The Beverly Hills Zoo

Technically speaking, it is probably necessary to watch more than two episodes of a television show before critiquing it. Judgment hit me fast and hard on this one.

I don't know how long "The Hills" has been in existence. I don't know what blessed season has just commenced. What I do know is that it bores me to tears, when it's not inspiring rage.

When did the networks decide that a bunch of rich, idiot children-of-celebrities deserve our attention? And who are the millions of people tuning in, making it worth MTV's money to have camera operators follow around useless wastes of space, food, and oxygen for our viewing pleasure?

I have had the great honor of meeting intelligent, active, hardworking, humble, politically knowledgeable, gracious young people from all walks of life; they don't have TV cameras following them around, showing eager viewers what one can accomplish in a day besides fight with one's boyfriend; go shopping; cry about a dress not fitting correctly; crash one's BMW, or get wasted and act like an asshole.

Here's why "The Hills", and all the other inane shows like it are political. First, because these shows are shown abroad; never in history have Americans been held in lower regard than they are now---televised glorification of entitlement and stupidity aren't helping. Second, because kids in this country are watching, too; they are internalizing images of vapid young millionaires, and their concept of what it means to be a good citizen, a hard worker, successful, smart, and respectable is swirling down the toilet. These shows have, quite literally, lowered the standards for all of us.

So the next time you find yourself flipping through the channels, don't stop for "The Hills"; pick something that makes you think. Whether it's the news, a cooking show, something scientific, or even a show like "Project Runway", which won't tax your intellect, but at least shows some folks working to earn something; remember that paying attention to the kids on "The Hills" is like laughing when the class bully picks on the new kid---you're only encouraging them. "The Hills" is nothing more than a televised zoo; please stop feeding the idiots.