We, as a culture, sit and watch others do things. Thus a very small percentage of the population
is active and the rest eyeballs them.
There was a time when folks would watch talented people. Athletes, acclaimed actors, brilliant speakers.
Now, the bar is set so low there is virtually no job too boring or routine that doesn't merit its own reality series.
Nothing against dog groomers, but really.
I have never seen such tripe. Wait, untrue.
I love What Not to Wear, and have incorporated some of the televised styling tips into my own wardrobe.
Again, I am not sitting, but actually cleaning/writing/reading and look up at interesting junctures. It is not a show that demands full and focused attention.
One season I did follow Project Runway. But this brought together a group of talented designers. It was fun seeing the creative process unfold. Ultimately, that did get boring. So I ceased being part of the audience.
My only other exposure to such ilk is through The Soup with Joel McHale- whose job is to be a smirky, cultural commentator.
He often has clips of programs that are too (fill in the blank: stupid, horrid, mind-numbing ) to be true. And sadly, they are from actual shows.
I am also bombarded by promos. That New Jersey baker/thug who considers himself a Cake Boss, sounds like an extra from the Sopranos. Never having seen the show, I cannot imagine the drama or interest of watching someone mix flour and water and then add icing.
Recently, during a tough spinning class, the instructor called out that everyone on The Biggest Loser would be crying at that point of challenge. We all laughed. Again, I have never watched that show preferring to work out myself.
There is a Buddhist adage which states that no one ever became rich by counting his neighbor's gold.
Nothing is to be gained by simply staring.
One important activity. Impeach Bush.
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