Richard Dyer proposed the star image theory to explain how celebrities are constructed representations rather than real people. The theory has three categories: 1) the star as a construction that separates the real person from their media persona, 2) the star as a commodity that is marketed to generate profits, and 3) the star as an ideology to represent social groups. Dyer uses Miley Cyrus as an example to discuss how her star image is constructed differently than her real self in order to portray certain ideologies to audiences.

1. THE STAR IMAGE THEORY
By Richard Dyer

2. INTRODUCTION TO RICHARD DYER
Richard Dyer is a famous media theorist who proposed the the theory’The Star
Image’.According to Dyer,neither is a star an image nor a real person that is constructed(or
shown on media).Stars are constructed for the purpose of various different representations.
Dyer’s theory can be split into three major categories
1)The Star as a construction
2)The Star as A commodity
3)The Star as an Ideology
Paradox of the Star.
This presentation will discuss Dyer’s theory through the Star Image of Miley Cyrus.

3. THE STAR AS A CONSTRUCTION
According to Dyer, Star are not in real person the way they are shown in Media which
is reflected in music videos, advertisements and magazines. Miley Cyrus and The Star
Miley Cyrus are two different individuals.
Cyrus has been famously known for twerking on wrecking ball naked, which is quite
evident that she would not do privately.

4. THE STAR AS A COMMODITY
Richard States:
Stars are commodities produced and consumed on the strength of their
meanings’
The Construction of the Star Image of a Celebrity is used as a commodity in order to earn
money and generate profits..
The use of Stars in products and merchandise is a great tool to attract audiences towards a
product.
Record Labels create similar stars as to maximize their revenues.

5. THE STAR AS AN IDEOLOGY
Stars,most of the time are constructed as to represent different ideologies,social
groups or issues.Eg:-Beyonce’s Star Image portrays her construction as inclined
towards women inequality.
Stars are associated with different ideologies which connects them with
audiences.Similarly,Miley Cyrus supports the LGBT community.

6. PARADOX OF THE STAR
According to Richard, a star must be ordinary as well as the extraordinary.
The Star should be ordinary in order to give a realistic vibe so the other individuals
can relate easily.However,the stars must have an extraordinarily exceptional talent
which can mesmerize audiences who in return can relate.
The existence of the Stars should be present through various means in order to
maintain the fan following