The creators of The WB's Superstar USA were obviously part of the popular crowd growing up; either that, or they're acting out a perverted cycle of abuse. This show is as cruel and immoral as the school-yard to high-school game of letting the pariah hang out with the popular crowd to protract said loner's humiliation when their true status is finally revealed. It is heartless, and runs diametric to the spirit of the golden rule.
Close to a month ago, CBC's Ontario Today ran a phone-in on raising moral children. Unfortunately, I couldn't listen to the whole program - having to work in the afternoon 'n' all :-) - but what I heard got me thinking. What are the consequences of raising children who don't question why Sally is never invited to any birthday parties, or why Paul gets the snot beaten out of him every school day at 3:00 p.m.? What happens when the movers and shakers believe that that's life, and that those who are affected should suck it up and watch their backs so they're on the winning side next time?
Today, I think the answer is that shows like Superstar USA are produced, promoted and watched by millions of people. Is this a big deal? Not really, but I think it's a sign of things to come. One can only hope that the people behind the scenes don't see how this message feeds the fear of humiliation, putting the preservation of one's status - and one's self, ultimately - above all other considerations. The consequences of this are truly horrific when these people are asked to act morally, when many other lives hang in the balance. What will be going through their heads? Which outcome makes them look the best? It's scary... really scary.
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