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Is it worth it?

I was just reading thet Susan Boyle, the runner up on Britain's Got Talent, has entered a clinic as she's suffering from emotional exhaustion.

As everyone knows, Susan was the 48 year old who had learning disabilities, caused from oxygen depravation at birth. She had claimed to never have been kissed.

She made it all the way to the finals of the competition and ended up runner up. The exposure and the pressure from competition evidentually took it's toll.

In this case, is reality television worth it?

Several years ago American Idol held auditions in Cleveland. Our son Adam wanted to try out for the competition. As the readers of my wife's currently inactive blog know, our son suffers from bipolar disorder. As far as his singing is concerned, he is very talented. But as a concerned parent, I could not, with a clear concience, let him go to the auditions. At the time, he wasn't diagnosed yet with bipolar disorder, but was having seizures caused by stress.

Being raked over the coals by Simon Cowell, might have had devastating effects. I am not a stage parent though I want the best for my kids.

Comments

Shelley said…
I think the harsh spotlight could put pressure on anyone and damage their psyche.
June 02, 2009 9:09 AM
Pigeon said…
Every day life has more than enough pressure. I think you have to be able to handle stress well to deal with that type of situation.
June 02, 2009 9:48 AM
Syd said…
I'm sorry to hear that Ms. Boyle's heath suffered. There must be so much pressure to "win" these competitions. I can't imagine being in such a spotlight.
June 02, 2009 9:48 AM
Busy Bee Suz said…
I could never do it...nor would I want my kids to do it either. Reality, really is NOT real life.
Good call Cliff.
June 02, 2009 11:21 AM
clean and crazy said…
i agree, last year a past contestant, who did not make it past the auditions killed herself. reality tv sucks and it won't stop because it gives people something to look at other than themselves. great post, you always get me thinking.
June 02, 2009 1:50 PM
Diane Vogel Ferri said…
Hooray for you for being the voice of reason and doing what's right for the child - not chasing after this insane fame/attention/wealth that this country is obsessed with! If he's a singer he can and always will sing.
June 02, 2009 2:39 PM
Mike Golch said…
this is why I never want to even try to be on one of those shows.
June 02, 2009 2:40 PM
Pat Jenkins said…
exposing or having yourself exposed is traumatizing for anyone!!! whether you suffer from some emotional distress or not!
June 03, 2009 5:59 AM
Ms Hen's said…
Way too much stress.. and for what?
June 04, 2009 2:57 PM
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