What makes a superstar?
I have been following 绝对Superstar on channel U with mild interest until quite recently. I really want to drop a note before the final showdown between Wei Lian and Kelly. I am surprised by the outcome of the contest. Surprised, pleasantly surprised. Perhaps it is because, I see the possibility of a whole new defintion of what constitutes a superstar. The contest opened this door. I think the contest raised several questions: must a superstar have good looks, great dance moves? Are these the qualities that make them larger than life or is it something else?
The fact that Wei lian did not have all these attributes doesn't mean he doesn't have star qualities. To those people who saw these in him and voted for him. Bravo! I see it too. His courage perhaps? His confidence perhaps? His sincerity perhaps? His spirit to try perhaps? That makes him larger than life. This goes beyond a question of sympathy votes. This is an issue of what makes a star? I am convinced that when it comes to star-quality, we always turn towards seemingly unattainable perfection (looks, personality etc..) What "绝对Superstar" has shown is that these qualities can manifest in ways beyond the surface.
To people who have been angry with the results, I say bravo to you too. The thing when it comes to stars is that we don't always agree. But that is all too normal. And the fact that people are not afraid to voice it out regardless of the fact that Wei Lian is physically disadvantaged says alot. It says that people sees Wei Lian as a legitimate competitor. He is not here because of sympathy, because if he is the reaction would not have been so great. He is here because he is a competitor. and he is treated rightly as one by fans of his opponents.
I refuse to see the outcome of the competition as a miracle. As if this could not happen in reality. It is not a miracle. It isn't amazing. It is rightly the way we should look at people with disabilities. That weakness and strength is not defined merely our physicalities. That there is a common ground upon which we can compete. Why keep the stages seperate? We share the same stage, that's the beauty of competition.
There
Ya man, Wei Jian won. I heard him sang a little. He was not extraordinary good, he not made me turn my head up from my dinner, he did not stop me from chewing, his voice was just so ordinary. But I guessed when I watched him fiddle with his ear sets, I realised that all he had relied on was his all so much need hearing aid. Not only he could not see, he cant listen well too. His voice was his only connection to us.
I am quite glad when I saw the audience cheered for him and crying when he won. Even my mother teared. (haha). Perhaps, I am too used to seeing people in need, I just felt that he was confident, brave and nothing much to go ga-ga or teary about. However, I am touched when I saw his supporters crying and judges holding back their tears. Somehow, I felt humanity still has its soft spot even in times when only the best matters.
As Wei Jian won, reality stepped back. People hurrayed not for a new mark reached, but rejoicing at the beauty of imperfection courageously fought. Cries heard not for a much sought after vicory but celebrating with the less fortunate, loving all that they has yet to have. Applause not in awe, but in comfort and compassion that flaws were overlooked and seen as a daring feat to dream and strive beyond what is real. It was a hearty celebration that booast the minority, the less blessed, the not-of-norm, the short-of-perfection. It is a recognition that puts that on par with us, makes them equal status and leaves much encouragement to strive and dream unhindered and limitlessly.
Though someone out there may choose to spend charity money on golden taps and shamelessly receive 12mth bonus, Singapore is still a warm and humane place to live in after all.
Yeah! I agree! I was touched too!!! I love that you wrote this!