The labeling theory is one of the disciplines in sociological studies that explain certain human behaviors and responses. The theory is applied in criminology and seeks to describe deviant behavior. According to the theory, the behavior and responses of particular individuals are influenced by how they are perceived, described or classified in the society. This is usually a reaction to stereotypic treatment in the society and the element of ‘self-fulfilling prophecies.’ Celebrities and famous people have been known to exist in the limelight for the biggest part of their lives. The media always pay attention to what they do and who and where they spend their time at with the paparazzi often on their backs. Among the stars who are in the spotlight is Justin Bieber, who is perhaps famous for his music as he is for his behavior.
Celebrities have to deal with the ‘nightmare’ that comes with their legendary status on a daily basis and singer Justin Bieber is no exception. Almost every life undertaking and move Justin makes are highlighted in the media. However, his troubles with the law began when he had a scuffle with a paparazzi in 2012. In one video, he was recorded and portrayed as aggressive, assaultive, and abusive to a paparazzi and after the incident, his name was tainted in the public domain marking the onset of his troubles with the media. Indeed, the media began taking more interest in the pop star’s behavior and overall conduct with a number of his videos popping up randomly revealing his alleged misdeeds. In some of his concerts, he could lash out at fans and order them disrespectfully. In fact, there was a time he failed to perform because fans were not conforming to his requests.
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In 2014, Justin was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). In the same year, he was detained for throwing eggs at a neighbor’s house. Afterward, another spree of incidences followed ranging from the law to the media, fans, and public; Justin was branded the ‘the people’s enemy.’ At one instance, some music influencers persuaded his manager, Scooter Braun, to let go of the boy because he was a waste, but this was Justin Bieber from the lens of the public. Was his behavior justified? In addition, were all his actions aimed at proving a certain point? It is worth pointing out that maybe individuals misunderstood the singer and got the wrong impression about his personality.
Notably, with fame, publicity, wealth, and millions of worldwide followers, it is hard to be loved by everyone. Justin Bieber’s behavior was unjustified in many aspects, but few people were keen enough to try and figure out what contributed towards his behavior. It is true that his celebrity profile, immaturity, and general ego were the basis of his deviance. However, how did it turn into a spree of deviance acts that spilled into the repeated breaking of the law? Despite the media being the ‘darling’ of celebrities, it is also one of their greatest enemies because it profits from the chaos and drama surrounding high profile individuals. For these reasons, the media typically target certain personalities who generate different opinions among the public for their benefit. This was the case with Justin Bieber.
Justin’s initial trouble with the paparazzi is what exposed him to the negativity he got from the media. His ‘haters’ trolled him on social media and he was insulted and despised. In some public places that he visited, Justin was booed and disrespected. It is important to note that most of these things happened in his teenage years, the stage in which young people are emotionally fragile and sensitive to how they are perceived in the society. Therefore, when Justin was portrayed as a ‘monster’ who was disrespectful to everyone, he lived up to this tag. He turned down fans for photographs, abused drugs, became disrespectful, and in some instances broke the law. The labeling theory therefore aptly describes Justin's behavior.
