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American Idol has had some scandals in the past. A few years ago, Frenchie was kicked out despite being an amazing talent for a few racy Internet pictures. This year, David Hernadez was outed as a stripper and was still allowed to compete. Does it mean the production itself is prejudiced or has society as a whole just stopped caring?

I think the answer is the latter. We are bombarded daily with images and words in print, radio and on the television that would have not been acceptable even 5 short years ago. Even the Internet content has steadily declined in recent times. Who is to blame? Certainly not American Idol or any other television show or production company. Their goal is one thing and one thing only-money. Do they pander to the masses that have allowed prejudices to flourish? Sure they do. Is it wrong? In some opinions, probably. What is the answer? Turn it off if it offends your sensibilities. It is that simple. No discussion, no backlash targeting this group or that group, just turn it off.

If you want to make a change in the way a television show portrays things all you have to do is cut their viewer ship. The company will investigate why their ratings have dropped and change their format accordingly. Their bottom line is making money. No viewers equals no ratings, no ratings equals no money.

Quite frankly, there are so many other shows on television that deserve disdain, I have no idea why anyone would attack American Idol. The kids are talented. The show is wholesome and can be viewed by the whole family and the public gets a very large say in who wins. If you don't like America's choice of winners, vote more often. The judges comments are simply an opinion. I've been watching Idol since the beginning. Simon is rarely wrong. Love him or hate him, he knows what will sell and what won't. Perhaps he could put it in nicer tones for the kids, but would he be helping or harming them to do so?

The music business is cut throat and tough beyond belief. If the kids can't handle Simon Cowell. they aren't going to make it in the business. You either have talent and the "it" factor or you don't. Simon pulls no punches and gives the kids direction on how to better their performance and presentation to become entertainers. That is is job and in my opinion, he is very good at it.

Learn more about this author, Cheryl Herendeen.
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