Is American Idol to Blame?

The 'Hot Topic' today on the' View' was 'American Idol'. As the new season started this past week, viewers were introduced to ,yet another, eclectic group of young hopefuls to become the next American icon of 2007. This year seemed to open with a considerably larger market of the "appalling', as Simon would put it, rather than the more talented individuals. Were there that many more untalented contestants this year, or is this a marketing strategy to pull ratings?

It seems that after the airing on Tuesday night, that you can't find a talk show that doesn't have someone who is 'outraged' at the behavior of the three panelists. In my opinion, Simon did go too far with attacking the physical appearance of a few of the contestants. That is the worst type of attack on a person and absolutely unacceptable.
But,what about their talents? It seems that our society views watching a person humiliate themselves 'willingly' is acceptable.

Let's take a look at 'Beauty and the Geek.' Here is a show that has a negative stereotype right in the title. These fellows sign up for the show knowing that they are looked at as something that is not 'up to par' by society's standards. How do we know that? Well, they 'transform' these guys by giving them make-overs to help see who has the most potential. Potential for what? To 'look' good . And the beauties' challenges always involve studying or learning, as if all beautiful girls are stupid.

Daytime talk shows are even worse. Has anyone seen 'Maury' recently? The majority if the time he has on there people who are "surprising" their husbands and boyfriends with paternity tests. On NATIONAL TV!!! Come on. You may think that those poor guys didn't choose to be humiliated, but have they never seen the show?

Let's not even get into the magazines and 'entertainment news' shows that do nothing but report about Lindsy's passing out drunk , DUI rampages, and who forgot their underwear at last night's party. Come on, people. Our society thrives on this stuff. Does that make it right? No. But, until society's views on what is acceptable changes, TV will remain the same and continue down this path.

I don't believe that we can blame just 'American Idol 'for the downgrade in morals and values today. We need to look at what we as individuals watch and if not satisfied, be proactive and do something about it. We could start with the fashion industry. Maybe if guys' could walk without having to hold onto their pants and girls could breathe in theirs, we could all think a little more clearly.