Geoff Dyers star theory

Geoff Dyer states that star identities are created in four modalities:

. The star is a real person
. The star plays roles for the public
. The star is a persona
. The star is an image

Rihanna is a prime example of Geoff Dyers star theory.

Pop star Rihanna or "RiRi"is known for her identity which isn't emphasized by her singing career. She was formally a pop performer , she had no greater identity past her own. Her record label Def. Jam Roc Nation transformed her into a pop star after album 'Good girl gone bad'; she had a celebrity boyfriend, became present in most magazines and attended premiers and famous parties. Making people recognize her not just for her music, but for her image.

Geoff Dyer insists that true pop stars have lasting significances if they make sufficient sociological or cultural impacts if not they will be forgotten by all but their most avid fans within a few years. Rihanna has a charity what has made impact to her image. The believe foundation outlined goals of aiding 10,000 people in need of bone marrow transplants, the foundation also wants to be recruited and have registered donors; with the help of Rihanna the foundation gts raised brand awareness. The foundation would leave a lasting effect in people after her fame making her a "true pop star".

Stars are made fundamentally to make money. The music institution then models the stars image around the target audience. Rihanna is modelled on what trends are being set, her character and personality are based on what the trends are.          

Dyers theory suggests that stars are made to make money and that purpose alone. Although the star starts as a 'real' human in institution they are transformed so they can provide an image of their time and culture. The audience can see how Rihanna went from being curvy to skinny as the trends have changed.

The audience tend to read them as not entirely fictional but as being very much part of their time and culture, the product of a particular generation. The star provides audiences with idea of what they are meant to be like.                              

The star is built soley for an audience, but not for the person. Rihanna was constructed by Def. Jam Roc Nation (record label) with hair-dos, fashions and other USP's to differ from others. For example, you can see how she has changed over time to be different from other artists.    

Hegemony

Hegemony in the star theory is that the audience can relate to the star as we admire or share their experiences. This develops into idolizations. Rihanna has a massive following in magazines, social networking sites and so on. So the audience can see her actions everywhere.

Some attempt to replicate what they like about the star, but this can be negative to the stars as they are seen as role models. Rihanna can be seen as role model to 13+ females, but as a 'bad girl'. She is a bad influence because she is spotted smoking drugs, abusing alcohol and taking nude photos as well as staying in a relationship with an alleged abusive boyfriend. As a role model the people idolizing her can start copying these actions.