In Roger Bacon's Novum Organum Roger Bacon discussed how the mind was prevented by various mindless obstacles to enhance scientific progress. He specifically described four different idols or obstacles. One of those he called Idols of the Market. In today's parlance, all this added up to was how we give ourselves to mindless chatter.

Idols of the Market. Sounds very familiar.

American Idol is one of those shows everyone loves to hate and vice versa. No one can quite make out if it superficially manufactures talent, discovers legitimate singers, or both.

Indeed, no one can really deny the talent of some of these singers. But one can easily argue AI is not interested in substance. It's a blueprint to make money not cultivate a future Mozart, Verdi, or even a Dylan. Nevertheless, the show is a Godsend for some people who would not otherwise have a fair shot. It's sort of like what blogging offers some writers - though with little or no possibility for financial gain.

American Idol is the perfect reality show. You can't deny its successful formula. Either 40 million Americans are dumb or they are not. It's that simple. Either American Idol mirrors contemporary culture or it doesn't. The show has all the essential ingredients needed to keep people interested. It has drama. It offers fame to obscure individuals. It has controversial judges and it has singers. Above all, it has broken and realized dreams colliding at a dizzying rate.

It also has a dark side.

I make no apologies for watching American Idol. Perhaps I may indeed be adding to the diluting of a more profound talent. However, something else grabbed my attention this year. One of the hooks offered by the show is that chance to laugh and mock people.