Boiling Point

I just saw this MTV show "Boiling Point" where they go around and do annoying stuff to people, and see how long they last before they lose it. If the people last long enough without cracking, they give them $100.

Then there's "Punk'd" which is basically like Candid Camera with celebrities, hosted by Ashton Kutcher and that dude from BET's Hits, which did a lot of that same kind of stuff. And I remember last year there was a similar show hosted by Method Man and Redman where they did practical jokes on Ludacris and other people. I forgot the name though.

Anyways, what does that say about the state of our society and culture that there's so many of these kinds of shows? Can't be good, can it? I gotta admit, they're pretty addicting. I kind of feel guilty watching and feeling entertained. Like this Monday I am making sure to watch Punk'd cause Jessica Alba is in it.

It's funny but then I wonder if it's just good fun or if it is actually harmful to people that there's so much of this practical joke mentality. There's this episode of Jackass I remember when they put a fake baby wrapped in blankets on top of a car. Then, they would start to drive away while people around freaked out and tried to save the baby. It was funny, but basically came down to taking advantage of other people's genuine care and kindness to strangers.

Should we really be making fun of those who try to help? Is it ok to be wasting these good people's time and effort? Do these kinds of pranks desensitize the public awareness or willingness to help someone else? These are questions I ponder.

Usually at the end of each episode, when the people find out it was a candid camera kind of thing, they react positively and laugh at themselves. Everyone loves being on TV. Or like in "Boiling Point", I'm sure the $100 doesn't hurt. I guess you could say "all's well that ends well".

Well, I'm probably overanalyzing this thing like I do for everything else. I just get a weird feeling from watching this stuff too much. I don't know if it's guilt or annoyance or what, but something doesn't feel right.

Currently playing on my Winamp: Linkin Park - Numb
The last track of is in my opinion the best on the Meteora CD. Which, by the way is growing on me after a listening to it a few more times. I also recommend "Easier To Run" if anyone is interested in downloading songs from the album.

BASEBALL IN A FEW HOURS