So last night hubby and I found ourselves plunked down in front of the moving pictures box...watching American Idol. We came into it about halfway through because we'd had a guest over until then.
And we were engrossed...the kids were in bed (sort-of) and we had a few good laughs over it, just like everyone else in America.
But why? I mean...honestly...why is it entertaining to watch celebrities like Simon Cowell belittle and berate and humiliate these auditioners? Why are the people who are making an honest attempt at a singing career the butt of brutal jokes? I know some of these people are downright ridiculous on purpose...in the hopes of getting on TV not because of their talent, but because of their sheer lack of it...they know they will be made fun of (still, is it right?...I guess, like a comedian, if they want to be laughed at...maybe it's OK)
OK, I know that's not what it's all about...It's the American Dream...fame...fortune...and some of these people will end up with a legitimate opportunity to succeed. I generally like the top 12-and-up part of Idol...the comments from the judges become significantly less harsh and more constructive...
I understand why the producers feel it's necessary to air these humiliations...BECAUSE IT'S ENTERTAINING...
And you can say these people know what they are in for. they have probably watched the other seasons...they know how harsh the judges can be...but they can't possibly foresee every conceivable comment that might come out of Simon's mouth...comments they will have a hard time living down among their family and friends.
Should we as Christians be regular viewers of this show? I'm not sure God would be pleased with our entertainment at the expense of some honestly hopeful individuals.
I'm not taking a Holier-than-thou approach to this...I'm just wondering out loud. I can't say that I won't watch it...I'm just not sure my Father likes it.
Comments?
It's funny -- I stop watching American Idol when the auditions are over, not because I like to laugh at the idiocy of Simon or the antics of those performers who have no talent, but because I am myself a musician and I love to watch new talent be discovered and watch how different people bring themselves to the music. After the auditions, everything is hype and becomes, for me, a lot less interesting. Honestly, I could do without Simon's sarcasm, but I realize that he is a major part of what makes the show work. Me? I just like good music.
ReplyDeleteGood point Jim.
ReplyDeleteI too enjoy the look at the raw talent and appreciate the opportunity these people are being given. Who knows, maybe one or two will be "discovered" even if they don't win a slot on AI.
I think what bothers me most is that I get a good laugh out of it, as well as enjoying the talent aspect of it. I guess I don't like that about myself very much. Then again...I don't sense any prohibition from the Lord on this... so maybe I'm supposed to just enjoy it for what it is.
This is the second season for my kids and I to watch AI. (they are nearly 12 and 9)
ReplyDeleteI have the same mixed feelings about the show. Whenever Simon says something nasty I say outloud to my kids, "Oh, that was so mean. Simon can be so mean." And then I console myself that surely these folks knew what they were gettin into. I am not entertained by humiliation. But for the same reasons you guys mentioned, I like to see the talent rise. Aren't you just cheering for the cowboy from Wyoming who has only sang to turkeys up until now? And that's what compels me to watch it. My kids and I enjoyed it so much last year. My daughter cheered for Carrie all the way. So I took her to the AI concert when the tour got to Portland. Argh. Now that, is another story. I don't want to go one of those again! Too scripted and non-spontaneous.
It is really cool to see these folks who might never otherwise have had a chance to shine. I think that's why I watch it.
ReplyDeleteSo I think we are a consensus that it has good and bad qualities. Does that make it a "permissible but not benficial" thing?
kind of like chocolate :-)
ReplyDelete