Sellout refers to individuals or corporations who abandon their original principles for financial gain or commercial acceptance. Politicians, musicians, and actors are often accused of selling out, with Tony Blair and Anita Roddick being notable examples. Selling out is seen as a loss of artistic or ethical integrity, damaging one’s reputation and credibility.
A sellout is someone who has discarded his or her original principles. The Full House usually takes a turn from its previous views to either make money or become more commercially acceptable to the public. The term is most commonly associated with certain groups of people.
Politicians are often portrayed as sold out. Their opinions and policies often change depending on how big or small their vote percentage is. British Prime Minister Tony Blair is now widely regarded as a sellout by the public. He was once heralded as the man who changed the face of Britain, but his involvement in the Iraq war has all but forced him to step down as Prime Minister.
Corporations are also generally expected to burn out. With money in mind, selling out is seen as business as usual, but even the most cynical members of the public were shocked by Body Shop founder Anita Roddick’s decision. The Body Shop has always marketed its cosmetics and products as eco-friendly and cruelty-free, but when French cosmetics maker L’Oreal offered $1.5 billion (USD), Roddick jumped ship. Environmental groups have called for a complete boycott of Body Shop products. Roddick simply stated that someone else would own the Body Shop someday anyway.
Many people felt betrayed by Roddick’s decision and are considering it a big sellout. Popular thought now regards the original ethos behind the Body Shop as just another marketing ploy. When the money men came calling, Roddick took the money and ran.
Those who purport to be against the establishment are often considered bestsellers when they change. Musicians are famous for saying they will never sell out for the quick buck. History is full of creative people, like musicians and actors, who say they will never sell their artistic integrity for commercial reasons.
However, in foreign countries, it is surprising how many actors appear in commercials that are never seen in their home countries. Big stars can make huge sums of money to back everything from drinks to makeup. The contracts for such work often stipulate that the ads are never shown in the actor’s native country for fear of damaging his image.
In the film The Doors, which centers on the rock band of the same name, there is a memorable scene involving the concept of selling out. Singer Jim Morrison hears one of his songs being used in a TV commercial and promptly lashes out at the rest of the band. Selling the song to a car company, Morrison laments that they finally sold the band. They had surrendered to the man, or to the establishment, and their credibility would be forever damaged.
Selling out is seen as a loss of artistic integrity. If you create something that panders to the general public with the specific goal of making huge amounts of money, it’s generally considered a sellout. The artist can earn a lot of money, his reputation and credibility will suffer.
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