Jack Gleeson: Being King is Not So Great

I am looking forward to the return of Game of Thrones on April 6th.  While I am sorry for the loss of some much-loved characters in the last season, plenty of characters remain in season four to either give us hope or boil our blood.  King Joffrey Baratheon is one character the effortlessly can cause good people conniption fits. 

But if you want to learn a little bit about Jack Gleeson, who plays King Joffrey, you might find his talk at the Oxford Union Society interesting.  Unlike King Joffrey, the limelight holds little appeal for the 21 year-old who looks forward to continuing his studies and Trinity College in Dublin (philosophy and theology).  One of his statements in particular seemed to summarize his disdain for the nature of celebrity in our society:

It was an atmosphere from which I instantly wanted to retreat.  I detested the superficial elevation and com-modification of it all juxtaposed with the grotesque self-involvement it would sometimes draw out in me.  Being a faceless member of the mob I soon realized is far more comforting than teetering on a brittle pedestal one inch of the ground.

Well said!  He went on noting how the role of celebrity embarrassed him and seemed to indicate how this one part of society was "revered almost religiously."  Quoting from scholars in anthropology as well as Dostoyevsky's work, Mr. Gleeson made some fascinating points during his 20+ minute lecture (which is what it was, him having brought prepared remarks).  It was much better than a discussion about his favorite scene in Game of Thrones, which was the point, of course. 

What is ironic is that this bright lad would have most likely lectured to an empty room if it had not been for his celebrity status.  We can only wish him well as he leaves the warping lights of fame and learns that the world holds much more in store for him.  And if a reader can find Justin Bieber, maybe you can send him a copy of Mr. Gleeson's remarks.