by Joseph Hiller

Created on: January 16, 2010   Last Updated: January 17, 2010

     In our world today, discrimination is something we rarely put up with.  Not many of us would enter a business that stated they only served a certain race, or waste our time supporting a cause that only helps those of a certain age.  America has come a long way since the days when segregation was common place.  Most of us teach our children that it doesn't matter what race, age, size, or religion someone is, we treat them the same.  America is a country that allows people of all kinds to live here, and all of them have the same rights.  It is something that we should all be proud of.

     So why is it that Americans have made American Idol the number one television show when we all know that they discriminate?  Why would anyone support that?  Just in case you don't know what I mean, you can not audition for American Idol unless you are under 29 years old.  This is not just discrimination, it's ridiculous.  How many singing artists are there today who are over 28?  Hundreds?  Why put an age limit on giving someone a chance at fulfilling their dream?  And why does the age matter?  When you are listening to a song, don't you focus on whether they have a good voice or not?  Who really thinks, "I wonder how old they are"?  How many great singers are there who don't get a chance at their dream just because they are 30 or 45?  I have won contests over the past 10 years.  I made it to the state finals in one contest.  I've been singing for years and I love doing it.  Don't get me wrong.  I have no delusions that I will ever be a famous singer.  I know that's not realistic thinking.  But because I'm 40 years old, I can never find out because American Idol would never let me audition. 

     The name of the show is also something I find to be ridiculous.  If you were to ask any adult who their Idol was growing up, or even today, you would get a wide variety of answers.  But chances are you won't hear the names of many people under the age of 28.  There is no doubt that the people who win on American Idol have tremendous talent.  But to call anyone in their teens or twenties an Idol just seems like a huge overstatement.  I can see where young children might idolize a singer and dream of being like them someday.  But I think it would be best for them to idolize someone

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