The Journal

Issue date: 4/5/07 Section: Opinion/Editorial

Matt Grover

In recent weeks, several bizarre stories have garnered massive headlines throughout the country. Half the world is on the edge of their seats waiting to hear just who is the father of Anna Nicole Smith's baby, while the other half is placing bets on what crazy antic Brittany Spears is going to perform next.


In between all of this is the never-ending complaints from Rosie O'Donnell, who has shown the world the only thing she hasn't eaten is the chip on her shoulder.


While these stories are mildly amusing, they are stupid. However, they all fail to stoop as low as the latest water-cooler gossip - a teenager named Sanjaya Malakar.
Malakar is a contestant on America's favorite karaoke contest, "American Idol." Sporting the looks of a character out of "Fraggle Rock" and a singing voice to match, Malakar has surprisingly plowed into the competition's top-10 finalists and has spawned a nationwide controversy.


The reason for Malakar's unlikely popularity can be partially attributed to popular shock jock Howard Stern. Stern is heading a campaign that asks for people to submit votes for the worst singer in the contest. The purpose of the campaign is to expose a flaw in the show's voting system and shred "American Idol's" credibility.


Stern's campaign has gained momentum and Malakar's celebrity has risen. Malakar's story had so much attention over the past couple of weeks that it has found its way onto the pages of newspapers such as USA Today and the The New York Times, as well as Web sites, talk-radio shows and television news programs.


The fact that Malakar has yet to be kicked off the show has sparked various debates and responses from America. Many of the responses suggest "American Idol" would be ruined if Malakar becomes champion of the glorified karaoke contest. One person has even launched a MySpace page announcing they will go on a hunger strike until Malakar is bounced from the show. All because of a contestant on a reality television show.


The fact that people are so passionate about a talent show is disturbing. At last check, this country had more important problems on its plate, such as being in the middle of a war or having to pay $2.50 for a gallon of gas. These are the kinds of issues that get delegated to the back burner because of a talent show. People need to get their priorities straight.


Instead of taking a stand by creating a plan to fix a talent show or having a hunger strike until a certain individual is given the boot, people should do something that will better society.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools