to think that the X factor is for the vacuous and banal?

[FunnysInTheGarden]

It manipulates and exploits both its audience and its contestants. So why on earth does anyone watch such tripe?

KLAXON! KLAXON! KLAXON!

X Factor boot camp part 2 8pm tonight - for benefit of everyone on here pretending they don't watch it

Proudnscary - my husband pretends he doesn't watch it. He says things like "oh you're not watching this crap again" and then remains in the room, watching. When he could easily go somewhere else. He can then claim moral high ground of "not watching X factor".

Endo - mine too! And makes insightful comments, even closes his eyes to 'hear the voice better'

Well my family won't be watching - we'll be reciting Noel Coward around the piano.

I detest 'reality tv'.

It smacks of watching someone else living their life, rather than living one's own. I prefer not to live my life vicariously.

On the other hand, I can understand why people would watch something trash like X-Factor on a Saturday night; a good documentary or drama wouldn't fit that time slot quite so well.

X-Factor is good TV to watch as a group/family. Everyone has an opinion, you can discuss who should/will/should never go through and pick your favourites. The fun part of watching X Factor is playing jury from the comfort of your couch. It's a bit more social viewing than getting engrossed in a drama and nobody talking all night.

What's even more predictable, vacuous and banal than watching X Factor, is criticising its viewers on an internet forum. But then again, I guess that's your way of making fun of other people and judging them from the comfort of your couch.

Thank you most humbly for your understanding of the proletariat

That was to Shelleytits

That's exactly why i watch it.

If it helps any, I'm going to record it tonight because I want to watch Antiques Roadshow first. Then the X factor.

thanks swc I really am performing a valuable service. The X Factor is shit and you all know it! And I mean really gut wrenchingly shit.

I try to watch it because the kids love it, but I last about 2 minutes before, despite myself, I start a running disparaging commentary;most annoying to the kids.

It's such a pile of predictable dross though, I just can't sit through it!

proudnscary why do you think people pretend they don't watch it? Personally I would say if I watched it, I couldn't care less what other people watch or what their opinions of my TV choices are .

I love it and I don't give a low flying scrag end of a fuck who knows it! People who pretend they don't watch it - come on - what the fuck? That doesn't make you superior to anything you know!

All these accusations of voyeurism and poking fun at the mentally ill - helloooooooooooooo?? That's life or did you miss that bit?

ohhhh Mit I thought you had been controversial enough lately. Weirdly enough, my life doesn't generally involve poking fun at the mentally ill.

Mind you I might have known you would have LOVED it.

Tis shite and nowt to do with dumbing down, but all to do with laughing at the mentally ill.