The state of the kingdom?
Martin Amis has a new novel out called Lionel Asbo: State of England. Its rampant focus on celebrities suggests that Britain is celebrity-obsessed. I wonder.
Celebrity obsession is linked to a human desire to identify with creatures who seem bigger than life. Newspapers exploit this interest, generate the celebrity market with their images and stories, and then assiduously promote it.
The many millions of people who care about other things don't receive much of a write-up.
But all across the kingdom they are living a life whose radiant reality puts obsession in the shade.
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