bad pop culture is our best export

So this morning there was a big piece on the Arab-world version of American Idol/Pop Idol. I was pretty disturbed about hearing people talk about this great opportunity to vote and express their opinions-and they're talking about this exploitative contest where people desperate for attention sing pop standards and the audience votes. I hadn't had my breakfast yet, but I didn't know if I should laugh at the absurdity or feel sick.