Everyone's 15 minutes

Andy Warhol was a prescient man in at least one sense. When he said, in the 1960s, "In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes," he obviously wasn't referring to blogs, MySpace, Facebook, or YouTube. None of those words even existed at the time. But he certainly had an inkling of what communication technology, human pride and the cult of fame would bring.

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a college basketball game. When a player accomplished something noteworthy on the court, his image was beamed 10 feet tall on the overhead video board. Notice I said "video" board. It's not just a still image of the player looking tough, mean or formidable. No, instead of intimidation, now the player's goal is to do something funny, clever or just goofy during his short video performance. Spinning a basketball, winking, pointing, flashing gang signs, dancing ... all very entertaining.

My point is that every player displayed on the video board knew how to perform, knew exactly the type of persona he wanted to create for the fans. Everyone under 25 years old in America in 2008 knows how to preen, pose and peak others' interest. They are creating their persona, their brand, their public identity. When the camera is on, they know what to do. It's go time.

I'm reminded of these things as I write my first blog. Does anyone care what I have to say? Maybe. Does that deter me? No. I can blog, and so I do blog. And, therefore, in early 21st century America, at least ... I am.