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2012 West Carrollton graduation
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The American Idol phenomenon?
It’s coming. The season six premiere of American Idol is Tuesday & Wednesday, January 16 & 17 and I can hardly wait! I’m having major withdrawal and based on the chit chat at the office, I don’t think I’m the only one. The question is…why?
Dictionary.com defines phenomenon as “an occurrence observed that is impressive or extraordinary.” It also describes a remarkable or exceptional wonder.
Is American Idol an extraordinary occurrence? A remarkable wonder? Or maybe the right question is why? You’ve probably guessed that I have a couple theories.
Control. We, the viewers and fans, are in control. In a world where we can feel so out of control (a war, gas prices, etc.) we have the power to take someone who is selling hardware or serving hamburgers one day and make them a super star three months later. We can actually change someone’s life!
Connection. With the proliferation of personal home computers, video games and TV’s in every room of the house, the family TV show is all but extinct. But part of this phenomena is that families comes together to watch this show. Husbands join wives, kids are calling their parents into the room, friends are calling and text messaging each other all through the show. American Idol brings people together.
Giggles. Most people will occasionally have an uncontrollable urge to giggle when it’s totally inappropriate. In fact, my mother used to pinch us when we would get the giggles at church. Ohhh, she could grab the perfect amount of tender skin and apply just enough pressure to send the maximum amount of pain shooting through your arm or leg. But I digress…American Idol allows us to sit in the privacy of our own home and laugh our butts off without fear of the pinch!
Cruelty. Bottom line. The audition shows allow us to be cruel. Come on…admit it, wouldn’t you love to be able to say the kind of things that Simon says to people in our every day life? What about the annoying boss or idiot co-worker? But unfortunately, we have to sensor ourselves. The audition shows allow us to be critical and cruel and it’s acceptable. Then we can share that cruelty with others. We get to collectively enjoy something that’s usually taboo. The humiliation of others.
Bottom line; American Idol crosses all boundaries between people. It doesn’t see color, size, age, or socio-economic status. It brings people together. You are not an American Idol fan alone. You can always find someone to talk to someone about the show. Anywhere. At home, at work, at the salon, and even in line at the grocery store. In essence, YOU are part of the phenomenon.
So, that’s my theory. What are yours? Why do you think American Idol is such a phenomenon?
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