Nuttin' but Stringz and Politicz

As I watched the final episode of 'America's Got Talent', I knew that Nuttin' But Stringz should have won. The winner of the show is supposed to be able to hold their own against Vegas bigwigs and crowd pleasers, shows like Cirque du Soleil and performers like Elton John. Nuttin' But Stringz, a duo of violin-playing brothers, had a lot of great things going for them: they were fresh and original, had great stage presence, and, most importantly, they were incredibly talented. But they were also black.

So when they came in third, I knew it mostly had to do with their race. I was a little disappointed that Americans didn't vote for the best Vegas act, and it made me start thinking of the political front. Nuttin' But Stringz was the favorite to win of tough Judge Peirs Morgan, much like Barack Obama is the favorite to win the upcoming election of the media. Like Barack, Nuttin' But Stringz was the obvious choice, but they were shockingly defeated, and defeated soundly at that, not even coming in second. So I kind of lost my faith in the American public at that point.

Thankfully, the Palin-esque everyman (I call him this because he has been so popular with the same women who are in love with Sarah Palin, and he has an intriguing back story that has kept him around to this point) Donald Braswell was easily defeated and there wasn't really anyone on the stage that I would even dare compare to John McCain. Fortunately, having an intriguing back-story actually worked out for once.

The fact that opera singer Neal E. Boyd, who was persecuted as a child because of his weight and interest in opera, actually won the whole competition actually restored my faith in the public somewhat. Sure he wasn't the best Vegas act, but he is incredibly talented, a genuine person who seems to have a good heart, and he, perhaps, deserved the win more than anyone. I'm also amazed that Americans actually voted for someone whose dream is to participate in something as cultured as opera.

So I am glad that Neal E. Boyd's back-story helped him win this contest and it will be interesting to see opera brought to Vegas, but I wish that America's love of genuinely good people with big dreams who know what they are doing extended beyond this little talent competition. I don't understand how someone so genuine is so appealing to so many Americans on this talent show, but when it comes to politics, it's dishonest, fake, and evil people that appeal most to Americans. I just really hope Neal won because Americans saw this genuineness, not because the other guys were black. And if he did win because of his heart and his hope, I hope Americans also open their eyes for the upcoming election the way they have for this television series.