The Real American Idol?
With the conclusion of American Idol Season 7, America is presented with a new idol to look up to, David Cook. The phenomenal success of the American Idol franchise can be described as a medium through which young men and women can achieve the “American Dream”. However, do these idols that Fox presents us with really embody what it is to be America’s idol?
According to the most accurate source known to man, Wikipedia, the American Dream is “described as a belief in freedom that allows all citizens to achieve their goals in life through hard work.” Most young Americans learned all about the American Dream in high school history and English classes. The main theme of it is that if you work hard, lead a moral life, and are a good person, you will achieve your dreams and be successful.
Does American Idol exhibit this? To some extent, yes. To their credit, Fox has done a certain amount to keep a moral nature to the show. For example, in the second season of the show, Frenchie Davis was removed from the show because of inappropriate behavior that was discovered of her. Clearly, she didn’t exhibit the kind of morality that is expected in someone working for the American Dream.
But Idol clearly doesn’t go all the way. The producers of the show have not done all they can to inspire social responsibility and promote morality within the fabric of America. Contestant David Hernandez engaged in acts similar to Frenchie, and was not removed from the show. He was only removed when he was eliminated after making it to the top 12.
So we must ask ourselves, if the American Idol that Fox presents us with is a true American idol. Is this a person that everyone can look up to and see as an inspiration? More often than not, it isn’t someone that the public can look to as an inspiration.
Morally conscious music is a rarity today unfortunately. Far too often are musicians and most celebrities in the news for all the wrong reasons. In and out of rehab stars are not indicative of the true fabric of America. Our duty as young Americans is to support good, socially conscious music and to avoid non uplifting music. For example, the Outlandish song, Kom Igen, illustrates the mislead music industry very well.
Ain’t about any gold or the ice
Sneaks and clothes is just part of the hype
MTV sucks big time
Cribs and bling – get a real life
Perhaps it’s slightly embarrassing that the band that exhibits the American Dream best isn’t even from America, but that should just be further motivation for all young Americans to support any good music they come across. Let us stand up to the music industry and let them know that we want REAL American idols to listen to.
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