This book offers a critical look at celebrity and celebrities throughout history, emphasizing the development of celebrity as a concept, its relevance to individuals, and the role of the public and celebrities in popular culture. Tabloid magazines, television shows, and Internet sites inundate us with daily updates about movie stars, musicians, athletes, and even those who have achieved celebrity status simply for being rich and extravagant. Disturbingly, it appears that the harder our celebrities fall, the more fascinating they are to us. As popular culture becomes more influential, it is important to understand both the positive and negative aspects of celebrity. This volume traces the development of the concept of celebrity, discusses some of the problems facing both celebrities and their followers, and points to future trends and developments in our cultural understanding of celebrity. The author's treatment is unflinchingly honest, revealing the importance of the public's role in celebrities' lives and establishing firm criteria for determining who is a celebrity-and who is not. Data and documents highlight the depth of the public's involvement with celebrities, including attendance at celebrity performances, online celebrity connections, tables about salaries, and letters to celebrities Presents a chronological view of the phenomenon of celebrity in the United States, the expansion of which parallels the development of media in America The bibliography provides information for additional reading and research as well as information relating to citations in the text A glossary defines terms important to a full understanding of celebrity, for example, "Jung's collective unconscious"

The second edition of Communication Research Methods in Postmodern Culture continues to explore research from a postmodern perspective. Typical qualitative and quantitative research methods are adjusted to fit the needs of contemporary culture. Each chapter is updated with new information and fresh examples. Included in the second edition is a new chapter on Internet and social media research. The author uses straightforward and easy-to-understand language. Both individual and group projects are among the suggested activities. This book is important for the study of communication in a changing political, social, economic, and technological environment.

The second edition of Communication Research Methods in Postmodern Culture continues to explore research from a postmodern perspective. Typical qualitative and quantitative research methods are adjusted to fit the needs of contemporary culture. Each chapter is updated with new information and fresh examples. Included in the second edition is a new chapter on Internet and social media research. The author uses straightforward and easy-to-understand language. Both individual and group projects are among the suggested activities. This book is important for the study of communication in a changing political, social, economic, and technological environment.