BEYOND TOPIC

Famous: 1. Well or widely known 2. First rate; excellent. Syns- noted.

Fame: Great reputation and recognition; renown.


The more I thought about this subject the less clear I became. I needed to define famous for myself. I expected it to be something really grand, but it wasn't. In fact I found it to be quite simple; Well known, great reputation. That could be just about anyone. Right here at Butte College you could be famous. In fact in our classroom we have someone who fits that description. Have you ever walked the walkways with Erlinda between classes? It's like being in a parade. People wave and talk to her left and right. Teachers and students alike. So she fits the definition of famous.
Then there is Famous Amos. He calls himself famous. Do we really know Amos? Most of us know his cookies. I guess that would fall under the definition of; First rate, excellent. One of my favorite singers Van Morrison was well known for his wonderful music. He himself was pretty much a mystery. Staying very Private and out of the spot light. His fans nor the media knew much about him. So was he famous or just his music? Would I know him if I saw him? No, But I'd know him if I heard him. I would enjoy very much if he came by for dinner and sang a song.He wouldn't have to talk at all.
The definition of famous to me is so vast. How could I possibly narrow it down to just three people. If I knew my history better I'm sure I could find hundreds of characters I'd love to meet. There are people like Shakespeare or Sigmund Freud. I'd like to meet because I'm in such ah of them or at least the work they have done. Of course I would probably embarrass myself trying to converse with them. On the other hand I would probably have a few questions for Hillary Clinton. You can't get much more famous then being the First Lady. I'm amazed that a woman could have such strength as to survive such a public humiliation as she did. She just proved famous or not she's only human and this to shall pass. Look at her now!
As far as famous people like actors and actresses or big time musicians. I don't have much interest. I think they are why famous became too big for its britches. They have taken ( because the public has let them ) well known and made it excessive. Some of these people have allowed fame to let them live like royalty. So truthfully I don't want to know how big their mansions are or how much they spent on there car(s). I would like to know what good there doing with their riches, if any. If you look up the word famous in the dictionary the two words above it are famish and famine. Thats almost ironic. I know I'm generalizing quite abit. There are exceptions among all groups. Many of these people do great things don't get me wrong. But it has become such a circus who can tell anymore?
So by chance you were lucky enough to have people come to dinner. That you so famously admired. Then it really wouldn't matter if the menu consisted of green eggs and ham now would it?!