2/8/08-- Chris Crocker. Kevin Federline. Tiffany “New York” Pollard. The crazy antics of these anomalies have earned them Fame–but Stardom? Not even close.

In the good old days, “Stardom” was synonymous with “Fame.” In reality, Fame was the icing on Stardom’s cake. People who nourished this relationship included Marilyn Monroe, Muhammed Ali, and even Britney Spears (once upon a time). Being part of Fame’s posse used to require being “in” with Stardom.

However, Fame’s identity has drastically changed, starting with infidelity in its relationship with Stardom. Rumors of this affair started many years ago, but it became clear that Fame had lowered its standards in order to run off with any hot young thing it could find, leaving Stardom to watch reruns of Hannah Montana with loyal friends Andy Warhol and Tupac Shakur.

Now, no one has to familiarize themselves with Stardom in order to get to know Fame. All you have to do is use the American Idol audience as a mirror to check your latest hairstyle, or date Paris Hilton.

Anyone can recruit an amicable British nanny to teach their kids manners. Anyone can tattoo “America’s Next Top Model” on their rear. Anyone can possess Fame, because one path to Fame’s heart is (you guessed it!) reality television.

Reality television, the notorious thief of decency and rationality in modern society, has introduced Fame to some of the most undeserving contenders. From the Flavor of Love girls to every member of The Real World, countless brutish males and cantankerous girls have landed themselves spots on the C-List of celebrities.

YouTube is also guilty for tempting Fame away from its soul mate. Internet access has given anyone the power to upload themselves “Cranking that Soulja Boy” or ghost-riding the whip. This supplies Fame with an all-you-can-eat buffet of desperate human souls who want nothing more than to wear Fame on their arm and show it off to all their friends.

Those celebrities that witnessed the original romance between Stardom and Fame hope that the couple will straighten things out before formal divorce becomes a serious option. But with Fame’s behavior, it seems that Stardom will have to start its own VH1 dating show any day now.