American Idol, the long-running TV show that took advantage of the insatiable adolescent craving for attention, fame and fortune, has at last been laid to rest. It certainly wasn't the first of its kind. Less ostentatious versions have been around for a long time - even before there were televisions. What made this iteration different was its breadth and scope - scouring the country for fledgling talent in a tournament-like elimination competition. It was a huge success. Millions watched as thousands responded to auditions in cities all over the country, and some very good performers were actually discovered. So what's the problem? Simply this - instant fame is rarely a good thing. We see it over and over with teenage athletes who become millionaires overnight, and lottery winners who have no idea how to handle their windfall. The show was promoted as a showcase for undiscovered talent. The producers were cast as benefactors, talent scouts seeking out those who deser...
Sorting Through the Debris of Politics and Popular Culture