Webloggin » American "Idle"

I confess that over the years I have been hooked on American Idol. But that was then; I am now coming to the end of my addiction.

Why? It’s all due to “Idol Gives Back“. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for helping people in need. But there is a problem that is not being addressed by all of this feel good, look at us style of self promotion. The problem they are trying to solve simply isn’t rooted in a lack of money.

For instance places such as Africa will only be helped when their governments and the people change. All of us, (United States, Europe, Charities, etc…) have pumped billions upon billions of dollars, food, and aid to help the poverty stricken in Africa. This has been going on for decades yet despite our efforts the problem is still abhorrently dismal.

I’m not sorry to say that the only way for Africa to benefit is through democracy and capitalism. This goes beyond the charities. We should be building businesses and facilitating change that will help the people help themselves. Currently the people of Africa are living in the worst conditions imaginable, unfortunately throwing billions of dollars at it isn’t going to change it. The only thing we are accomplishing is facilitating more corruption to the detriment of the people we wish to help.

By doing so we act as enablers when we treat cash alone as the solution. This is a trend that we repeat constantly because of feel good politics. Politicians and deep pocketed Hollywood execs can beat their chests knowing that money flowed through their powerful hands toward a noble cause. Hidden behind the curtain however is a vacant spot with two simple words; no accountability.

I know that Idol is donating books and classrooms. This is good. But what happens when the cameras are turned off? This is where our efforts should lie.

Apart from the 5 million in aid though I can’t shake this feeling that the move by the American Idol execs seems disingenuous to me. Sure, they went, they saw, I believe that there was some emotional response invoked, but largely, I don’t think they are losing sleep over it. I hope I’m wrong.

Africa aside, I have a real problem with the depiction of the deplorable conditions in the United States. It was especially painful to watch Simon peruse the L.A. food pantry. Watching him go around telling us that he didn’t realize that “this” existed just a few miles from his house; oh my.

Starvation in America is not for lack of available help or plentiful food. No, the problem of children starving is one of parental neglect. People do not have to starve in this country. The simple fact that charities and food pantries exist should be the tipoff to Simon. Didn’t he notice the warehouse full of food? This is one of thousands of such warehouses across America. Help is there for the taking.

FYI to American Idol, I don’t need some 17 year old, wet behind the ears adolescent to preach to me about how bad the world is and how we need to give back.

As a side note on the always preaching Sheryl Crow. I am well aware that Smoking Gun has pointed out that it takes her some mighty big vehicles to move her entourage across country. I don’t begrudge her for needing huge tractor trailers or whatever she needs for concerts. Bands aren’t small and “you can’t move small if you ain’t small”. However, don’t begrudge me for my production needs. If my production needs are an SUV, then an SUV is what I’ll use. Your production is no more important than mine, so don’t preach to me about my usage sweetheart.

Others: Wizbang, Right Thoughts