The newest reality television sensation!

Reality TV kind of makes me sad for the future of humanity. It's fascinating, enlightening and a just little depressing observing cultural degradation. Watching bits and pieces of “So You Think You Can Dance?” last night (bits and pieces of reality TV already strain my brain's limits) spurred me to contemplate the depths of our Romanesque debauchery. …Anyone remember "Elimidate?"

Reality programming frequently features certain broad commonalities across different show concepts. Like a lion staring down a sickly antelope, producers often lock onto the weakest participant. Let’s just say, “Least Likely to Succeed” if there were a vote.

This is, of course, not to say that watching someone try and fail is not thoroughly entertaining television. My life would be a ratings juggernaut!

What is depressing is the inappropriately overconfident individual is usually blindingly unaware of his woeful lack of talent, ability and good sense. Shameless in his ignorance, the indignation after being told by the judges he “doesn't have what it takes” is amazing. At some point someone should have grasped him by the shoulders and shaken him vigorously, telling him, “Stop! You are not good at this! Learn a trade!”

Instead he will likely return for the next audition not having practiced, studied, or worked to improve in any appreciable manner, expecting to be ushered into an exclusive world of awards shows and all the free gift bags he can carry.

Meanwhile, out in the real world rogue nations are plotting the destruction of their neighbors and devastating disasters are occurring daily. Imagine for a moment that Iran made good on its threats to wipe Israel off the face of the planet. Chaos would ensue, not to mention a likely US versus The World apocalyptic cage match of World War Three proportions. The real show is just outside your living room window.

Which brings me back to our current fascination with reality television. The allure and the illusion is that fame and fortune are available to anyone – not just the lucky, gorgeous and/or talented. The "stars" could be you or your neighbor. With a modicum of effort, a strong stomach and an astronomical embarrassment threshold anyone can achieve Hollywood Nirvana.

There was a time when people understood lazy entitlement and hedonistic obsessions are counterproductive to a prosperous and safe civil society. Have we too allowed ourselves to become so preoccupied with pleasure at the expense of our own safety, or even our own existence? The indomitable Roman Empire seemed invincible – until it was conquered by barbarians. So much for “The Eternal City.”

Can we survive? And if we do, what will we watch after dinner?

I'm thinking about pitching the networks a new show. I'm going to call it, "So You Think You Can Survive the Apocalypse?"