Mediocrity

So, it would seem that the Great British Public feels that mediocrity is OK so long as it entertains.

This sort of stuff began with Big Brother, in this case accumulating to the deification of Jade Goody as a major celeb, thus encouraging similar ilk to try to get on the box as an easy way of getting money and fame.

Now, of course, BB has finished but the mantle has been taken up by various other programs, notably X-Factor and Strictly Come Dancing.

Both programs pertain to be competitions which, by definition, means that the most talented performers would succeed whilst the wannabe’s fade away. Not so in modern Britain:

X-factor is meant to be a singing competition, so one would expect a singer to do well. However, for the second year running, a mediocre performer has acquired such a following that he stands a good chance of winning! Don’t get me wrong, he is entertaining, but a singer? I don’t think so... I suppose that he is marginally less irritating than those 2 pratts from Ireland were last year.

Similarly, Anne Widecombe has somehow managed to remain in Strictly Come Dancing despite the fact that she has the dancing ability of a sack of spuds. It is reckoned that she is “entraining”

Well, that’s OK then. Bugger talent and effort as long as you are entertaining you will get on. I can imagine what future job interviews will be like:

“So Mr Jones, you would like to join our company as an accountant”

“Yes, I do”

“I see by your CV that you have no formal qualifications”

“That’s right, I was too busy protesting against the government for raising the tuition fees cap to study or to take exams”

“Hmmm, so why should I employ you over other candidates who have studied hard and gained all of their accountancy exams?”

“Well, I’m entertaining”

“Really? That’s great! You’re just what we need. Welcome to our firm!

Come on Britain, let’s reward those with talent, instead of fawning over mediocre wannabes!