Jay Kersting's Blog

Why I don’t like “American IDull”?

To explain why I do not like “American IDull” you have to understand something about history.  But first, the show itself.

I think the show itself is intended to be a shortcut for those who are unwilling to make a sacrifice to get what they want in life. 

There, I said it.  I took the harder path and failed.  But I tried.  Several times.  Back when I really set my mind to working in talk radio, I scraped an clawed to get the opportunities to try.  I worked the odd weekend hours.  I begged for the opportunity.  I then got paid for it, after doing it on a pseudo-voluntary basis.  I then worked to wedge my way in to a chance to host drive time shows.  I argued that my willingness to do the other stuff should give me a priority over those who wanted to do it on a whim, or an ego stroke.  I worked at it, when given the chance.  Hell, I probably irritated the producers a bit with my intensity when I was schedule for those opportunities, but they did seem to appreciate the seriousness that I put in to the role.

I felt that I earned my shots and that I earned my times.  I felt that I paid my dues while others did not.

And the feed back that I heard, directly and indirectly, was that it paid off.  My work was preferred to those who just filled a seat.

Then I had to find my own place.  I knew what I wanted to do, who I wanted to be, but the opportunity to do that was not going to there in Knoxville for me.  I hated that, but it was a reality.  I had to leave a place that I considered home, my adopted hometown really, if I wanted to pursue this career.

So, I came to Jefferson City and for two years, one month and one week, I did it.  I only got out because of a bad business decision by my former employer.  During my time with them, I often told people that I liked my job, liked who I worked with and for directly, but that I had little to no faith in the company.  I hated being right.

BUT, my point is that I worked to get this opportunity.

In “American IDull” the only risk, the only work, the only chance, is to go to a place where you try out and see how you do.

I have done the exact same thing with a skill and talent that I have.  I have three times, taking four tests total, tried out for “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?”  Two of those times, I passed the tests…three tests total.  But, I didn’t make the cut.  I figure that they hit their quota on overweight thirtysomething white guys.

But, that was my “American IDull” try-out moment.

That is why I do not respect the winners and runners-up no matter how talented they are.

They didn’t go to the Sunset Strip, or Nashville, or New York to break out.

They found the short cut.

If I won a million dollars on “Millionaire” would you respect me as a talk show host?  I doubt it and I wouldn’t expect it.

THAT is just one reason.

The other is that it is a prime example of “Bread and Circuses” for the American people.  I know that “Bread and Circuses” can mean a couple of different things, but both essentially hit the same result.  And that is to distract the public from what SHOULD be important to them as a citizen of this ONCE fine nation.

“American IDull” and its ilk in the so-called, but incorrectly named, reality genre are doing  just that.  And many of the mind numbed zombies, and you may be one of them (if so, wake up), defend this position with by using the old, and TERRIBLY incorrect, statement about discussing politics and religion in polite conversation.

HEY!!  WAKE UP!!  Not discussing, not understanding the bastardization of a religion, in this case, Islam, has led many to not getting that these folks want us dead.  Not all followers of Islam, but a large sector of that faith.

Thomas Jefferson acquired a copy of the Quran for the purpose of learning about that religion.  Why?  Because Islam was a threat to our national sovereignty back in the 1790′s and early 19th Century.   [Later, Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison used this Quran for taking his oath of office, bastardizing why Jefferson had it in the first place for his own purposes.....and the willing, lazy media didn't challenge him.  They won't challenge a liberal, but we know this already.]

Discuss religion and politics in a polite conversation.  Do not raise your voice, which I have a hard time with, and do not insult the person.  But if their beliefs are messed up, explain to them why. 

This will require a bit of effort on your part.  But it can be done.  Most admittedly “liberal” people might see the error on their views if they have a grasp on concepts like hard work and logic.  If they don’t, remember that you can’t fix stupid and politely move on.

As for religion, it is a fascinating topic.  When I went back to the Roman Catholic Church in 2001, learned a lot from the priests, deacon and bishop who met with us.  BUT, I learned a lot more from those who converted to Catholicism
from other faiths.  These discussions were fascinating. 

I have a very good friend who is Jewish and I have learned a lot about his faith during our years of friendship.  I have known many Muslims, but sadly never got very close to any of them to have enlightening conversation about their faith.  I hope to someday have a friend who happens to be Muslim, for this very selfish reason.

So, these are the reasons that I think “American IDull” is bad for people.  It rots your brain, it gives the people on the show a short cut to success but most importantly, it seves as a distraction to the people.  “Bread and circuses”…..understand?

Remember where “Bread and Circuses” originated?  It was the Roman Empire.  It was a governmental policy to keep the people happy with distractions.  Giving them everything they want, but little of what they need.

See a parallel with the current Federal Government of the United States?

So, if you ask ME about IDull and I roll my eyes at you, know why. 

Respect is hard to earn, but easy to lose.  AI should stand for Artificial Intelligence and not the means for people hemorraging IQ points.

Please excuse any ambiguity in this post.