"American Idol:" 10 Reasons I Think It's Harmless Fun

Julie over at BlogHer wrote a post, "10 Reasons Why I Hate 'American Idol.'"  In it she gives 10 points why she thinks "American Idol is contributing to the destruction of civilization as we know it.  As someone who's an "American Idol" fan and who writes recaps of the show, I beg to differ.  Go over and read her post and then come on back and read my point by point responses:

1. Yes our culture is celebrity obsessed, but that's not "AI's" fault. "Idol" is just part of the title, not an implied lifestyle.

2. It doesn't perpetuate any more dangerous illusions than your average fairy tale, or your average TV show for that matter.

3. Simon Cowell is a record industry producer who's there not just for his judging abilities, but to stir the pot for the entertainment value. Randy Jackson is a musician and Paula Abdul is a former choreographer and singer.  When they hired all of them, part of the reason was because they were probably cheap where the payroll was concerned.

4. Fame in and of itself is an empty goal, but "AI" didn't create that problem.  Magazines targeted to teen girls, that glorify people like Paris Hilton who are famous for being famous are much more destructive than "AI."

5.   "AI" does offer real value because it's entertainment.  And whether people like to admit it or not, entertainment can be a very good thing.  It allows us to de-stress and focus on something other than our daily lives for awhile.  Nothing wrong with that as long as it's in moderation.

6.   "AI" never claimed to be a reality show.  It's a talent show, though God knows the producers would never want to call it by that archaic name.   One reason it's so popular is because it's a modern day version of the old TV variety shows.  It's exciting because it's unpredictable and you as the viewer get to be invested---like with any good game show---in who will win.

7.  There are plenty of quality shows around when "AI" is on. They're just not on network TV because the TV business model says, don't throw away a good show against another show that will guarantee that no one will see your good show.  But that's what DVRs are for.  Tape some quality shows during the rest of the week and watch them during "AI."

8.  You can still be part of a group of people who appreciate something like "AI" and still be a leader.  I'm nobody's follower, but I enjoy talking about a shared cultural experiences.

9.  There's also nothing wrong with vicarious thrill.  There's a fine line between unrealistic expectations and hope.  There's nothing wrong with hope.  And you know what? One of contestants of all the thousands who audition, does become the "American Idol," and does get a record contract, and does get to perform in front of millions of people like they've always dreamed. 

It's up to the public to understand they are the exception and not the rule.  But it does happen.  And it also happens in real life as well.  Someone works hard at their talent, whatever it is, and they meet the right person in the right place and they get their break.  It happens even if it's just for a small job that you've always wanted or if it's performing in front of millions of people.  But it does happen.

10.  This one I'll agree with you on.  I have no stomach for the preliminary rounds of "AI" and as I've said in the past, I'm a "fair weather watcher:"  meaning I only start to watch when they get to the final 24 contestants.  The people who can really sing.  I don't like the mentality that humiliation is a wonderful form of entertainment.  That being said however, everyone now knows what "AI" is all about so if you go to audition, you should be prepared for what you're going to be in for, because it's not like it's a secret.

Bottom line?  "American Idol" is a fairly harmless entertainment show that gives people pleasure and allows them to watch as someone comes from nowhere and achieves their dreams.  It gives people someone to root for, and makes them feel good.  Ultimately, there's nothing wrong with that.