S/FC/19. Dissertation. Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury: Examination of Masculinity and Stardom in Contemporary Society

The dissertation investigates cultural and societal aspects of stardom examining the trends in shaping stars' identities by the media, and focusing on two male performers with unconventional masculinities, Michael Jackson and Freddy Mercury. The review of literature touches on the concept of star in modern consumer society, its evolution through history, the ways of star promotion, the stories of Michael Jackson and Freddy Mercury with references to age, race, sexuality, etc. The study is based on the methods of secondary research. Conclusions are made about the transformation of the two stars into mythic figures and the implications of stardom in contemporary culture.