Star Image

Matthew Simpson

Summary of Dyer’s Theory• Dyer's Theory states that a star is a image, not a

real person, and it is constructed by a range of materials.

• These materials include newspapers, magazines, and even films etc.

• The idea that icons and celebrities constructed by institutions for financial gain, and target one specific audience/group of people.

• The persona of this star is a fictional identity thus making he star no restricted to musicianship, many ‘stars’ introduce new things that man bring fashion trends or a popular phrase to consumers.

Rihanna• Rihanna is a prime example of Richard Dyer’s

idea of a star.

Rihanna & The Star Image Theory• Pop star Rihanna is known for her identity which isn’t

bounded by he singing career. She was formally a pop performer, she had no greater identity past her own. She was transformed into a pop star wen record label Def. Jam Roc Nation transformed her into a pop star in her album ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’; this is because she had a celebrity boyfriend and became present in most magazines, attended premiers and famous parties. This relates to Richard Dyer’s theory because it made people recognise her not just for music but for her image. In the last 7 years she has formed a huge identity in the industry which shows that she is seen as a real star due to their longevity.

Maintaining Her Stardom• Richard Dyer insists hat true pop stars have lasting significances if they

make a sufficient sociological or cultural impacts.

• If not, then they will be forgotten by all but their most avid fans within a few years.

• Rihanna has a charity which has made an impact. The Believe foundation in which she founded in 2006, outlined goals of aiding 10,000 people in need of bone marrow transplants, the foundation also wants to recruit and register donors; and with the help of Rihanna, the foundation raise brand awareness.

• This foundation has left a lasting effect on people after she has become famous, thus making her a ‘true pop star’ according to Richard Dyer’s Theory.

Construction of A Star

• A star is built and constructed for an audience, not for the person.

• Rihanna was constructed by Def. Jam Roc Nation (Her record label with hair-dos, fashions and other appearance changes to make her differ from others.

• For example, these images show the many different hair styles she has had other the last few years.

Character & Personality

• Dyer's theory suggests that stars are made to make money and for no other purpose.

• Although the star is seen to start as a 'Real' human, the institution in which they are associated with transforms them so that they can provide an image of their time and culture.

• Audiences can see how Rihanna went from being curvy to skinny as the trends have changed over time.

• The star generally aims to provide the audiences with the idea of what they are meant to be like.

Hegemony (Cultural Beliefs)• Hegemony in the Dyer's theory states that we, as the audiences can relate to the

star as we admire or share their experiences.

• This develops into idolizations, Rihanna has a massive following in magazines and on social networking sites, this means that her audiences can generally her actions everywhere.

• Some attempt to replicate what they like about the star, but this can be negative to the stars as they are mostly seen as role models in the industry.

• Rihanna can be seen as a role model to young teenage females, but as a 'bad girl' she is a bad influence because she is spotted smoking weeks, abusing alcohol and taking explicit photos, as well as staying in a relationship with an alleged abusive boyfriend. As a role model, the people idolizing her can begin to imitate her actions which means she has a large impact on her followers in society.

Audience & Institutions

• Stars are made with a general plan of making money. The music institution then models the stars image around the specified target audience.

• In terms of Rihanna, she is modeled on what trends are being set, her persona's character and personality are based on what the trends are at the moment, she is always trying to target what is most popular in order to have the largest audience.