Fame is a Dangerous Drug and Should be Kept out of Reach of Children

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“Never suffer youth to be an excuse for inadequacy, nor age and fame to be an excuse for indolence.” These are the words of Benjamin Haydon, a painter in the late 1700’s to the early 1800’s. Although his ideas could be rendered outdated, it is this quote that stands out even among today’s standards of ethical code and morality. Another quote that stands out is from the book entitled Growing Up On the Set, “fame is a dangerous drug and should be kept out of reach of children.” These words were spoken by former child actor, and current writer, Paul Peterson. His words are far from invalid. While fame can boost a child to the top, and makes them feel great, it is mere seconds before they fall into temptation.

Calling fame the root of all evil is too easy though, not everything is black and white, there must be a little grey, and there is. Not all children who grow up on the set or amongst other famous people turn out so badly. It isn't fair to stereotype all players to one game, especially when there have been plenty of examples to contradict that thought. These kids in the environment of the famous are just like you and I, they are people too, this means they depend on things that “regular” people depend on. Things that define our personalities also define those of the famous people we set apart as “abnormal”.

Parenthood is a huge factor in any child’s life, If you were to ask me, a parent decides who we are without either the child or the adult knowing it. The parent’s role also requires discipline, and this is where things get rough in parenting, as so I’ve been told. When the child is disciplined enough and in the right way, they are willing to pass this wisdom on to their children in the future. But when a child is discipl...

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Lipsky, Amy R. "Top 10 Child Stars Gone Bad." Celebrity and Entertainment News. The Celebrity Cafe, 28 June 2013. Web. 16 Feb. 2014.

Scott, Jerry, and Jim Borgman. "Zits." Chillax. New York, NY: HarperTeen, 2008. Print.

"Why Child Stars 'Go Crazy,' From the Perspective of Insider Mara Wilson | Watch the Video -

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Wilson, Mara. "7 Reasons Child Stars Go Crazy (An Insider's Perspective)." Cracked.com. Cracked, 28 May 2013. Web. 17 Feb. 2014.

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