by Jacquelyn Schaffer

Created on: June 20, 2007

"Television is the first truly democratic culture - the first culture available to everybody and entirely governed by what the people want. The most terrifying thing is what people do want." -Chris Barnes

Visual entertainment is one of the strongest businesses in our society. It is demanded so highly by consumers, the yearly income is far beyond that of other more practical jobs. It is also one of the only mediums in which, as Chris Barnes points out, is "entirely governed by what people want." Based on the ratings of television shows, Hollywood approves or chucks out hundreds of entertainment options a year. All are based on the desires of the American people. A scary thought, yes, but in fact true. Television programmers and producers decide what to present to the public, but it is ultimately the viewer who decides what is shown on television. That said, is television's existence an excuse for society's decline?

At a first glance, Hollywood's shallow, plastic attitude combined with the horrors of violence and crime the news provides does not shed much optimism on television. One could easily blame increased rebellion, drug use, and apathy in teens on the "crap" they see on television. Children's obsession with being entertained instead of playing outside can be a major finger pointed at that box sitting in the living room. Reality shows demand shallow, unrealistic and overly dramatic portrayals of society as it supposedly is, giving what we call the real world a sudden slip in morals. Yet when one truly analyzes the latest high rated shows, it comes to quite a shock as to what the public actually prefers.
According to the 2006-2007 United States network television schedule, the number one, most watched program last season was "American Idol." A show about striving young adults competing for the spotlight, audiences watch people "just like them" climb the popularity ladder while voting off the ones they dislike. It's a mix of reality TV and a game show. Real people throw themselves at the mercy of the public in order to compete for the ultimate prize: fame. What does this say about the American public? If we as a people govern what's on television based on democratic rule, how has "American Idol" sent our society in a downward spiral? Maybe we, the American people, are desperate for some kind of normalcy to speak beyond what Hollywood and other entertainment industries claim as normal. Maybe we want someone just like us to succeed in ways we can only dream about. Or maybe we're just looking to someone to hope for. The real world is full of war, poverty, and disappointment. Americans turn to "American Idol" in order to escape that which the real world shatters.
Television and other form of entertainment is chosen by viewers to escape every day life. It is something people look towards when unsure of world events or simply to engage in laughter with friends. Yes, television is influential mainly because so of the millions of viewers it has. However, blaming television for society's downward spiral is not exactly accurate. Television is based on supply and demand. If the public's number one request is a show in which someone like them achieves a dream, what does that say about America?

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