Is being the next “_____” helpful or harmful?

You often hear of stars get compared to another from the past, or, people will say someone is the next generation’s so and so. While this may be an honor at sometimes, is it actually helpful or harmful to the person and or society involved?

First the positives. Notoriety, if its someone you meant to be or are proud to be, having your name associated with theirs could arguably be great marketing and encourage any and/or all their fans to find you.

Unfortunately, it could be detrimental to be directly associated with another person and potentially judged against them. It could mean less creative freedom as well.

I think it’s a combination, but I think that if society puts that kind of label on you it could be hurtful. You would be judged for how your work compared to theirs, and a copy is usually not as good as an original.

That is to say, being inspired personally by someone to shoot for the stars would be good. Inspiration is good, and technically no one has to know who you were influenced by if you don’t choose to tell them. I think its the best of both worlds, and people can still find your content/product/personality through similar icons, but you don’t have to be called “the next ‘___”.

Also, “What has been will be again,
    what has been done will be done again;
    there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9 – Food for thought.