Some of you guys who pose behind realism are really pessimistic imo. It's ironic how most people who share your opinion are in no position to be critiquing the dreams of others; the lot of them stuck in their "just to get by" jobs. Just because you don't think you have in you to be rich, famous, (i.e. whatever it is you measure the nadir of success by) etc, doesn't mean someone else shouldn't go after they want in life.
And in response to some members' criticism of actors, musicians and other artists who are usually at the forefront of fame's landscape, I can't help being offended. You guys are totally entitled to your opinions but as a person who considers himself an artist (specifically, an actor though I hate using the term) I must say you are wrong in your assessment of the work that is put in by artists.
I won't even discuss the topic of music since it's idiotic to think that being a musician for a living is easy, and when I say musician I am not talking about people like britney spears and jessica simpson. Although, their jobs are no way as easy as you would think.
But on to acting, acting can be hella hard! Real acting that is. You have to realize it's muchn more than just reading lines, it's everything from voice intonation straight down to the slightest mannerisms, all caried out in a natural way. It's not such an easy task to override all those little idiosyncrincies we hold as our own with those of a character allthogether alien to ourselves ,and make it convincing (unless you're someone like marlon Brando). Trust me.
Furthermore, 99.99 % percent of actors are treated like crap in their quest for success. That's the bottom line. With acting you can go to a great school like Yale, get a acting/theatric degree and come out and be dead broke for the next 30 years of your life (even if you are the best actor of your generation). Now tell me, how does that compare to going to business school/law school/medical school and having your chances of getting a job be pretty high within a few years of graduation. And this also holds true for someone who is of average proficiency in the aforementioned fields.
With something like acting, your are never guaranteed stability (even with the famous ones-why do you think celebrities always have to walk on eggshels concerning the press, how they present themselves, and the types of roles they choose?)-just as fast as you're on top , the same time it takes for you to be back scrounging on the bottom rung of the ladder.
Lastly, if you do become lucky enough to attain stardom in acting (this obviously also applies to successful musicians comedians, etc.), you give a substantial part of your life over to the media and the group that it caters to: the public. Whether you're constantly traveling around the globe promoting your latest project or just relaxing, you are always scrutinized by society. The gap between your personal life and professional life becomes virtually nonexistant. If you are someone like an investment banker or a doctor your affiliation with
your career is relegated to work time hours and then when you're not working you can be whoever you like -unless you choose to be identified by your job-, but then at least you have a choice. With being a famous entertainer, you don't have that choice because your image is determined by the public.
Now, you still think it sounds easy?
