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May 24, 2006
American Midol
I don't get it.
It's a glorified fourth grade talent show. It's a national karaoke night (and while karaoke is admittedly fun, you have to actually know the people you're singing with, or it's no fun at all). And yet inexplicably to me, it's a ratings monster yet again this season. Hell, it led the news on MSNBC.com overnight.
I'll say that again: a sitting Vice-President is going to be called to testify in a criminal proceeding; the FBI has (apparently unconstitutionally) raided the legislative branch; rival Palestinian factions are having talks today to try and nip some internal fighting in the bud. And yet the lead news story here among the major US outlets is about which cracker won a talent contest?
I cannot be the only one who thinks this is ridiculous. Why the hell do people give a ... gosh darn... about who wins American Idol? Spare me the defenses about the drama or how it's compelling TV. This show unleasged Ryan Seacrest and Clay Aiken upon the world; for that alone it will live in infamy. And the fact that people tune in just to watch Simon Cowell insult people... well, I suspect these people also own the "Best of Don Rickels" DVD.
I don't get American Idol. I just can't see why anyone would care. And I am extremely disturbed in a snobby, righteous indignation way that the show's season finale could be considered "news" at all -- much less the lead story -- in my country. We really are a nation of Stepford drones, if this is what we consider news... or even entertainment.
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Comments
I think the majority of people watching American Idol would say "Don who?"
Posted by: Seadogsinc at May 25, 2006 07:50 AM
My heartfelt wish is for my country to find idols worhty of its adulation, and fast, for then my fellow citizens might find themselves able to ignore the ersatz idols on FOX television.
I share your disgust for all things "American Idol." But I do thank the news media for covering the crap out of "American Idol." In doing so, the Fourth Estate performs a valuable public service that has shown us just how asinine "American Idol" programming is.
The talking heads and their clips have helped me to actively avoid tuning in and watching "American Idol" in its full-episode regalia, full-blown shite that it is.
Posted by: Brent at May 25, 2006 08:21 AM
Shit! I missed the finale because of Writer's Studio. Maybe if I had watched, Katharine would've won. Oh wait, I'm not supposed to be idolizing Idol. My bad.
Posted by: Liz at May 25, 2006 10:31 AM
You wouldn't catch me watching American Idol, but where the hell can I get that Don Rickles DVD?
Posted by: Jackie Danicki at May 25, 2006 11:42 AM
Any distraction to the masses from the current major issues will be used to the full advantage by the powers that be. It's always been done, no matter what party was in power. The press just helps this administration do these tactics all the time. But now, it seems the majority of the masses don't care what is really going on.
Posted by: Hawk at May 25, 2006 04:53 PM
Seadogs, you're probably right. Not only are my pop culture references outdated, but I am giving too much credit to the show's audience with that supposition.
Brent - the problem with your theory there is that you and I, as non-watchers, still know who won. We even know the names of like two or three finalists. None of us should be paying attention, whether through the media or on the show.
Liz - I humbly suggest that Writers' Studio was a far better use of your time. Of course, watching paint dry would also have been...
Jackie - Damn! You found me. Not that I mind that *you* found me particularly, in fact I am glad you're here -- but if it's that easy to connect the professional me and the personal blogger these days, I may have to go under deeper cover and start a newer blog with a new pseudonym. But... I'm glad you're here. How's London?
Hawk - been reading your Chomsky, have you?
Posted by: Curmudgeon at May 25, 2006 08:52 PM
My theory was tingend with sarcasm.
Posted by: Brent at May 25, 2006 09:00 PM
Geez...I need to watch these typos.
Posted by: Brent at May 25, 2006 09:01 PM
oh blah dee blah blah blah. You're talking about it aren't you?
Freaking all American Idol proves is that grannies love it. Because I know homophobic, grey haired old fart hatin' teenagers aren't voting for Taylor.
Posted by: thebeav at May 25, 2006 09:20 PM
