The concept of a celebrity lookalike has perpetuated society for decades. These figures of elevated status are typically viewed as gorgeous heartthrobs admired not simply for their work, but also because of their looks. Honestly- who wouldn’t want to be compared to celebrities like Paul Mescal who are constantly thirsted for online? It would certainly act as a cheery ego boost for someone who just happens to bear a basic resemblance to another man, which (let’s face it) isn’t some form of biological mystery.
Since the chaotic Timothée Chalamet competition that took place in October in Washington Square Park, these lookalike contests have dominated social media. This particular contest involved a potential lookalike being arrested, police presence and the arrival of Timothée himself, which sparked the inspiration for the overwhelming presence of other lookalike competitions, including: Jeremy Allen White in Chicago, Harry Styles in London, Dev Patel in San Francisco, Paul Mescal in Trinity College Dublin and even here in Edinburgh at Dropkicks bar! Arguably, the contests have lost traction as they have continued, like most other internet fads, as disappointment grew with each winner looking less and less like the intended celebrity.
The overall societal effects of these contests are definitely questionable. Whilst ostensibly they act as a harmless, fun and exciting community event, they can also be perceived as leaning into the ideologies of favouring someone’s appearance above all else. These competitions are also very male dominated, allowing men to be praised essentially for flaunting their conventionally attractive appearance. Some women even appear at the events hanging out business cards to those they find most attractive in a jarring gender reversal of scouting for a future partner. With the failing nature of dating apps and meeting people organically going out of style, it makes me wonder- could these competitions even become the future of dating?
There has been one lookalike contest of note that has centred around a woman- the Zendaya lookalike contest. The winner of this was awarded with $40 and a collection of haircare products, which tailors to stereotypical ideas of what women want. In contrast, the winner of the Paul Mescal lookalike competition in Dublin was awarded three pints. This shows that the competitions continue to emphasise gender stereotypes and, in a way, reinforce the image of frivolity in women. The Zendaya lookalike contest was also the most heavily criticised and least attended event, whilst male performances of physical attraction seem to be more largely and widely praised.
All in all, despite the fact that these competitions are entertaining, they have had their time. For the most part, all that these contests serve to do is boost the egos of certain few men simply for being conventionally attractive! Therefore, as a society, it is time for us to move on.
“Paul mescal 2022 1” by Quinzaine des Réalisateurs is licensed under CC BY 3.0.