Richard Dyer’s Star Theory

Examples

RihannaAudience and InstitutionsRihanna is a prime example of Richard Dyer’s idea of a star and she fulfils all of the elements. She is known for her identity, which is necessarily created by her singing career. Her record label transformed her into a Pop star after her album ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ was released, she had a celebrity boyfriend, and is present in most forms of media, such as magazines, on TV, on the radio. She also attends premiers and famous parties, were she will gain more publicity as a result of getting recognized. People recognize her not just for her music, but also for her reputation as a person. Dyer suggests that stars have lasting impacts of the audience, therefore they will not be forgotten. Rihanna has a charity which aids 10,000 people in need of bone marrow transplants, with the help of Rihanna the brand gains awareness, as she is titled a ‘star’. As this brand will have a lasting effect on people, she is said to be a ‘true pop star’. She also models trends that are being set, relating to the audience.

Character and PersonalityThe audience can see how Rihanna went from being skinny to curvy as the trends have changed. She provides the audience with an idea of what they are meant to be like, or what society says they should be like.

ConstructionA star is built solely for an audience, not for the person. Rihanna was constructed by her record label. For example, when Rihanna went through a phase of dying her hair red, society followed her actions. Her fashion and hair do’s all accumulate to the construction of a star.

HegemonyRihanna has a massive following in magazines, newspapers and social networking sites, therefore the audience can see her actions everywhere. Some attempt to replicate aspects of the star which they like, but this can be negative as stars are sometimes seen as bad role models. For example, Rihanna can be seen as a role model to girls aged 13 or over, in particular, but can be seen as a bad role model as she is seen smoking drugs, abusing alcohol, taking nude photographs and staying in a relationship with a abusive and criminal boyfriend. As a role model, people are likely to idealise her by copying her actions.

CherylAudience and InstitutionsCheryl has had a past career of being in Girls Aloud and then continuing to follow a solo career. Her record label built her up as a member of a girl group, then she got signed as a solo artist. Her career also stretches to TV advertisements, the X Factor, movie premiers, and social events. She is also supportive of lots of charities, conveying her as a good role model.

Character and PersonalityCheryl has always been skinny and stylish, setting an example for the audience. She has changed her style as time has progressed, showing that there are different sides to her character and personality. She is seen as a respected and successful star. She has grown up in this career, therefore she has developed an extremely wide fan base, girls in particular admire her and her attitude. She is a singer, but is disregarded as a singer in many aspects, as she is more known for other jobs and moments in her life.

ConstructionShe has been constructed by her record label. She has worn signature outfits, for example on her ‘Fight for this love’ video, she was the military outfit, which is still recognised by the audience today. She is also recognised from other aspects such as her tattoo, and her Geordie accent. People respect her as she is conveyed and ‘down to earth’. She has been constructed, as she now know what to wear to be in style, what hairstyle is on trend (she also takes part in the Tresemme hair adverts) and how to behave.

HegemonyShe is respected for having been through tough times, for example getting a deadly disease, getting cheated on by a footballer and getting a divorce, getting re-married. She is rarely seen smoking, drinking, taking naked photographs…etc, such as artists like Rihanna. Therefore she could be seen as a good role model, as mainly she keeps her life very private. She can be seen as a role model to girls in particular, as they wish to be like her.