devoting their lives to follow one’s

thoughts and beliefs, impressing them in bills, statues, or painting, or even more,

creating special awards that may only be received is the “expectations” bar is fulfilled

(or surpassed). Individuals are on the lookout for recognition, whether it comes from

merit or stupidity, to fill the “acceptance” void that narcissism requires.

Furthermore, desperation is naturally expressed when others achieve “that”

(fame) that everyone desires. “I wanna be famous because I would love it more than

anything… Sometimes I’ll cry at night wishing and praying for a better life to be

famous… To be like the others someday too!” (Jo, as cited in, Chaudhry, pg. 3). See,

individuals are more than willing to “do anything” (or everything) in order to receive

the public attention and recognition that sprouts out of being “famous,” specially when

other like them got there already.

Nevertheless, it is also clever to address that the “spike in narcissism is linked to

an overall increase in individualism… fostered by a number of factors, including greater

geographical mobility, breakdown of traditional communities and, more important, ‘the

self-focus that blossomed in the 1970s…” In this sense, the natural narcissism, the one
that did not want to be lived out before, has found “comfiness” in the post-modern

society. Hence, individuals are more eager and bolder to do whatever it takes to be

“seen.”

In this sense, it is imperative to realize (in time) that society is now easy to fall

into its precarious desires for recognition, adoration, and worship of the self. It is true

that the items/tools/innovations for which post-modern society is recognized, have

allowed individuals to make their way to fame easily. But it is also true that, if not for

the narcissistic nature of humankind, these items/tools/innovations would only serve

for good, not to impulse stupidity. “Self-expression glides effortlessly into self-

promotion” (Chaudhry, pg.6), and impulses individuals to work only towards their very

self.

To conclude, it is important to realize and acknowledge that the response of

“rushing towards fame” and/or “digital democracy” is not surprising at all. When the

right elements are considered, like the easiness of presenting ourselves in this post-

modern society and an accepted narcissism, it is clever to say that society is responsible

has not only providing the ways for this disease to be spread but also to be accepted

and embraced. Now, as “micro-celebrity” continues to spread, is the right time to deny

the idea of self-recognition for we have predicted where narcissism and the

individualism that feeds it, are leading society; it is time for meritocracy to be brought

back.