"Celebrities, even insignificant ones like me, are created to be abused by the Great Unwashed"

In the quote by Poppy Z. Brite, "Stars, even insignificant ones like me, are produced to be abused by the Great Unwashed", the author presents a reflection on the complex relationship in between stars and the general public. Brite utilizes a self-deprecating tone by referring to themselves as an "insignificant" star, which might suggest a review of the star culture that raises specific people based on popularity, often more than merit.

The expression "developed to be abused" suggests that there is an intrinsic expectation or inevitability for celebrities to be subjected to judgment, ridicule, or mistreatment by the public. This abuse might manifest in various forms, consisting of tabloid sensationalism, social media analysis, or public mockery. It indicates a social role or function for celebrities beyond home entertainment; they become vessels for public discourse, targets for criticism, and symbols representing larger societal problems or feelings.

The term "Great Unwashed" historically refers to the typical people or masses, frequently used in a rather disparaging or elitist context. In this quote, it underscores a dichotomy in between celebs, who live under extreme public scrutiny, and regular people, who take in celebrity culture, sometimes harshly. Brite may be highlighting the power characteristics at play, where the masses feel entitled to scrutinize and criticize public figures, exercising a type of power over them.

This quote can also be seen as a commentary on the cyclical nature of popularity, where the general public at the same time produces and ruins star status. There is a sense of inevitability and resignation in the idea that anyone who achieves any level of popularity, despite its scale, ends up being fodder for public consumption and critique.

Ultimately, Brite's words invoke reflection on how society engages with fame and the often-voracious hunger for celeb culture, questioning whether this relationship is driven by appreciation, envy, or something more intricate and less savory.