American Idol and Dumb People

I watch American idol as entertainment along the lines of "I can't believe people can sing this badly, be this stupid, that Paula Abdul really is that crazy." Occasionally, it also introduces me to songs that I subsequently download the original of (cause the Idol contestants rarely sing a decent version). And, of course, while I abhor Simon Cowell's compulsive need to be rude, his comments are usually spot on and rock. I especially liked how he called out Kristy Lee Cook on playing the patriot card with "God Bless the USA" this week...heehee.

This week's episodes made me feel more than ever how stupid most of the Idol contestants are. When did it become attractive for twenty-somethings to act like simpering, substance-less, stupid people (alliteration!)? Why do the women feel the need to act like they are five? I quote one of them, regarding losing her voice, in a baby-voice: "it went bye bye"--you're twenty, for the love of all that is holy. It's not a crime, and not even unattractive to act your age. Is this a result of having Bush as a president? Lack of intelligence and/or maturity is simply considered normal, perhaps even something to aim for? I'm not asking for Einstein's, this is a singing contest, but a little show of brains would not be amiss. Is anyone thinking about the kids watching this show, their impressionable minds seeing that being famous is about acting half your age (or in some cases, quarter your age). I'm not saying that celebrities are all idiotic, there are many intelligent, articulate celebrities out there, e.g. Susan Sarandon, Hugh Grant (who is Cambridge educated believe it or not), Robin Williams etc. etc. Unfortunately, the uber-popular American Idol is not where these stars are found. Paris Hilton and Britney Spears get way more coverage in the news than high-class stars do.

This may also explain/be explained the dismal state of K-12 education in many public schools. Why does everything need to be dumbed down, we need to be pushing kids further instead of relaxing standards so that everyone can graduate. Ambition, drive, and high standards can be good things. Expecting young Americans appearing on a singing competition to be somewhat intelligent is a reasonable request.