Today’s celebrity subculture exalts those who are deemed god-like importance based off of inconsequential qualities such as their symmetrical bone structure, or the fact that they can act fairly well in front of a camera. These individuals are praised and held at a higher level of noteworthiness than just the “average” human being. I unconsciously used to believe this too, until the day I saw Justin Bieber in concert.
The night my big sister and I rushed into the Los Angeles Staples Center, along with thousands of other screaming fans, was one of the best nights of my nineteen years of life. Those high pitched vocals and dreamy brown locks hooked me in 2009, and I’ve been a Belieber ever since. Through the good days (like "My World," and "Believe") and through the bad days ("Journals"), I have stood firmly by Justin’s side. Not because I have this crazy dream that I am going to marry him, or because he looks so good in his “My Calvin’s” campaign — okay, that may be a little part of it, but I have stayed by his side all these years because I believe in redemption.
Justin Bieber will always be “Justin Bieber.” Having a normal life is not an option; he will forever be trapped under the spotlight until the day he dies, and even then, he will still continue to be a household name. The life of a celebrity can be a blessing. Not many people can travel the world doing what they love as their job. But fame isn’t all what it is made out to be. It comes with pressure and judgement from millions of people, tainted relationships, and a lack of realness. Yes, Justin has made mistakes. But we all make stupid decisions, and don’t always do the right thing. His mistakes are just smeared all over social media seconds after they happen, unlike our own. No one is perfect, but everyone is redeemable. I have always believed that, and the Purpose tour last night in Los Angeles reminded me of that, but also of something else.
While Justin was being propelled down on stage, caged in a glass box for everyone to scrutinize from every angle possible, I realized that as a fellow sinner and Christian I have unfairly placed him on a pedal stool that is impossible for anyone, even him, to live up to. Finally the lyrics to “I’ll Show You” proved themselves to be true, and while I watched him struggle on stage I realized that he is no different than both you or me. I did expect him to be perfect, and I neglected to realize that he is hurting. If his lyrics weren’t convincing enough to his audience, halfway through the concert Justin made a comment about always having to put on a fake smile for his fans, because we have no clue what happened before the show or what he is going through.
Our society often forgets that celebrities are human; we are quick to condemn and have a knack for refusing mercy to others. Of this, I am continuously guilty. After receiving grace upon grace for my own sins, I struggle in showing forgiveness towards others, even celebrities I don’t know. We should be showing kindness instead of judgement, and love instead of discrimination. And we should continue believing in redemption for the lost and broken, because we have been given it time and time again.
