As I watched season 20 of my favorite reality show, Amazing Race, draw to a close, it was with disappointment and a feeling that I may not bother with Season 21. Sportsmanship, once a hallmark of the enduring show, has officially left the building. Several teams, including the "winning" team, repeatedly displayed what must have been record lows of ungracious behavior.
Over the years, I have witnessed several teams degrade themselves as human beings with petty behavior. What I do not concur with is the apparent willingness of the show to allow poor sportsmanship to run amock, as the producers certainly did this season. Cat fighting and name calling is not only unnecessary, but annoying. Must the frustrations of petty adults spoil the "amazing" factor of this show?
Honestly, if not for the presence of the two Kentucky boys, Bopper and Mark, I would not have bothered watching the show at all this year. Their dedication to each other and the RULES buoyed them far above the other teams in terms of conduct.
Teams should be admonished and penalized for clearly arrogant behavior and unbecoming conduct. In case the producers of this show were wondering, the Race itself is exciting enough without displays of arrogance. The fun of the show, which is the prospect of racing around the world, is sullied when teams accuse each other, to Phil's face, of cheating.
For Phil to have to bring up the poor conduct on the winning episode is surely an indication that a big problem is brewing or perhaps has already boiled over. It is my hope that the Amazing Race returns to its roots of creating a humbling experience instead of showcasing belittling attitudes. If not, the Amazing Race will merely be the permanent home of the Aggravating Rant.
I agree although I haven't watched this show. I do avoid most shows where arguing, rudeness and backbiting along with unhealthy doses of arrogance reign unchecked. It is not entertainment but most unfortunately, it is a mirror of our degrading society. Our young people are encouraged to emulate badly behaved celeb wannabes and that there is nothing wrong with always putting yourself first and getting what you feel you are entitled to, even if it's in someone's home or pocket! And, that everyone should have their 15 minutes of (in)famy.
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