The Popstars programme was a disgrace, exploiting vulnerable teenagers for commercial gain, argues Breda Raggett.
At first I only glanced at Popstars as I felt it was geared for young people. However, as the weeks went on I watched it more intently as the TV is in the dining-room and the programme went out during meal times. I could feel my blood pressure going higher each week.
I am so angry and disgusted. I just could not believe what I was watching - young, vulnerable, fragile teenagers being sacrificed on the altar of commercialism.
Money, money, money, was written over the whole production. I was appalled to see those lovely young boys and girls put through such a humiliating and degrading experience in the interests of money and TAM ratings.
I cried watching the stress the young people were caused in worrying whether they would get through to the next round. As a mother I felt their hurt, frustration and, looking at the extreme disappointment etched on their faces, I felt that they had been led like lambs to the slaughter.
I watched the repeat of the programme on January 2nd, and the following evening when I watched the film Schindler's List I realised that I felt the same kind of emotion watching both programmes.
My perception of the three judges was that they were similar to parasites picking at the fragile confidence of our youth. It seems they were bringing in young people, building them up unbelievably and then cutting them down with cruel acidic remarks. They knew exactly what they were doing: they even came prepared with the box of tissues. The judges themselves, I feel, cried crocodile tears.
Young people are the assets of any country, so it is most important that they be treated as such. Are we not always telling young people they should respect their elders? Do they not deserve the respect in turn from us adults?
I would like to put the following questions:
Did the music promoters and RTÉ pay all these young people for their time and travelling expenses?
Were our youngsters exploited at a very vulnerable age? I know going through life they will probably get many setbacks, but considering the courage and enthusiasm they displayed in going forward for the programme did they have to be so publicly rejected?
WHAT will be the after-effects on those who did not make it? Will their self-confidence be damaged? One of the unsuccessful candidates described feeling as if there was a death in the family, and the father of one of the successful 6 said: "Our main worry was how she would react if she was rejected".
I understand RTÉ has to date spent more than 400,000 euro on the TV show and in return the station will receive 5 per cent of the bands' profits on record sales.
I would like to know if they have provided counselling, other than a box of Kleenex, for all those young people who did not pass the test, as I feel it is of paramount importance that the unsuccessful participants are assured of their value and self-worth.
I am by choice a viewer that chose our national station and in my home I have only RTÉ 1, N2 and TV3. Therefore I am saddened and embarrassed if any portion of my licence fee helped to make this programme possible.
Breda Raggett is national president of the Irish Countrywomen's Association