The Hubster can’t watch American Idol. At least, he won’t watch the “Auditions” episodes. After the oh-so-music-savvy American public whittles down the hopefuls to the top eight or so, he’ll watch with me.
Last week, he came into the room while I had it on. He had to leave before he began cringing, sweating, and blushing. “I’m sorry,” he said to me as he made his hasty departure. “You can watch it if you want, but I just can’t watch them humiliate those people.”
You see, he’s that kind of a guy. He never wants to see someone else feel uncomfortable in any way. He hates surprise party scenes in sitcoms or movies where the surprisee says something regrettable before everyone jumps out and yells, “Surprise!” Recently, our pastor used a movie clip to illustrate a sermon point. It showed a young man saying grace at a family dinner in a bumbling, stumbling, Ben-Stiller-does-it-so-well sort of way. The Hubster leaned over to me and said, “My face is turning red for him….”
The Hubster is in the minority. The rest of us seem to revel in watching our fellowman being publically humiliated. Why? Why do we get such a thrill out of watching Randy crush some kid’s dream? When did we decide it was necessary to set our DVRs so we wouldn’t miss seeing that “crazy guy”? Isn’t it still politically incorrect to abuse the mentally handicapped? Somehow, the producers of American Idol, and by extension, the American TV viewer, didn’t get that memo.
But The Hubster got it. His mama taught him the Golden Rule. You know - the one about “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He lives it, breathes it, and practices it each week by refusing to see people just a means to “entertainment.” He seems them as God sees them: worthy of respect.
That’s Reason Number 145 in a very long list of why I love The Hubster. Stay tuned for more.
Brian does have a heart of gold and yours is kinda shiney too.
ReplyDeleteI feel sorry for some of the people who actually are talented but get panned anyway. Some of the acts that are horrendous, I figure they know how this goes, they've seen and probably ridiculed people with similar skills?? And they set themselves up for similar treatment. Shame on their friends for encouraging them unless part of the fulfillment is just being seen on National TV.
Didn't realize you had a blog, but I'm here now!
ReplyDeleteLove how you shared about your sterling fella. Bless you guys. xoxo
Susan, you're not late to the party! This is my second post. And Kim, I agree - someone told those poor souls they could sing....
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