Far From Neutral Notions - Philippine politics, culture and stuff

The idea of the “big break” is a relatively old one, most likely dating back to the first time someone thought to themselves “Hey, I can do that!” while watching someone on stage, or the big screen. Because stars aren’t born or made — they’re discovered. And maybe, just maybe, if it was you at the right place, at the right time? Whatever, you get the idea.

It plays perfectly to our sensibilities, because it’s a shortcut, albeit a very random one, and everybody loves shortcuts. Without the need to work hard and pay their dues to an unforgiving industry, those lucky enough to be “discovered” are catapulted to instant stardom: fame, fortune and glory.

It is thus the most wonderful absurdity of 21^st century television that the media networks (and, lately, products), in an effort to become more efficient in snagging the next great star, have centralized the process of “discovery”. It’s less random and certainly effective, marketing-wise. Hell, it’s genius: while you’re looking for your next star, the machinery for promoting him/her is already running. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant.

Nevermind that it’s exploitative, degrading, and totally exposes our populist bias.

That said, everyone, meet Chino, the dog:

See the rest of the be/bengka contestants at my Multiply.

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