Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and American Idol

Pop culture has invaded almost every aspect of our culture.  In the most important election of perhaps this century, Paris Hilton created her political ad, while sunning herself and trying not to swallow the umbrella in her drink, which still has many people talking in certain political circles.  While some of the most important news of our time was being aired, Britney Spears was being covered by the media as if she held the key to solving our economic crisis.  American Idol had far more viewers than the early presidential debates, debates that potentially impacted millions of Americans.  So what perhaps do Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and American Idol serve besides providing the obvious entertainment value?

Perhaps Britney, Paris and American Idol act as the fulcrum, balancing reality with the unimaginable.  For those of us who occasionally turn away from reality, we turn to Britney, Paris and yes, even American Idol for a little unimaginable inspiration; and, perhaps, those of us who are teetering on the edge with the unimaginable, Britney, Paris and American Idol bring us back from the edge into reality.  After second thoughts, maybe the entire value of what they offer to each of us through pop culture is just entertainment. 

Each of the two stars are extremely talented and financially successful within their prospective entertainment fields.  Many fans admire them for their beauty, financial success and talent.  However, few will ever be able to empathize with their plights.  Although people want to empathize with each of these talented stars few ever do.  After all, it’s difficult to relate to someone who has two million dollars in jewelry stolen from their mansion when most adoring fans and want to be onlookers will never see that amount of money. 

American Idol’s millions of viewers watch the show for its entertainment value and their respective admiration for America’s panel of three and very different judges.  Many viewers undoubtedly watch to be entertained, to be taken away from their imbalance of  teetering towards reality, wanting more of the unimaginable and that’s exactly what they get on American Idol.  The auditions for American Idol undoubtedly serve to bring more of the unimaginable back into balance. 

We all hope that Britney and Paris have long and successful careers and that American Idol continues to entertain millions of viewers of all ages.  Pop culture is an invasive influence and serves as an active ingredient in the recipe of American life.  Something has to act as the fulcrum to keep our lives in balance and perhaps Britney, Paris and American Idol don’t get enough credit.