Popularity is a basic desire of most people irrespective of
age, sex, race and background. But I sincerely think that the actual definition
is usually not put in focus by most people who crave for it. According to an
online source, popularity is the “state of being liked, enjoyed,
accepted, or done by a large number of people: the quality or state of being
popular.” But I define popularity as the state of being significantly relevant in
your territory and probably beyond.
Nevertheless, it should be understood that the way and manner
popularity is achieved is as important as popularity itself. Many people end up
discouraged and unfruitful in their quest to be popular because of wrong or
faulty methodology. Some may acquire it but for a negligible time frame, making
it as good as never having it at all. Remember that true popularity has its challenges
and thus, must be able to stand the test of time. The length of your reign or
tenure of popularity depends largely on how it came about in the first place.
Beyond being famous, popularity refers to your status or reputation. This is
the basis of my classification of popularity into two.
CLASSES OF POPULARITY
1. Acquired
popularity
2. Earned
popularity
ACQUIRED POPULARITY - This kind of reputation is built on
power (either official or delegated), material acquisition, wealth, position or
office/rank but unfortunately does not last. For instance, a wicked man could
become so popular by exuding his power for as long as he has the capacity to do
so. If money brought you respect, it will naturally disappear when the money is
no longer there. If your position/office/rank ushered you into the world of
popularity, by the time your tenure is over, your popularity would have expired
too. It is thus not the best route for achieving popularity.
EARNED POPULARITY – This is the recommended type of fame.
True popularity is earned not acquired. Respect or fame acquired either by
coercion, violence or enticement does not enjoy a lasting reign. Whatever you
earn, you can tame and retain. Popularity should be earned! The proper route to
popularity is a diligent and curious quest for relevance or significance. As
long as you remain relevant or significant to your world, you will continue to
earn and enjoy the respect it has to offer.
In conclusion, you position may win you some honour for the
period of your stay in office, but the value you add to life will sustain your
honour, respect and fame beyond the years you spend in an office. Do not beg
for respect, work for it; but the only way to achieving this is to maintain
your sense of relevance to your society. Keep affecting people’s lives and you
will keep blossoming in self-worth, public-worth and popularity. You are only
popular to the extent of the influence of your kind contributions to lives and
your environment. KEEP REIGNING!
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
(1) What is your personal definition of popularity?
(2) What do you want to be known for?
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