The Greek philosopher Plato once referred to fame as "the perfume of heroic deeds." Fame and the notoriety that invariably seems to accompany it have today become closely linked to sexuality. Recognized, i.e. famous, individuals of both sexes tend to underline one or more of the habits that society equates with the sexual appeal of a famous man or woman. In that way fame has the ability to influence more than one individual's sexuality.
Sensationalism, as provided by T.V. and movies, tends to magnify the effects of fame. Someone who has gained even the slightest recognition might through media exposure acquire a form of renown. In other words, such a person might find his or her nose sniffing the "perfume" of fame. Both sensationalism and fame then have the potential to affect a person's sexuality.
Ideas about sexuality can lead to the creation of sexual stereotypes. Fame has a tendency to further promote such stereotypes by equating desirable masculine or feminine traits with certain sexual behaviors. Over time society comes to look favorably on the sexuality exhibited by those who have become famous.
When individuals equate desirable masculine of feminine traits with the path to fame then they step into the realm of sexual stereotyping. This position is not a healthy place for either an individual or a society. Individuals can avoid falling into the trap of sexual stereotyping by analyzing the attributes that most attract them to members of the opposite sex. Those same individuals should then study carefully what attributes are most admirable in same sex friends.
If one manages to overcome the tendency for fame and its influences to cause sexual stereotyping, there still remains one further problem that can result from society's focus on repeated notoriety and acclaim. This problem usually becomes most clearly evident when a person who has received widespread fame demonstrates a behavior that can be harmful to the performance of sex.
If for example a person of great fame has been known to abuse the use of alcohol or to experiment with risky drugs such as cocaine and barbiturates, then fans of that famous person may also choose lifestyle changes that could incorporate such poor behavior patterns. Unfortunately both alcohol and drugs can affect a person's sexual performance.
Alcohol and drugs have a tendency to impede a person's sexual performance. Sexual performance, or lack of good sexual performance, can in turn affect sexuality. That then explains just how fame can have the ability to influence the feelings of sexuality among the fans of those who enjoy the "perfume" of fame.
These influences on sexuality should not be swept aside. They must not be overlooked or ignored. Sexuality determines the actions of others. It influences how one individual will react to another individual. Sexuality ultimately determines how each member of society looks at both his and her potential and at the potential of the others in the society.