 These past
few weeks on American Idol they have been auditioning singer
from all around the country in search of the lucky finalist who
will have the awesome opportunity to go to Hollywood. I have
watched many of the early tryouts and have heard some great and
not so great singers. My hat is off to these people who spend
days in a long line hoping to ultimately perform for the three
celebrity judges.
I like to hear the many stories they share of people who have
met new friends while waiting in line for the big chance. One story
in particular was about two young men pumped up, excited, supporting
one another and ready to demonstrate their originality to the judges
only to be voted down, joining the long list of others who have
failed to make the grade. The difference between these two individuals
and the others who have met the same fate is that they were not
only told they would not be going to Hollywood but they were also
laughed at and teased.
I understand that not everyone can win. If everyone won there
would be no definition for losers. If everyone won there would
be no room for improvement and growth. American Idol’s Simon
Cowell crossed the line when he told the contestant he “looked
like a monkey.” To make matters worse the two other judges
Randy and Paula just gigged and laughed like children supporting
a bully on a playground. Judges like referees have to have the
freedom to make the calls to keep the game interesting. Not every
call or opinion is to everyone’s liking but to say something
like that is crossing the line.
Each week I present my Anti-bullying/Anti-violence programs to
hundreds of students, corporate staff and associations. We discuss
tolerance, respect and kindness, sharing tips and suggestions on
how to end this kind of negative behavior at work, school or in
the community. Then we turn on the Fox Network’s hottest
show American Idol to observe a bully in action.
 Bullying
is “imbalance of power,” one person uses
their power to hurt or verbally harm another individual. A victim
is someone who is weaker or lacks social skills and the ability
to defend themselves. In this situation there is an imbalance of
power because we have a so-called celebrity teasing a weaker “regular” person.
The regular individual can’t defend himself because the celebrity
has the ability to control not only the situation but also the
final product air on the Fox Network.
The good news is that in the days following the broadcast, people
called into radio stations around the country and have joined in
on the discussion asking that Simon apologize to these individuals
and for the Fox Network to not allow this kind of bullying behavior.
Fox has listened to the concerns of their viewers and have tamed
down the insults aired on American Idol. This proves that when
we come together to stand up against the bully we can weaken their
power.
It is my hope that the bullies of the world aren’t using
this program to validate their verbal/physical bullying and victims
don’t use this as another excuse to stay silent.
|
