We need to teach our kids, because there is such a celebrity

Host: The room is bathed in a soft, golden light, the sun beginning to dip below the horizon. The quiet hum of the city outside seems distant, almost nonexistent, as the world inside feels like it’s frozen in time. Jack sits in his usual place by the window, staring out at the skyline, his posture relaxed, but his mind clearly somewhere else. Jeeny stands near the table, flipping through an old notebook, her fingers tracing the pages, though her thoughts seem to wander just as far. The silence between them is not uncomfortable, but it’s pregnant with an unspoken weight, a conversation waiting to be had.

Jeeny: “I came across something earlier today that made me think. Nick Clegg said, ‘We need to teach our kids, because there is such a celebrity culture at the moment, that however rich you are, however famous you are, however glamorous you are, everyone has to live by the same rules.’” Her voice is measured, but there’s a trace of concern in her words. “Do you think that’s true? Do you think we’re teaching the right things?”

Jack: He glances over at her, a faint, almost amused smirk playing on his lips. “Teaching the right things? In this day and age? I’m not so sure we’re teaching anything at all. People are too busy trying to become the next big thing to teach their kids anything meaningful.” He leans back in his chair, his voice a touch skeptical. “I mean, look at the world we live in. Fame has become the goal, not character. The rules? They’ve changed. And I don’t think most people even know what they are anymore.”

Jeeny: “But isn’t that exactly why we need to go back to basics? To teach our kids that it doesn’t matter how famous or wealthy someone is, they’re still bound by the same rules as everyone else?” Her voice is steady, with a quiet urgency. “It’s about showing them that there’s more to life than the chase for fame. That everyone deserves to be treated with respect, no matter their status or their bank account.” She steps closer to him, her eyes focused. “Don’t you think that’s something worth teaching?”

Host: The light in the room feels warmer now, as Jeeny’s words hang between them. Jack sighs, his gaze moving from the window to her, then back again. He takes a slow breath, his tone softening, though he remains a touch defensive.

Jack: “Sure, I get what you’re saying. But how do you teach that in a world where being rich and famous is the dream? I mean, just look around. It’s everywhere. The influence of celebrities, the constant bombardment of social media. Fame isn’t just the goal anymore, it’s the measuring stick for everything else.” He shrugs, almost as if the question has no easy answer. “It’s one thing to say it, but how do you convince a generation that doesn’t care about morals or rules?”

Jeeny: “I think it starts with accountability. If we teach kids that no matter who you are, you’re held to the same standards as everyone else, that’s a start. It’s not about fame or money. It’s about integrity and respect.” Her voice gains strength, like a quiet storm gathering momentum. “There are kids out there who idolize celebrities, but don’t understand the sacrifices, the struggles, or the responsibilities that come with those lives. We need to teach them that fame doesn’t make you better than anyone else. We all have the same responsibilities, no matter what stage you’re on.”

Jack: He laughs, but it’s not a light sound. “Yeah, well, that’s easier said than done. We’re talking about a world that glorifies success at any cost. People will do anything to get ahead, whether it’s through social media or by using their fame to push products, ideas, or anything they can make money off.” He looks at her, a hint of frustration now creeping into his voice. “The world adores celebrities, worships them, and it’s not because they live by the rules. It’s because they’ve found a way to break them.”

Jeeny: She pauses, letting his words settle in the space between them, but she doesn’t back down. “But don’t we need to remind people, especially kids, that there’s more to life than just breaking the rules for success? It’s about balance, Jack. Yes, fame can give you a platform, but it should come with responsibility. Kids need to learn that if they’re chasing fame, they’re chasing an illusion, something that will fade. What remains is the way you live your life, the choices you make, and the impact you have on others.”

Host: The silence in the room seems to grow heavier, more thoughtful, as Jeeny’s words settle in. Jack’s fingers absently tap the edge of his glass, his mind clearly turning over her arguments, though he seems unsure whether to accept them.

Jack: “Maybe. But in a world that’s constantly telling us to buy, to consume, to follow the next trend, it feels like a losing battle. Who’s going to listen to the lessons about respect and humility when all they see is a culture built on excess?” His voice is low, the weight of reality pressing against his words. “When the people at the top are the ones breaking the rules, it sends the wrong message. Who wants to follow the rules when breaking them gets you ahead?”

Jeeny: She sits down across from him, her voice gentler now, but no less firm. “Maybe the world is messed up, Jack. But that doesn’t mean we give up teaching what’s right. If we don’t teach our kids that there’s value in living by the same rules, no matter who you are, then what are we really passing on to the next generation?” She looks at him intently. “If the people at the top don’t live by those rules, maybe it’s time for the next generation to show them how to.”

Host: The room feels still now, a quiet resolve settling in the space between them. Jack’s expression has softened, though there’s still a flicker of doubt in his eyes. Jeeny sits with quiet strength, her words having pierced through his defenses, though he’s not quite ready to embrace them fully.

Jack: “Maybe you’re right,” he says after a long pause, his voice quiet. “Maybe it’s not about giving up, but about teaching the next generation to live differently. To see beyond the fame and the money, and realize that real value comes from something deeper.” He sighs, as if the weight of the conversation has shifted something inside him. “It’s just hard to imagine in a world that’s always chasing the next thing.”

Jeeny: “It’s hard for all of us,” she says, her voice gentle, but with an unshakeable conviction. “But that doesn’t mean we stop trying. If we can teach kids that living by the same rules is what truly matters, maybe they’ll be the ones to change the game.”

Host: The evening light has now dimmed, leaving only the soft glow of the lamp between them. The conversation, though unresolved, feels like a turning point — a moment when something important was said, but the real work lies in what comes next. As the world outside continues to spin, inside, they’re left with the quiet challenge of teaching the next generation to see beyond the glamour and the noise, and focus on the things that truly matter.

The weight of their conversation lingers, leaving them both with something to think about as the city hums quietly in the background.