Decidedly
Musings on decisions and factors that drive them.
Palin and Balloon Boy
Wed, Nov 18 2009 12:01
16 minutes of "fame"?
At times one worries that one can merely become a contributor to another's "15 minutes of fame (infamy)" by commenting upon whatever led to that infamy. Where is the demarcation line between being horrified at the self-promotion of a Balloon Boy & Family and becoming part of their further promotion? That, of course, is the "producing genius" behind reality TV. The more horrific something is, the larger is the audience that it attracts.
Given that, the decision to watch Sarah Palin on Oprah was difficult. Was it important that I watch a potential 2012 political candidate spread out a "wish I coulda thoughta this earlier" re-write of history? Or was I merely contributing to the ratings for the show? To watch, or not to watch? That was the question.
In this era of "makeovers" and "reality TV," Palin criticized McCain campaign handlers for her "makeover." An ironic criticism, given that her book tour and promotional interviews are part of yet another makeover. This time a makeover of history. Was it this that bothered me?
During her interview with Barbara Walters, Palin stated that her family seemed to be becoming a "reality show." (Oddly, this was the aim of Balloon Boy's father.) Demurely feigned disparagement of this idea (or similar ones) might actually hide delight. During her interview with Barbara Walters, Palin held the overtly happy view that Letterman will only increase her book sales by his jokes. Was it my being so easily lured into this hype that bothered me?
The Balloon Boy saga and Palin's book are both about the spotlight, making money, and about the potential that money would allow for achieving something else. Content in the Palin book is secondary to that end, which is why it doesn't matter if it is true or not. The controversy and the hype about the book matter more. Center stage is better than being in the wings.
Just as the staged loss/recovery of Balloon Boy was only a means to an end, so the debate around this book serves another greater aspiration. A clear purpose ensures a greater chance of success. Knowing another's purpose makes their actions easier to understand.
What is the ultimate aim of Palin's book? It has less to do with "setting things straight," or what is past. It is a piece of a strategy that is focused most clearly towards the future. Just think about all the things that Sarah Palin would like to "make over," given the money and power that she might gain from sales of the book.
Keeping in sight these potential end "realities" will determine whether one purchases the book, or gets in line to read one of the many library copies already purchased. And remember, those purchasing will not even have to read it to have served the greater purpose. Just as my watching Palin on Oprah already contributed to that show's ratings. 16 minutes of fame, and counting...
Given that, the decision to watch Sarah Palin on Oprah was difficult. Was it important that I watch a potential 2012 political candidate spread out a "wish I coulda thoughta this earlier" re-write of history? Or was I merely contributing to the ratings for the show? To watch, or not to watch? That was the question.
In this era of "makeovers" and "reality TV," Palin criticized McCain campaign handlers for her "makeover." An ironic criticism, given that her book tour and promotional interviews are part of yet another makeover. This time a makeover of history. Was it this that bothered me?
During her interview with Barbara Walters, Palin stated that her family seemed to be becoming a "reality show." (Oddly, this was the aim of Balloon Boy's father.) Demurely feigned disparagement of this idea (or similar ones) might actually hide delight. During her interview with Barbara Walters, Palin held the overtly happy view that Letterman will only increase her book sales by his jokes. Was it my being so easily lured into this hype that bothered me?
The Balloon Boy saga and Palin's book are both about the spotlight, making money, and about the potential that money would allow for achieving something else. Content in the Palin book is secondary to that end, which is why it doesn't matter if it is true or not. The controversy and the hype about the book matter more. Center stage is better than being in the wings.
Just as the staged loss/recovery of Balloon Boy was only a means to an end, so the debate around this book serves another greater aspiration. A clear purpose ensures a greater chance of success. Knowing another's purpose makes their actions easier to understand.
What is the ultimate aim of Palin's book? It has less to do with "setting things straight," or what is past. It is a piece of a strategy that is focused most clearly towards the future. Just think about all the things that Sarah Palin would like to "make over," given the money and power that she might gain from sales of the book.
Keeping in sight these potential end "realities" will determine whether one purchases the book, or gets in line to read one of the many library copies already purchased. And remember, those purchasing will not even have to read it to have served the greater purpose. Just as my watching Palin on Oprah already contributed to that show's ratings. 16 minutes of fame, and counting...
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