American Idol Changing the Way We View Talent

A new season of American Idol has begun and, although I am not a huge fan, I do love seeing the auditions.  The auditions are always full of extremely strange individuals who in reality can not sing.  Each person who auditions is portrayed as a typical everyday American who is trying to accomplish the new American dream of becoming famous.  This reflects that perhaps American culture values fame not only as a dream for success but also as a guide for everyday life.  American Idol demonstrates this by showing that the contestants are OK with being judged, rather harshly, by a panel of famous celebrates telling them how to improve on everything from their singing to their wardrobe.  This made me think that this show is a great example of how the American culture consumes media because what does American Idol offer its viewers?  It does not make you think or offer new information, all it does is entertain.  Not that their is anything wrong with entertainment but American Idol has , in a way, changed the way we perceive ‘talent’.  After American Idol, becoming famous does not require ‘talent’ like singing well or being able to dance.  Now being famous can be as easy as making yourself look ridiculous on shows like American Idol.