Cheryl on the Web

The German government’s media watchdog is criticizing the song competition “Germany Looks for the Superstar” (in other countries known as “Pop Idols” or “Idols”) as “a conscious portrayal” of “antisocial behavior” as “cool” and “promising” (Spiegel.de). According to the leader of the Commission for Youth Media Protection, the popular TV show chooses which candidates are shown to the public and how they are portrayed in such a way that a quota of humiliation and mortification is met. “It is everything but normal, to overrun a candidate with descriptors of the foulest category, to make him look ridiculous due to supposed outward deficits, and to portray this as socially preferable [behavior]”. A leftist member of the Parlament in Germany has called the show “disruptive to the life dreams and self-confidence of rejected candidates”.

Interesting, is my first standard reaction on reading this news article. The criticism isn’t without a basis. Even I was a bit shocked by some of the animations used on the show to accentuate various negative characteristics of candidates, such as making the screen “sway” on entry of a heavy-set girl. On the other hand, many of the criticisms made by the jury toward the candidates are completely valid, such as them simply not being able to sing; not having prepared enough by at least memorizing the lyrics; not coming dressed appropriately. There is something satisfying about watching the program and having the jury word your own vague impressions of the candidate in a way more succinct and more humorous than you yourself could have. And there is of course always the point, that the candidates are volunteering themselves for the ridicule - this isn’t like the fashion programs that wander around the street with a video camera making fun of what passerby are wearing.

I guess though, what is more fascinating to me here is that the government thinks it has anything to say about it. I can’t for the life of me imagine something similar happening in the US. The government here is taking on a roll that the conservative watchdog organisations in the US traditionally occupy. I guess I should be thankful that at least some miniscule amount of the ridiculous income tax we pay here is going toward a good cause.