Is American Idol being too mean?

Question

I think they are because if they say that they don't get to hollywood, they make fun of the person and embaress them on TV. Especially Simon!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Yes, I have long thought both American Idol and their other show so you think you can dance are unnecessarily mean.

It is particularly troubling that they could care less about immediate or future reprocussions to the person and their family just for ratings.
someday someone will commit suicide (if they hven't already) from the effect of the comments or the humiliation and teasing they face when going home especially those still in high school. Of course, AI's teem of expensive lawyers and contracts they force participants to sign will get off scott free while the family will live forever with the lose of their loved one.

As you see, they cater to the average person's morals as evidenced by the vast majarity of Americans being fine with it or enjoying it..most answerers answered this way, just driving that point home.

It is also a problem as far as it's effects on Americans by lowering the bar and demonstrating basd behavior being condoned and applauded and rewarded (in money and viewership) and especially children who are absorbing these ways of treating others.

It's particully wrong when it is done on people with emotional, phsical, or mental disabilities who they often take advantage of and exploit for a cheap laugh.


I agree with your thoughts; however, I admit I do get addicted to the show, but after I found out it was rigged, I decided never to purchase any product where American Idol benefits (I do know they benefit by my watching as the more people that watch the more advertising dollars they can get from advertisers, but I will never buy any tape or similar product). Even though I like an artist, I will only buy a CD after they are out from their contract to AI that gives the show any profits. I either buy products down the road when the contract has expired or 2nd hand through eBay.

As far as them making fun of people this is unacceptable especially when the person suffers from physical or mental disabilities or for something they have likely received painful comments from others on in the past like weight or height that differs from the norm. This is just mean and does not focus on the singing and the inner self and personality.

As far as last week's show, although I personally did not think Kenneth Briggs (who Simon called Bush Baby) had mental disabilities, he may have. His grandmother states he has Aarskog Syndrome which causes his facial abnormalities and short stature. The syndrome causes 30% of the males to have mental retardation, so Kenneth may or may not have mental disabilities, but is definitely a sufferer of a medical condition that causes his appearance which is beyond his control. Simon is definitely wrong for his mean comments to the man, who to me, seemed pretty nice and who handled Simon's comments admirably.His grandmother also reports Kenneth has been made fun of all his life and wants Simon to apologize. It seems the comments have hurt the family. Obviously, after he experienced a lifetime of teasing he would not like someone to call attention to the reason he has been unmercifully teased on AI, but it seems he has learned to handle it with maturity as evidenced by his response which was admirable. Still, this doesn't excuse Simon's insensitivity or them all laughing at him after he left which he later saw. Perhaps seeing Paula, who he thought was defending him when he was there, bursting into strong laughter hurt him more than having it come from Simon which he might have anticipated.

To see the video on TV on his grandmother speaking about the incident...,
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=local&id=4953566


As far as his overweight friend, Jayne, I read the following. "Jonathan James, who has a mild form of autism and has participated in the Special Olympics, was also featured on Seattle's telecast. Surprisingly, the judges treated James with only minimal ridicule for his girth, and showed some kindness afterwards, telling James he was "a nice guy" with a "good personality." James says he doesn't regret appearing on the show, and along with Briggs is enjoying his "15-minutes of fame," appearing last week on Jimmy Kimmel." So he is definitely mentally disabled.

Another mentally ill participant who was told Simon would be hard on him and to react strongly has an upset mother whose phone was ringing off the hook after his appearance on AI. Steven Thoen, 28, said the Fox television shoe's producers were disrespectful and unfair to him. His mother, June Lorimor of Superior, said that the show took advantage of Thoen’s mild mental retardation and made him a laughingstock. It seems their is some preplanning done if producers told him in advance Simon would be hard on him, so it seems some of it is planned cruelty for a reaction.

In view of this, it appears that ratings overcome compassion as a value on American idol, so I agree with your feelings. Know you are not alone. What bothers me is that the youngsters in the audience will emulate the cruelty and rudeness and lack of kindness championed on the show. They are learning values that are often formed by age 8 and that will affect their behavior throughout life.

As an educator, let me remind parents that children are watching parents closely to see how you react to know how they should react. They will copy behavior more than listen to words. Remember values are caught not taught.

Although not applicable in this situation as it is wrong to laugh at someone's disabilities (and Kenneth said it bothered him when he saw Paula laughing hysterically after he left the room), sometimes what adults think is funny and laugh at may not be something one would want their kids to laugh at.

Keep in mind that kids are watching you for clues. I remember when my kids were smaller once catching my son at of the corner of my eyes watching me to see if I laughed at something questionable before reacting. It was then I realized how much my behavior was teaching them.

Personally, I feel cruelty and rudeness to all participants is uncalled for; however, it seems particularly bad in view of physical and mental disabilities or picking on a trait above the norm that likely bothers someone like weight or height and making fun of it with the intention of upsetting the person and then filming their reaction. There are so many things about the show that bothers me, but I do enjoy hearing the singers who make it and learning more about them, so I haven't boycotted watching only buying and voting since it doesn't count. I do hope people will contact fox and advertisers to complain about them crossing the line and supporting shows that damage the participants and the young people in the audience, so that they are more cautious.

For more on that see my best answer here.. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AtvbpAPmc6mZSQnfv1sjtDLsy6IX?qid=20070117000311AAuPvRm&show=7#profile-info-8e5f9cb1082d891d0f3075f0e2e92d34aa

Answer 2

Those people who audition have to sign releases, right? And the show's been on the air long enough for people to see what goes on. So if they can't take criticism, then that's just too bad. Unfortunately everyone is entitled to their opinion and feel the need to express it on national TV. I think that people get too offended over things that don't even concern them.

Answer 3

I don't think they are being to mean at all. Those people knew they did not compare to the Fantasia, Clay, Kimberly ,Ruben etc. I will laugh at 'em all day long if they keep coming on the show. That **** is hillarious...keep airing 'em if they keep trying to get on camera.Like this idiot they have on now Robert Lee Holmes singing Elvis Presley in the black suit and lime shirt saying I am not going to be dancing but I will be doing a movement. WTF

Answer 4

I do think that some things said are mean...but if you expect to be a "star" or "hollywood material" you will need to toughen up...because a lot worse than that will eventually be said to you.

Answer 5

give me a break...those people know full well what they're getting into before they try out. Plus what you don't see on tv is the judges telling them if they can't handle it they should leave before the camera's start rolling.

Answer 6

I think so I don't think it's necessary to say some of the stuff they say it doesn't serve any purpose.you don't have to be mean to someone to let them know they didn't make the cut,I think they are trying to uphold an image on that show to further their own careers..

Answer 7

no thats how the company makes money a lot of people tune in to watch people suck out loud and get humilated

Answer 8

they are trying too hard to get publicity. people like when people are mean...except for us that is. and yes, they are being mean because they gave it all they got, but people (at least i) am not watching that show anymore!

Answer 9

well some one should know if they are bad ........i they dont, they should becasue they are the one who go on tv shown all aroudn the world .......so no i dont think they are being mean they are just being truthful

Answer 10

nope. if ur dumb enough to go on american idol and act retarded, then they can treat you like a retard.