Intro

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This week's hive learners prompt discussion is one that I've occasionally had with friends that come to chill at my dorm or frequent chit chats with acquaintances. I am not really a proponent of fame, I love my private life. There's this public opinion everyone seems to have of you when you're famous which I do not appreciate. I prefer to win silently, fail silently and make my mistakes silently without the whole world bashing me for simply being human.

The Price of Being Known

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When you're famous, privacy becomes luxury. Everyone suddenly has an opinion about how you should live your life. They watch what you post on social media, what you eat, who you talk to, and even how you breathe. Fame might bring money and opportunities, but it also screams "No more privacy for you".

When you make one wrong move, a sensitive tweet or one emotional outburst, you reputation will crumble immediately. People forget you are still figuring life out, just like everyone else.

Success ≠ Fame

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That's why I always tell my friends, "I don't mind being successful, but not necessarily famous." There's a huge difference between the two. Success gives you freedom and fulfillment and flexibility, but fame on the other hand could drain you emotionally, keeps you constantly woke trying to compose yourself and it can take away that freedom, fulfillment and flexibility you worked hard to achieve.

Justin Bieber is a case study. This young boy rose to fame exponentially and at some point, he became a victim of cyberbullying and false stories. He was emotionally depressed and later in adulthood, he vented through a song released in 2021 titled "Lonely".

Even in Nigeria, we see how fame can be both a blessing and a curse. Some celebrities enjoy love, admiration, and influence. But others are constantly being bulled, pressured to marry, pressured to have children and the most amusing of all is how people still bring their opinions on how celebrities should spend their money. The internet can lift you up today and then bring you down tomorrow.

If I were Famous

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Personally, I feel fame might even limit me from being real. I love being myself, dancing awkwardly when my favorite song comes up, walking to class in slippers (my unilag classmates know me 😅), or going to Yaba market without being stared at.

I want to still be able to get angry at anyone that annoys with without getting backlash from the public based on sentiment. Fame takes away that normal life.I have made mistakes publicly and there's this joy knowing nobody cares about recording me or laughing at me. I feel free.

Would fame be good for me and my family?

Honestly, I don't think so. My mum would probably enjoy it for a week, but after seeing how our names trend for something small, she'd start saying,

> "Olamide, won tun ti gbe wa sori soso media, iru wahala wo leleyi" 😂 > > Translation: "Olamide, they have put us on social media again o, what kind of trouble is this"

Conclusion

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Let's be real, fame isn't entirely bad and it gives a platform to impact lives and open doors money can't buy.
If I ever became famous by accident, I'd handle it quietly. I'd focus on using that visibility positively, not letting it define me.

Because at the end of the day, fame fades, but your character sticks with you.

So, if I became famous today, I wouldn't chase to keep the fame. I'd rather protect my peace.

Thank You for Reading ♥♥💌💕🤝🏼🧂💯🧙🏼‍♂️

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