I don't want to see people decorating a house or digging a

Host: The room feels playful, with a hint of irony hanging in the air, as if the conversation is about to touch on the nature of entertainment, fame, and what truly deserves recognition. The soft glow of evening light fills the space, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Outside, the world continues at its usual pace, but inside, there’s a sense of curiosity about what makes someone truly deserving of fame or accolades. Jeeny sits at the table, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup, her expression thoughtful. Jack stands near the window, arms crossed, watching the street below.

Jeeny: (her voice gentle, yet filled with curiosity) “You ever think about how recognition and fame are sometimes given to people for reasons that don’t really seem to match up with their talents? How, sometimes, the awards or attention go to people who don’t fit the traditional mold of what it means to be an entertainer?”

Jack: (glancing over at her, his voice dry, but intrigued) “Recognition for the wrong reasons? Yeah, it’s interesting how fame and accolades can be given to people who might not necessarily do what we typically associate with being entertaining or deserving of an award. What made you think about it?”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, a small smile forming as she shares her thought) “I was thinking about something Ian St. John said: ‘I don’t want to see people decorating a house or digging a garden. As for guys like Jonathan Ross, he got an award there last Christmas. What for? He doesn’t sing, dance or tell jokes, does he?’ It made me reflect on how we sometimes confuse fame or recognition with actual talent or contribution.”

Jack: (pauses, considering her words carefully) “So, he’s saying that the kind of recognition given to people like Jonathan Ross doesn’t make sense if they’re not performing in ways we traditionally associate with entertainment, like singing, dancing, or telling jokes? That people might get awards just for being famous, not for actually adding value through talent or skill?”

Jeeny: (smiling more deeply now, her eyes steady as she explains further) “Exactly. St. John’s point is that we often give recognition to people who don’t necessarily fit the traditional idea of what an entertainer is. It’s not about whether they’ve earned it through specific talents—it’s about the fame or visibility they’ve gained. It makes us question what truly deserves recognition and whether it’s based on genuine skill or just popularity.”

Host: Jeeny’s words seem to linger in the room, creating a subtle shift in the conversation about fame, recognition, and the nature of entertainment. Jack stands still, his expression softening as he processes the deeper message behind St. John’s statement. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, the conversation feels rooted in a more profound understanding of the value of recognition.

Jack: (his voice quieter now, almost reflective) “I see what he means. It’s not necessarily that people like Jonathan Ross don’t deserve recognition, but sometimes we give awards based on who’s popular or in the spotlight, not necessarily based on talent or contribution. It makes you think about what truly deserves recognition—whether it’s fame or actual skill.”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, her voice calm, yet filled with quiet strength) “Exactly. Recognition should ideally be tied to contribution, to real talent or effort. But too often, fame or visibility are what lead to awards or accolades, not the substance behind them. That’s why it’s important to reflect on what we’re celebrating and why.”

Jack: (pauses, a small smile forming on his face as the idea sinks in) “It’s liberating, isn’t it? To realize that we don’t have to buy into the fame game. We can recognize and celebrate real talent and contributions, not just popularity or superficial appeal.”

Jeeny: (smiling warmly, her voice gentle, yet filled with wisdom) “Exactly. We should be mindful of the recognition we give and ensure it’s truly deserved—not just because someone’s in the spotlight, but because they’ve made a real, positive impact. Fame shouldn’t be the measure of worth.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, as though the conversation has shifted into a deeper understanding of recognition, talent, and the true value of fame. Jack turns from the window, his posture more relaxed, his thoughts clearly reflecting on the importance of rewarding true skill and effort. Jeeny watches him, content in the realization that recognition should be based on genuine contribution, not just popularity. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, there’s a shared understanding that the true value of recognition lies in its authenticity and the real talent behind it.