Appearing on SharkTank, American Idol, Reality "a real star is among us" programs on TV

I had a heated debate with one of my colleagues today, yes on Saturday because my login for one of the sell-side research platforms wasn't working, I couldn't do what I wanted to do, called up a colleague, one thing turned into another and we talked about Shark Tank or those who want to appear in SharkTank.

"You do know that it's a freak show, right?" I said,
"For some people, this is the only chance to get noticed (having tried every possible way already)" my colleague replied.

I appreciate the idea that one person, no matter what, can follow his or her dream, no matter how old, young, no matter where they come from. I really do. But as far as I am concerned, these reality TV shows are a nicely disguised freak show where we enjoy "deviant" individuals, those whose personality and eccentricity go unnoticed in their daily lives. And they don't want to remain anonymous, they want to be noticed for their eccentricity.

American Idol was a freak show, right, we all agree to that, so let's skip to a bit more "serious" shows such as SharkTank.

Appearing on SharkTank is different from becoming a starting pitcher for Red Sox or becoming the cornerback for Seahawks. The latter needs the actual talents and so many hours of discipline. Even with that, some go unnoticed (because they have been to a wrong school for that) and those unfortunate people (most of us) call that a life and get on with the rest of their lives as a great fan of baseball or football or whatnot.

Let's say you are one of a few who were at the right place at the right time. Even after you become known for your performance, your life/career doesn't end there. Your life actually starts there. You have to be good to do what you do and you have to continue to be good to continue what you do. We are all entertained by that commitment and outstanding performance.

Appearing on SharkTank is different. You are subjecting yourself to ridicule and that's what we secretly enjoy watching. We are entertained by their "innate" or "hidden" eccentricities because they believe they are "perfectly normal and fitting in with the rest of the crowd."

Watching these shows is one thing, but appearing in it is another. I wouldn't write that in my resume.