TV Show and American Core Values

I chose American Idol as a popular television show in America that represents many of the American Core Values. The show is so popular because it is a representation of the epitome of the American dream.  Achievement and success is the main value of the show because the American Idol winner endures a stressful competition and their talent is measured by the American audience.  The new American Idol may become the next new big star in the world of music.  One of the greatest aspects of the show is that anyone can audition for American Idol.  The only restriction is an age limitation, but besides that, there is a huge freedom in who is eligible for the competition. The  American audience also witnesses the activity and work of the contestants every week until one idol is crowned.  As the audience watches the show each week, they will notice improvements in the singers and the progress each contestant has made. The judges point out a singer's improvements, work ethic, and overall success for each week.  

The audience of American Idol votes after every live performance to determine who will continue in the competition.  Individuals who are unique are often times the most popular and celebrated contestants, even if their singing ability is lacking. Popular singers are also usually youthful.  There are age restrictions for people beyond their thirties because Americans value the freshness of the someone young.  Although people like individuals, they also like the contestants to have the same accepted standards. People like being able to relate to an individual if there is an adherence to group patterns. The judges often base their opinions on conformity as well, so a contestant that does not conform may not be as popular.  

To keep up its popularity while it still reaps in the benefits, American Idol has had episodes in the past to raise money for charities.  They do this to make it look like they care about people because people like to see kindness and humanitarianism.  They have many sponsors and adds for material comfort things (like Ford and Coke) that people will see while they watch the show.  The show is also aired at certain times that are efficient to most audience members.  It is on a week day after the dinner hour that it is most practical for people to watch the show. 

Ultimately, American Idol has become a cash cow and most people never thought it would become such a success. The reason it has had such incredible success is because the show teaches that talent, success, and fame are some of the most valued ideas of American culture.  While they keep the show appealing for children to watch, they are also aiming the youthfulness at adults as well.  Americans like contestants they can relate to and they like seeing some ordinary person, like themselves, become a knockout star.