American Idol or American Bully?

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 Idols 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 everyones 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 Networks 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 cant 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 arent using this program to validate their verbal/physical bullying and victims dont use this as another excuse to stay silent.

For more on bullying visit http://richardpaul.com/articles_american_idol.shtml.

Michigan educational/motivational speaker and author Richard Paul and his Duck Sense programs mission is to present creative, entertaining and fun school shows and youth conference keynote speeches/teen workshops that promote self-esteem, acceptance, reduce conflict and help put an end to school violence.

His school assemblies, youth workshops, motivational educational books and CDs have one common thread which is to build character, stop the bullying, understand and respect diversity and offer up success skills to help end teasing and promote anti-violence in schools.

From his many articles, to his sought after fun, character advancement, motivational audio CD "Duck Sense" and his straightforward "Tackling Conflict Head On", chapter in a new nationally recognized book entitled "The Better Bottom Line", Richard shares the success tools and techniques to help promote a safer, friendlier, happier, productive environment.

Find out more about Richard Paul at http://www.richardpaul.com

Buy Apple iPod Touch
Cannondale Online Sale