I don’t want to blame the media, because I certainly am as guilty as the next person, but don’t you think that when you turn on a news channel to catch up on current events you might hear about, oh, I don’t know, the recent merge between XM and Sirius radio, the 2008 presidential elections, or an update on the current war in Iraq?

But every time I turn on the television, reporters are discussing who is getting custody of Anna Nicole Smith’s baby or Britney Spears shaving the only glamorous thing left on her body.

Why are reality TV and Hollywood even more interesting now than where we stand as a nation?

Is our society fed up with hearing about crimes in our communities and turning a blind eye?  Or are we, as a culture, attempting to make our lives seem better by taking pleasure in the misfortune of others?

I know I’m ready to turn on my favorite news station and hear actual news without being interrupted by a news flash announcing that Paris Hilton is suing over yet another scandalous video tape.

Although, it is amusing that my 85-year-old grandmother can hold a five minute conversation about Lindsay Lohan going into rehab.

(Photo courtesy of Celebrity-Gosip.net)