American Idol

Yes, we watch it. However, the other night had me wondering whether I wanted to continue. One of the contestants was a country boy from Tennessee named Jesse. They had a little background clip on Jesse showing his rural life. I believe he grew up in poverty with limited schooling. His teeth are crooked and he had a hill billy twang. He performed as a country and western singer and was voted off.

I didn't think Jesse was a good singer but there was that moment when you remembered Kevin Skinner's first performance on "America's Got Talent." Kevin won the competition and has a rare ability to sing and communicate genuine emotion in his music. Kevin was ridiculed on the show because he, like Jesse, grew up in the back woods of America. Kevin earned his living as a chicken catcher. At least he was able to show the world what a unique and rare person he is. And, the world showed the show that they respected Kevin.

Jesse also had his dream to better his life, to pursue a passion, to change his life. He was honest and genuine, no airs and no attitude. But, he was treated miserably by the judges and by the producers of American Idol. Their behavior was reprehensible. They were insulting and arrogant. They laughed at his hopes, held him up to the country as a dumb hick undeserving of basic human respect. Jesse didn't win nor did the show.

I wish they had to live his life for just a month - with his perspective on life, his income, and his deep desire for change. These people of wealth and privilege need to learn some humility. I was angered while watching the show and still feel that anger and disgust as I write this. If you missed it I am confident they will replay Jesse's performance in their sad attempt at humor. It is sad.