Cynthia Schneider: The surprising spread of "Idol" TV

[UNSEEN001]

Ninja's can compete as well !!!!!! AMAZING!! We're going across all kinds of boudaries these days. What if they lose though, could be dangerous.

[9886635574]

Haha... look at the worthless muslim copycats and ninjas run short of original ideas.

[MPControl]

you Americans.. take back your army from all over the world.. and we will be happy ... leave us and our lands alone...

you cannot live without interfering into others lives and taking their lives as in Iraq, Afghanistan and philistine..

[9886635574]

Why do you care where Americans deploy their armies? Why don't you muslims just focus on contributing towards mankind than whine like little pussies 24-7..

[MPControl]

I don't care about "where Americans deploy their armies", I care about the army who is killing our kids. Which is luckily the Amiricans always lead the ware.

It is not whether a Muslim or Christian, ware has no religion.

And why don't you start contributing towards mankind and stop steeling our lands and stop the ware !!

[MPControl]

Everyone can see the black history of the American army, they should understand there are other ways can solve the problems, 1914: World War I 1939: World War II 1950: Korean War 1960: Korean War 1961: Bay of Pigs Invasion 1983: Grenada 1989: US Invasion of Panama 1990: Persian Gulf War 1995: Intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina 2001: Invasion of Afghanistan 2003: Invasion of Iraq Full of blood, who knows maybe your country also will be the next "if you are not American".

[9886635574]

Yeah and if you closely observe, every one of them were against oppressive, undemocratic regimes. We stand for freedom. You like to bend down for Allah's dick. That's all.

[MPControl]

My friends, why you are using these words? I did not say anything bad. I was expecting our conversation to be in more higher educated ppl. If you can reply me in a polite way, please do.

[9886635574]

'Killing your kids'?? Really? How many? We infidels have done enough to alleviate the miseries so that muslim idiots like you can enjoy and use it against us.

According to your scriptures, shouldn't you be out in the desert wiping your ass with stones?

What you doing on the Internet, pig?

[eaacbcs]

"What you doing on the Internet, pig?"

Wow... I've read all both comments and I can SURELY say MPControl is not the pig here...

And by the way... "We stand for freedom."

Yes, but freedom for you Americans to invade other countries. Whenever you invade another country, you always place your big companies, there are always, and I mean, ALWAYS politcal and economic motivations behind that "We stand for freedom" phrase.

[9886635574]

@eaabcs - Hey pigface, I don't see us invading other democratic countries. It's the Islamic fools who have a beef with us. If you think you can play us around, we will fuck the living daylights outta y'all. Period.

Oh yeah, there ain't no free lunch either. Get screwed.

[eaacbcs]

Hahaha Damn! The more you post something, the more stupid you are.

I never said you invade democratic countries. LEARN TO READ ASSFACE.

It's ppl like u who need to be killed in those wars...

[9886635574]

Well, I assume you will get to the point soon, fruitcake.

[eaacbcs]

And I'm not saying that Democratic is better or worse than the political system in other countries. However, everytime the Democratic system gets into a new country, it's the liberal ideology what gets into it to. And that's something nowadays it's bringing new social and economic problems to those countries (I know there are lots of benefits too), but it's not an answer to those countries.

[9886635574]

So, you're saying democracy has its flaws. Ofcourse it does, numbnuts.. Could you have found a better alternative that works, genius?

Would you rather live in Iran and have your balls cut off for speaking out against the regime, or have yourself sentenced for life in China?

[arav00]

there was an arab idol called superstar as well as star academy which is more like big brother and xfactor mixed togather. ALSO in this poetry show there were other women as well but for some reason they were not shown in this report!!!!!!! they only showed the woman with the burqa

[Yamakashi1]

Why is she walking like that?

The obvious thing to ask is does she have a dick?

By the way, interesting subject... if i cared.

[kinghomsar]

No, it started with Pop Idol, or maybe even something older. She won't even check her facts...

[primate924]

yeah pretty boring this one and what have we learned?

[HumanistWikitopian]

Britain's Got Talent didn't begin until 2007.

American Idol was actually a spin-off of the British television series "Pop Idol" which debuted in 2001, and was later replaced by "The X Factor" due to Simon Cowell's wish to produce his own show, which he and his record label (Syco) held the rights to.

[Blackeyesasma]

what a bull shit

she don't know STARACADEMY

we don't need your amarikanazation

you uglyeyed

[PSK11489]

The IBM ad afterward is more interesting than the TEDtalk it paid for.

[HumanistWikitopian]

London has had congestion charging since 2003, and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems have been in use here since 1979.

[PSK11489]

Cool! I'm an engineering student, contemplating civil, and it's very relevant to my studies. I'm glad I learned about this.

[doctorHOUSE]

ted allows any dumbass on the stage these days

[jfosterdyess]

4:00 - Hilarious!

[1ferg1]

horribly patronising, uninformative, terrible talk. TED is going downhill. "wow the arabs are so cute look at them learn about democracy through our shit tv formats!" sickening

[felipooooo5]

i didn't get the patronizing aspect of it. rather, it's more of a note on the transformation to a more progressive and active state - in otherwise dogmatic and archaic societies - as a byproduct of popular junk television shows. but i agree that TED videos are getting weaker

[tantzer]

"They've learned how to loose gracefully, without avenging the winner."

This was a pretty smart presentation until the racist bit here. She speaks as if grace, humility, and compassion are alien to Afghan culture. What a shame. And, of course, the audience laughs along.

[jursamaj]

Afghan isn't a race, it's a country. So a statement directed at it (whether appropriate or not) can't be racist.

[tantzer]

It is not the literal sense of racism I had in mind. I had in mind feelings of cultural superiority rather than racial superiority. Nowadays, "racist" is often applied to those who think their cultural heritage is superior to others.

There is gorgeous Persian poetry from centuries ago from what is today Afghanistan on the importance of compassion and detachment from greed & material things. Afghans don't need to learn these things from American style reality TV shows.

[jursamaj]

To the extent "racist" may be used that way, it's still wrong. But I tend to be a lot more picky about word use than many people.

And while it may well be true that Afghans don't *need* to learn things from America, the issue was whether they *have*. From the headlines we're seeing, they need to learn something from somewhere. [shrug]

[tantzer]

@jursamaj Afghanistan, due to its terrain, does not have much agriculture to support a strong state, hence the prevalence of local militia. It was a battle ground between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, which killed millions. All these factors have made it one of the poorest countries in the world, with malnutrition and disease rampant. Meanwhile, entire villages have been blown up from the air by the US, and civil war continues to plague the country. These are the country's problems.

[chawk111]

I don't think that was intended to get a laugh. Also, she seemed uncomfortable when they did laugh for as long as they did - made it seem like she was taking a cheap shot at a culture she has obviously put a lot of effort into trying to understand.

"They.." in that sentence dose not refer to Arabs or Afghans but to the contestants in the show and she is saying that it is beneficial to have people (especially uncompassionate people - who can be found anywhere) see their good example.

[golddragon1967]

It's laughable. Let's not talk about the gross human rights violations going on in these places, let's talk about how they have a show like american idol there. "See how much we're all alike?". It's a lie and it's disgusting.

[tantzer]

@golddragon1967 Yea, let's not talk about the fact that Americans have wiped out whole villages from the air, both after and before Mr. Obama's election. Gross human rights violations indeed.

[tyrannicoystercult]

@golddragon1967

this is a non-sequitor.

other posts also seem to think that a format of voting for things that one likes is somehow inherently western or inherently shitty television, forgetting the important part is the people using it: any format must be filled by content, created by people. this is a beautiful part of how each city or show can be unique if its makers actually try and use passion.

[jursamaj]

Is there anything wrong with talking about *both*? Surely you've seen quite a few videos posted about the atrocities there. What's the problem with having a video that looks at some other aspect? It might help keep people from viewing the residents as sub-human, just because they aren't just like us.

[chouzan]

I would argue against her statement that Americanization isn't occurring, pointing towards the recent winner of the Afghan Star who took her scarf off on television which was a major social taboo and her life was at risk following it.

[mmedefarge]

Is this really an "Americanization" or more of a clash of the past with the present? There was nothing in the format which demanded that she remove her scarf.

[cannoir]

she used a much more nuanced stance.she basically sadi that the tools ( western tools) were being adapted to the suited ME audience in an unexpected positive way.You will not see males wearing earings there and you won't the half naked lady gaga even in 500 years.

I like the part where she said that they learned to not bully or intimidate the winner.which is the case in egypt in egypt for example.

[tetranoob]

umm it was a costume malfunction. jk

[nowevilivewon]

I would not personally equate the ability to show your face as a sign of Americanization (perhaps a better word might be Westernization), but no doubt the presence of foreign troops has incited these women to look outside their culture and leap upon opportunities to liberate themselves from certain oppressive societal demands.

[IanEColeman]

This is a religious issue more than a cultural one. It's not as if the West is the only place that doesn't require women to cover there faces. Nore is it exempt from the tradition. Nuns are an example of the same religious custom found elsewhere. People need to stand up to the religious oppression that happens in these countries. Without religion,all of these problems could be easily resolved.

[dominice112]

Agreed up to a certain point.

To cover up your head does not explicitly mean there is an religious motive. The nuance can hardly be found in speeches or even rants by non-secular and secularists.

If, by trust, we can say it's a choice the discussion is nullified, which gives us the opportunity to demonstrate how different cultural/tribes can evolve.

Oppression is by definition wrong. And yes, a viable choice must be available. This story tells me that there is (at least for some) a choice.

[IanEColeman]

No I sustain that its religious, and that religion is part of culture and vice versa.... You might not hear it being debated - but religion is the primary way throughwhich men in these cultures control women into this kind of nonsense. Search up Christopher Hitchens - and you can see exactly what I mean.

[dominice112]

This double standard you carry on is getting annoying. "These culttures" and "control women" and "this kind of nonsenes".

If there is anything you should have learned from Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins or Stephen Fry (the last is a direct reference to The Inteligence Squared) is that "THEY" are not so different to US.

We have no right at all to judge other cultures based on their religion if we (secular or non-secular) can't sort our own cultural issues without religion.

Atheist or not

[IanEColeman]

I completely disagree. Its entirely possible to have culture without religion, and so we should have. It is nonsense and it should be abolished. Do you deny that these cultures set a much lower value on women than we do in mainstream North America? I don't care if its politically incorrect, I think all religions are a negative influence and should be done away with. They are different from us, and thats not a bad thing - its not racist, or bigoted to believe in human rights.

[mikontisott]

@dominice112 Nonsense dominice, life is a judgement call, life is comparison

[dominice112]

If there is a purpose for humans to be on this planet, please let me know. Up until the moment you can convince me of such an calling I can't agree with you.

Regarding the word comparison; It might be that my understanding of the English language isn't strong enough.. so, please, could you explain me how and what you mean by comparison here?

[ferre347]

you think men in our country control us..you are so misconcepted

we really have freedom, you should come here to see for yourself. not what the western media is suggesting!!

islam lebirated women in every aspect.. you just have to open your mind and seek the truth by yourself..

[shihouka]

Yeah, we see the liberation each time another rape victim is stoned to death, or another woman buried alive. Western media just reports, and the unlikeable aspects are usually the ones that gather the most attention.

There are good people everywhere, and there are bad people who hide behind religion. That's why religion gets blamed, because due to its nature, it cannot distance itself from these people.

[jursamaj]

@shihouka "Western media just reports"

Oh, that's a good one!

Western media often does more than just report. Just check out Fox News' agenda.

Now I'm not saying our media is all wrong about the arab world. But it's not all *right* either.

[shihouka]

@jursamaj

Fox News is not even 1% of western media, and they are only watched in USA. To be frank, a case of mild retardation is prerequisite to watch that channel. Same goes for some arab channels, so it all evens out nicely.

Also, one more thing you need to realize is considerable cultural differences. Something you wouldn't consider an issue is big news on the other side.

[jursamaj]

True, Fox isn't everything, but I doubt it's as low as 1%. That depends, of course, on 1% of *what*.

But Fox is just the most egregious offender. *All* news outlets have slants. Not necessarily political agendas, but they push what the public seems to want. Whether it's true or important isn't an issue.

As for the differences, it's not just across major culture divides. Much of the media seems to obsess over celebrity antics, about which I care almost nothing. [shrug]

[shihouka]

@jursamaj

There is quite a lot of countries that we label as "western culture". Check wikipedia for some maps and what not.

Fox News is just USA, it has a tiny western audience. When i said 1%, i was being generous.

On the subject of reporting, there is difference between reporters and news pundits. Pundits job is to run their mouth and be opinionated. It amazes me to see how many people think that Fox "News" has anything to do with journalism.

[IanEColeman]

No I don't think its a misconception. Let me explain. I'm an atheist and one step further an anti-theist. Wether men in your culture control you or not, the tradition of covering your face or head is clearly an act of religious oppression, and has no justification. I am quite morally opposed.

[FlyKitesInTheRain]

I didn't take her tone in that instance as mocking her covering....more just that those in the audience would probably be unaware that these competitions even extend into those countries....that they have what the Western countries, if you will, have . Not saying that I was unaware, I just took her tone to mean that. I don't think it was about literally being unable to physically identify her because she's dressed. If that were the case though, I agree with you that it's wrong.

[BorderlineOffensive]

muslim women living there life hiding behind that head scarf. i guess if it makes them happy, but its not about whether they feel happy, its about making their husbands happy. sick twisted ideology, more power to them to become more "westernized" or as i would say 'normal'

[jwil2570]

Seriously though, the girl wearing laid back comfortable clothes, some converse, hair barely done, and hanging out at the library, is the sexiest thing ever! Not even kidding. :)

The girl on the volleyball and debate team.... Omg! Lol

[ferre347]

i love the poet of the million program cause it really promotes ethics and moral culture as the poems always spoke about peace, love and commitment..

really nice

[jlewis300]

I think it is interesting that western "forms" are not being introduced for certain (poetry, in the west, nooooooo), but that western systems (anonymous voting) are. For better or worse it is all very interesting =)

[cicatriz79]

what an arrogant audience and presentation. the word 'tribal' bothers me immensely - these people aren't running around the jungle in loin clothes... are quakers and hutterites tribal? in regard to the laughter at her quip about not avenging the victor: you are not better then them, you are not a civilizing force, you just think you are.

[earthangelrojanie]

wow cynthia starring the eyes so big open thats i recognize ..

[vkgiotis]

I liked Cynthia's vid.

However I would like to comment on the Stockholm traffic video from min. 5:38 onwards.

The fact that solving a city's traffic problem by just imposing another tax to me seems ludicrous. The solution seems over simplified, like eg. cutting your head off to cure a headache.

I'm sure that Stockholm also has an excellent public transport system. That's probably they say that the solution "worked". It would be a different story for city like Sydney for example.

[shamefulidiot]

@ 0:28 "but you might not recognize Aydah Al Jahani"

i wonder why.

[kamjarfadai]

wow I know I am a bad guy, but i couldn´t hold my laughing when i saw the women in burka´s. how can you look at that and not think how idiotic it is?

[cherylwens]

We're living in a society of victimhood where you can't hurt anyone at all times. The result is political correctness and reverse racism.

[bigtigard]

You would think that only if you are an Idiot your self..-:)

You have to understand the language and the culture, to appreciate what is happing here. It is sad that you cant see pass the veil. As world citizens we have to start respecting each other culture. We the people of the ancient culture, respect the Western world, when are they going to respect as people? Thank you.

[kamjarfadai]

@bigtigard I´m actually Iranian, and no i don´t believe all cultures deserve the same respect. Would you respect the Mayan blood sacrifices, just because they are part of their culture? A lot of cultures are still barbaric in that sense. I judge them by how well they uphold the universal human rights, like equality between men and women (Hetro- and Homosexuals ) and their people's freedoms.

[kamjarfadai]

@bigtigard I would say most of the western world is centuries ahead right now, and by respecting these ancient barbaric cultures we will only slow down their progress of getting with the times. Us criticizing certain parts of their cultures will lead them to question and hopefully to improve their culture. I think our morals and values should come from secular and reasonable discussion, not from absolute theology or other superstitious believes.

[cherylwens]

I didn't say television was reality. It's a depiction. It's open to interpretation and at times, distortion. The reality is that people will always want to watch what attunes to their sense of reality.

[truefictions]

Submit yourself to collective judgment.

[truefictions]

Propaganda at work.

[osillyone]

Fascinating and hope-inspiring... a very thoughtful video.. thank you, Cynthia Schneider, for giving this talk.

[calumlittle]

It was Pop Idol, not Britains got talent, oh and the elections in Afhanistan were rigged, so a TV show? Come on, research please.

[azndude3600]

That was a great presentation.

[mshaw88]

deer in the headlights the whole time lol

[ratmanrod]

thanks IBM FOR SCREWING US OUT OF MORE MONEY

[tdreamgmail]

It began with pop idol. X factor and britains got talent came later.

[ifuckyouintheass]

those lucky people have american culture now.

i hope someday america bombs the shit out of my country and kiills my children so i can have these precious tv shows.

[1schwererziehbar1]

once again the american culture shows its universal superiority and turns a country of goat shepperds into a country of tv heads. and that only with the subtle power of a multibillion dollar war.

[tdreamgmail]

indeed the smugness of the presenter and inability to explain why these shows are popular is a typical example of the world revolving around america.

The reason the shows are popular is because you can go from zero to hero in a heartbeat. You just have to be discovered and everyone gets that opportunity.

America has a great habit of taking ideas from other countries and taking full credit as the originators.

[david0aloha]

You're kidding right, that everyone gets that opportunity. I think that's a rather naive comment to make.

[tdreamgmail]

The idea that anyone can walk up and take an audition. You get your shot, even if it's not on tv. The ethos, the idea, that you could do it. Even though AI are looking for particular types and screen that way. People believe that could be me, my brother, my friend. And in doing so connect far more than a character in a sitcom.

[david0aloha]

Yah, that's a really good point. The belief that it could be them is probably as strong a factor in actually lending to the possibility of them being involved as any screening that the idol show would implement.

"Whether You Think You Can or Can't, You're Right"--Henry Ford

[david0aloha]

Totally agree with you on the rest.  It's just that one point.

[morfeo82]

So, 5 min of hot air and 3 min of global warming propaganda?

[Sardonac]

Global warming propaganda? The clip is about air pollution, not carbon emissions and was clearly made as an IBM ad.

[DonVoghano]

How beautiful, after we bombed the shit out of them and doubled the production of opium, we gave them Afghani Idol. Now they truly do know what democracy is.

[GRNoam]

it may be because I'm very very high, but this brought a tear to my eye!

[wevenhuis]

Interesting subjet. Put forward well.

[lordrazi111693]

that car commercial is on every TED vid.

:(

[ticijev]

Competition and winning is NOT a universal human value! just a thought :)

[ticijev]

I mixed up value with virtue, so never mind my previous comment. Sorry for my bad English.

[jwil2570]

I'd argue that. The branch in our evolutionary history is too recent for any culture to lack the will to compete. Also, those cultures which haven't competed in the past, were easier to kill off. Competition is a force in natural selection.

[ticijev]

@jwil2570 Yeah, you're right, I guess I just wish there was no more selection among humans :) But maybe I just say so because the grass is greener next door at the moment, or I haven't a big enough car to compete :P

[jwil2570]

Yeah, but you have a car! Your automatically on the better half of humans. No, we mustn't feel satisfied! Lol, space ships is our next goal. I call it, keeping up with the Jetsons. "But hun, the Jetsons have one."

[ticijev]

Actually I don't have a car, but I know what you mean. I'd like to believe that working together will bring us to space ships - and not competition. I guess what I wanted to say in my first comment is; competition shouldn't be a universal human value. (I think aborigines don't know the concept of winning - I kind of like that) - but it won't bring them to space ships, I know.

anyway, thanx for your replies

cheers

[jwil2570]

Yeah, It's more of a method of expressing those things which we value. Art, music, poetry. I think competing can be healthy if done right. I know what you mean though. So long as it doesn't enthrall our lives.

[teenspirit1]

and rightfully so. I live in a country where honor killings happen, and I approve her tone.

[jwil2570]

Damn. I like you. Your kick ass.

[supermaucat]

Truth is never politically correct. Grow up.

[princeofexcess]

I love that! And its so true. Truth is not politically correct

[jwil2570]

Great point. If it wasn't true people would say, "that's factually incorrect,"  rather than "that's politically incorrect."

[themindminder]

1:40 The cameraman or director asks the boys " Can you run while saying "I'm late to watch Afgan star"". We sit here thinking this propaganda is real, while intellectually analysing the rise of 'idol' TV.

It's just two different forms of brainwashing.

[GRNoam]

say what?

[themindminder]

To GRNoam

The boys in the video were not miraculously captured by a documentory camera crew running home to watch Afgan star. They were directed to do so. This is propaganda being manufactured for all us TED subscribers.

We sit here 'fascinated' by how people can be easily manipulated, while being easily manipulated.

WWAAKKEE UUPP people !!!!!

[GMLSX]

Who claimed it was a documentory camera crew in the first place? Other than you.

[themindminder]

There is also the other footage of familys connecting TVs and power generators etc and sitting smiling while watching TV. is a give away that it is staged. Do you really believe this is real???

[GMLSX]

Well, in this case I have to suppose that EVERY video on YT of an idiot that sets him self on fire is also staged.

And on the boys case. I also think it was manufactured. As an advert for the show on its very own TV station or these boys just took the chance to get some attention.

And not as TED propaganda.

[GRNoam]

lmao of course it's real. have you ever lived in a third world country?? you'll hook shit up anywhere just to get it working. the only reason they are acting funny is because there's the TV show camera crew there. -- what's the big "propaganda"? -- TV shows do this all the time here.. you visit fans and film them or whatever to promote the show.

ugh. I really don't understand you.

[GRNoam]

lol WHAT??? who would EVER think they were "miraculously captured"? -- I don't understand this at all. What's so sinister about trying to promote a TV show? we do it all the time here... and OF COURSE the family knows they are being filmed. and OF COURSE the kids are given directions... I am so confused by this comment. --

wait... Dale Gribble, is this you?

[felixthehuman]

Actually it started in LA, no, wait

Actually it started at my college, no,

Actually it started at homecoming (I won!), no

Actually it started at Sunday School Halloween Costume Contest, 1975,

No Actually it Started at the Signing of the Declaration of Independence (that John Hancock!), no

Actually it started at the Colosseum in Rome,no

Actually it started in Athens, Greece, no

Actually it started with Essau and Jacob (trickster!), no...

[Brigitte727]

No surprise to me. People live for TV and on TV. Whatever happens outside TV doesn't happen at all. I feel sorry for all these persons whose lives revolve around television. And it's a virus... it knows no borders. Sad.

[cherylwens]

TV is a depiction of reality. Maybe you've a problem with people spending large portions of their daily lives obsessing over one thing. Blame it on addiction then. Not TV.

[Brigitte727]

Ever been to a news production meeting? I have, several times, trust me, TV is no depiction of reality... You have no idea how they decide what will or won't be on the 8pm news. What you watch on TV is what some decide you must see. They take advantage of an addiction like you've said TV is, and use it for their own profit. I agree people are addicted to TV, but disagree about TV is not to blame.

This is one addiction nobody wants to heal people from.

Manipulation is the name of the game

[creten69]

and id like to add if you challenge the boundries that tv does, you will be labeled a trouble maker. Only make believe is real and acceptable.

[cherylwens]

What's so surprising about the spread of "Idol" TV? Hasn't she heard of "Karaoke"?

And the Candidate would be a good show if participants shout "Yes We Have" as opposed to "Yes We Can". These days, you can win an award before you've done anything worthy. It's like wiping your arse before you shit.

[looker768]

I wonder what the rule by religion states sing about.....

[RarewareLover]

The Candidate sounds like a cool show. I wish America had an interesting unbiased way of presenting the issues as opposed to an anchor talking at you for 30 minutes to an hour.

[jalgjalg]

Botox

[FantasmaBAnco]

should wear pants

[BoStevoD]

Great, so people across the world are voting for shallow, meaningless entertainment icons; meanwhile their governments become more and more totalitarian. Super.

[david0aloha]

Should've put this in my last comment, but look up "Japanese Idol" and you'll find information about the history of idols in Japan over the mid-late 20th century. That's where this phenomena started, not in Britain.

[xingfenzhen]

very true, it was very popular in the 70's and 80's. Paticularly the rise of Momoe Yamaguchi and how she swept though asia, AFTER she retire and get married. oh, and Kōhaku Uta Gassen sing contest that airs on new years eve, very popular too back then, even in China.

But from 2000's onwards, idols shows get mind numbingly domb. But it could be cause I got older.

[CHVNX]

It all started with X-Factor. Get your facts straight.

[xenniex2]

with 'started', she meant the start of extreme interest. Britains got talent introduced this kind of stuff to the world

[david0aloha]

Actually, it started more in Japan. That's a huge fallacy that it started in Britain.

[blueskiesmev]

pop idol was before x-factor, and don't forget stars in their eyes.

[IC1101]

Saudis are such fucking idiots....

Just look at those women.

[swyft187]

Yet they own 6% of the U.S.A.'s GDP... Stupid?? bwahhahahaha

I don't like the way they treat their women anymore than you do but their empire doesn't look like it's going to disappear anytime soon...

[audiowiz]

Interesting! Still, TED speakers exaggerate far too much.

[Fensterplaetzchen]

in what sense?

[gotilk]

I certainly hope so. Or at the very least mutual tolerance. The problems arise when the ones who claim tolerance of views/lifestyles/beliefs contrary or different than theirs obtain power or majority. The tolerance seems to go away. If all cultures could agree at the very least to insist on tolerance, I think we could achieve that peace. It is my hope, but I have not seen it yet.

[TimTrimT]

Nice presentation, but Cynthia has the eyes of a Slow Loris....  :D

[WatcherThePunk]

Right off the bat, I wonder how anyone could "recognize" that poet.

[tmafkap]

That poetress makes me remember the first time I saw female arab soldiers from Iran in the news somewhen in the mid-80s. I thought they were Ninjas.... :0D

[gotilk]

It is always fascinating here in California. We have a slogan.California:"It's The Cheese"inferring that it's somehow our greatest export.Our culture is our greatest export.And not (most) of the ones you mention. Our music, films, literature, attitudes.Look below the surface and you will see a truly post-enlightenment cultural significance that has crept out from under the consumerism and selfishness of what the world SEES as the American way.And it has nothing to do with Coke, cigs and Burgers.

[mikefoz]

b...b..b..but it didn't begin with Britain's Got Talent. That started showing well after the first year of America's Got Talent.

[mspatti]

Did anyone hear her closing line. "the substance of things unseen is driving reality"

She quoted the Bible (I wonder if she was aware of this?)

The Point is: ' Faith is the substance of things not seen' is the quote.

Faith always has driven reality, whether you are aware of the (supposition) faith you are operating on or not.

So, the idol shows are spreading the philosophy of democracy.

[barrywilliamsmb]

Hello mspatti,

I find it interesting that similar to democracy, talent and popularity play a role in these programs - as evidenced by contestant representatives beating the bushes for votes.

Will influence peddling, bribery and corruption follow?

Thanks Cynthia and TED.

[WellIAMScottish]

I LOVE the idea of "The Candidate"!!! Democracy is an evolving social paradigm. The more people that can really get involved, the better, imo.

[CearaQC]

Sad... getting more people addicted to television is not good.

[tieInterceptor]

you didn't get this video at all...

[CearaQC]

Then please, enlighten us all and tell us what good television addiction does for any culture. The little kids saying, "we're late for watching TV" and the people doing whatever they could to get power to their televisions. That sounds like the beginning of addiction to me.

[dreapster]

If greater social equality and political reform (because that's exactly what's going on in the region) are considered "television addiction," then I think more countries need to be addicted to television.

[moulingalette]

@CearaQC Your idea of "addiction" must be pretty strict. I guess if I like to read books, I must be addicted to books.

[tieInterceptor]

you really really ... really didn't get it,

[saxquiz]

Well at least these shows are spreading a semblance of democracy.

[kRAZYCanuck22]

the democracy of singing?

[saxquiz]

Well the winner is chosen by voting.

[cookie4monster4]

"and they also have learned how to lose gracefully. Without avenging the winner." hahhaa, too true, too true.

[blueskiesmev]

yeah, because before reality tv they were all evil animals that killed each other over tiny disputes.

[flyhead2]

Oh, for fuck's sake.

[wolffenhaus]

Poets always take risks, beautiful women will always have others to help and handsome young men will be idols.