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“In A Competition Full Of Hamburgers, You’Re A Steak:” American Idol And The Role Of Reality Television In The Maintenance Of Our Egos, Kathryn L. Braun

Kaleidoscope

Over the past decade, reality shows have ascended to the top of the Nielsen rating charts and have assumed a dominance that is difficult to cast aside. One such reality show, American Idol has grown in popularity over its last six seasons. This chapter discusses one of the main arguments of a larger honors thesis that examines the underlying motives that keep American viewers watching. As a cultural commodity, American Idol can be viewed as a product of American values and holds a societal purpose for its viewers. Therefore, the arguments within this chapter propose that the great popularity enjoyed …