Because these shows are dumbing down our society. They are complete and utter trash and the people who give them ratings should be ashamed of themselves.
Actually, So You Think You Can Dance, for instance, has popularized dance and styles of dance that were unknown to the general public up until the moment when the show started. Not only that, but with such elegance, and quality professionals - some true talents, worthy of being called ARTISTS because of their artistry and craftsmanship, from costume designers, make-up artists to choreographers and dancers - that it's unfair to say it is dumbing down our society.
If anything, it's contributing in the exact opposite direction.
It dumbs down society because people watch this mindless crap and then get obsessed with the people performing instead of worrying about real issues like these corporations buying off our politicians and running our country into the ground. Or the unnecessary wars that our government wages in the middle east. These shows are just huge distractions to keep people unaware, and stupid. Then they run their manipulative ads to keep people consuming crap that they don't need. ALL IN THE NAME OF PROFIT. You stupid fucks should be ashamed of yourselves. You are walking around oblivious.
Oh, okay. I was going to talk about how arts and culture can make us all better and more sensitive human beings, capable of critical thinking within our own society. But I'm just going to walk away oblivious.
I used to watch America's Best Dance Crew with my younger sister. But I could never see myself watching American Idol or any of that other crap. Besides, I have no TV.
Nah, people can watch what they want. Besides, it does me a favour. Schedulers here don't like to compete too much (soap operas on the big two channels usually dovetail, for instance). When the big two channels have talent shows on, the more minority channels show documentaries about really interesting things. If they should down BBC Four, as they are planning to do, it'll be one of the only times I can watch something intelligent.
It pisses me off because the more people watch this shit the higher the ratings, and the higher the ratings the more of these shit programs they make. Reality shows have fucked tv.
If anything, it's contributing in the exact opposite direction.