Posted on 06/15/2020 10:09:57 AM PDT by EdnaMode
Unlike in the progressive modern world where one can become a part of the high-society and idolized by mindless plebs simply by the merit of being a (famous) actor, the ancient Romans had the exact opposite stance. Actors in the Roman world were considered the lowest of the low, being on roughly the same social status as slaves. That the Romans had a low opinion on actors should not come as a surprise, as actors by definition, act. In a society where honesty, merit, personal accomplishments and pursuit of civic virtue were in high regard, it is thus understandable that they were frowned upon.
All this is not to say that the ancient Romans did not enjoy theatre or theatrical performances. While it is true that quite a few “conservative” Romans – Gaius Marius, for example – disliked anything Greek, most would still have appreciated Greek culture and literature (which I would argue, far surpasses anything even especially our modern world has to offer). The Romans, as much as the Greeks, loved the playwrights and poets. The performers however, – while quite possibly being proffesional and very good – were merely doing their jobs, just not a respectable one – at least in the minds of the ancient Romans. In sharp contrast, actors in Classical Greece were often honoured, as the Greeks loved their interpretation of the plays.
Due to their low reputation in Roman society, the actors were free to engage in lewd, sexual and other immoral acts on the stage, that promted the emperors to take an active stance against theatrical performances. Tiberius, for example did not allow actors to have any contact with the upper classes, and Julian the Apostate forbade pagan priests from attending any threathical performances.
But it were not only the actors who were looked down upon in ancient Rome. Announcers and auctioneers were also frowned upon, together with realtors and brokers. Despite this, people in said proffessions were paid quite well, and many would become rich in the process. But their low status meant that they, together with actors, were ineligible to run for office.
As opposed to actors, succesful gladiators and charioteers could become celebrities and amass great riches in the process. This shows the respect Roman people had towards martial and athletic prowess. They were still beneath social contempt, but they were not acting; they were real, and thus worty of respect.
The Romans were right
Ancient Rome had only a handful of movie theaters.;-)
what about lawyers?
“what about lawyers?”
Even below the “lowest social class”.
But the Fellini festivals were always a huge draw.
“what about lawyers?”
Lawyers are nothing more than judicial prostitutes. They don’t care about right or wrong. They only care about getting their client free whether the client is guilty or not. And they do it for money, and only money.
Actors are insecure children playing dress up for more money than they’re worth. They play other people because it is easier and less challenging than having to be responsible for being real. So they hide behind their profession not having the capacity or the worth of their notoriety they use as a public soapbox when they have little knowledge of the topic. And way too many are self serving to boot.
rwood
Didn’t everyone go to High School with these drama types?
THIS is what most of these guys are, except instead of being in your high school they went to Hollywood High or insert your own elitist high school.
Can you imagine ANYONE asking these people for their opinions on ANYTHING?
Maybe I was the only one who had an active drama program on campus in high school, but if you had one you know exactly what I am talking about.
Nihil novum sub sola.
The ultimate non-essential worker, next to athletes.
At one time the Brits also regarded actors as pretty much bottom feeding scum. You are right though. America worships actors and sports stars far too much.
I was in my high school play.
Then I went into the movie business.
People didn’t seem quite as politically deranged in those days. Or maybe I just wasn’t paying attention. Too busy trying to make movies...
In this case, dead on right.
Exactly. I worked on some of the crews on a couple of high school plays and most of the kids in the drama department were weird and obnoxious.
Actors (mummers) were held in low esteem even after the end of the dark ages. About the same social level as gravediggers, pickpockets, rat catchers and cesspit cleaners.
Right-Some things never change
Non-essential workers in non-essential industries
The problem is we have dumbed the populace down to actor level, encouraged sloth and lies, created drama (emo-victims and social media stars) accessible to everyone. Then we let them all vote. I am surprised the country has lasted this long.
Actors today sell their souls to become false idols. Ultimately it doesn’t end well for them.
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