Kobe Bryant ’s Death: Why We Mourn Celebrities So Deeply

In light of Kobe Bryant’s tragic and untimely passing on January 26, the question of why we grieve so deeply when a celebrity dies is intriguing. We learn about deaths nearly every day from all corners of the world often straight from devices already in our hands. But when a well-known figure passes away, especially so unexpectedly, we can be profoundly affected. Why? Are we in fact a country obsessed with death, especially celebrity death, as America’s oft-cited reputation suggests? If so, are we fascinated with death for sensationalistic reasons at the expense of others? Or does celebrity death captivate us for deeper, more personal reasons? Whatever the reason, here is what we do know. History shows that we are all capable of forming significant psychological attachments to individuals we have never met, including celebrities, rock stars, actors, athletes, and politicians. Many people consider their favorite celebrities as intimate extensions of their family and friends circle. We know where they shop, where they dine, where they take vacations, sometime even where they live. Social media outlets give us such detailed and frequent contact with celebrities that we feel we know them personally. Therefore, when a celebrity dies, the loss is often personal because the person has been a part of our everyday lives. Our connections to them are so entwined with our developmental and cultural history that when they pass, a little part of us dies with them.  Celebrities are rep...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Celebrities Grief and Loss Compassion Cultural Identity Empathy grieving Kobe Bryant Source Type: blogs