February 22, 2007: American Idol-The Bitter Climb to the Top Begins

"Never be afraid to share your dreams with the world. Because there's nothing the world loves better than the taste of really sweet dreams."

I'm thinking of American Idol tonight as we get to know the top 24, then watch the unchosen (note the choice of word. No one is a loser in America if 45 million people see you do..well, anything) skulk off one by one. How innocent they all look right now in their press pictures.

This post is dedicated to them and to everyone vying for fame and fortune. Think not of what they'll do to reach those two elusive goals. Dwell not on the personal lives they'll leverage, and the grand, increasingly creepy tradition of media barter, as they claw for the brass ring. Factor in no odds, because odds are not with them, as Simon duly and fairly notes.

I hope they stay focused on what they want to say, sing, write, and create. It's a hard road and often confusing for the masses who equate fame for fame's sake and artistic contributions to culture, two very different beasts. But maybe it's good to have a sense of humor about these things. Thus, my contribution is an ode to bitterness from despair.com; it's for critics who make a career out of eviscerating artists and for artists who endeavor to create despite critical evisceration.