I'm not sure why, but for some reason I still laugh every time Kornheiser yells these words. In fact, I try to make sure I get home from work in time on Tuesday and Wednesday for the end of PTI so I can hear Tony and Wilbon finish their show with what they plan to watch on TV that evening. Wilbon inevitably talks about whatever NBA game is on ESPN or TNT that night and before he can even finish a sentence he starts to roll his eyes and groan as Kornheiser yells "It's go time! American Idol!" and then follows with a prediction.
Recently, this show (American Idol, not PTI) has received attention for one contestant in particular, Sanjaya Malakar, and the campaign by others to vote him to victory despite an obvious lack of talent. This has caused much controversy in the media but one viewpoint in particular has grabbed my attention. Certain advocates of the Sanjaya campaign suggest that by voting him the champion (and possibly exposing AI for its flaws and destroying the show) we would subsequently expose the show for what it is, a show that preys on the American public's belief and dreams that everyone has talent, it just needs to be nurtured.
I think it goes beyond that. We like to see our heroes fail. Look at the tabloids, the entertainment news programs. We like to see Britney drunk and flashing cameltoe. We like to see Pacman Jones making it rain to the tune of a year's suspension. We can't wait for the next molestation allegations against the King of Pop. Idol is no different. Each week, the most popular show in America features a young hopeful boy or girl have their dreams crushed and then be forced to sing the song that caused them to be kicked off the show in front of the entire world while fighting back tears. And we love it.
So why does Tony like it? Maybe he likes it because it's competition, just like he enjoys sports. My guess? He, like the rest of America, can't wait to see someone else fall flat on his or her face.
BTW, what kind of jewish name is Tony anyway?
Recently, this show (American Idol, not PTI) has received attention for one contestant in particular, Sanjaya Malakar, and the campaign by others to vote him to victory despite an obvious lack of talent. This has caused much controversy in the media but one viewpoint in particular has grabbed my attention. Certain advocates of the Sanjaya campaign suggest that by voting him the champion (and possibly exposing AI for its flaws and destroying the show) we would subsequently expose the show for what it is, a show that preys on the American public's belief and dreams that everyone has talent, it just needs to be nurtured.
I think it goes beyond that. We like to see our heroes fail. Look at the tabloids, the entertainment news programs. We like to see Britney drunk and flashing cameltoe. We like to see Pacman Jones making it rain to the tune of a year's suspension. We can't wait for the next molestation allegations against the King of Pop. Idol is no different. Each week, the most popular show in America features a young hopeful boy or girl have their dreams crushed and then be forced to sing the song that caused them to be kicked off the show in front of the entire world while fighting back tears. And we love it.
So why does Tony like it? Maybe he likes it because it's competition, just like he enjoys sports. My guess? He, like the rest of America, can't wait to see someone else fall flat on his or her face.
BTW, what kind of jewish name is Tony anyway?
No comments:
Post a Comment