The fiasco with the Heene family has become like a typical reality TV show 

Last Thursday, I followed the news of the drifting UFO-like balloon, hoping that little Falcon Heene was safe. When the police found nothing in the balloon and announced the entire event a hoax, I was relieved and disgusted. So when I saw their interview, I used adjectives usually used to describe Falcon’s vomit to describe the Heenes and their twisted desire to be famous.

This fiasco has begun to look like a typical reality TV show. Like any good reality show, the Heenes scripted their actions and made themselves instantly known throughout the country. 

 "Is Richard Heene going to be charged with crimes? Wait and see until the next episode!"

Meanwhile, the country is riveted to the dramatic unfolding of the event. We want to know what happens to the Richard Heene, and we laugh at him because he’s stupid enough to pull this stunt to be famous. His situation entertains our own dreary lives and further gives us reason not to pursue stardom.

 We’ve seen many people strive to be famous, using any way they can, and we become addicted to their doomed media career. Remember William Hung? Why did we even bother listening to his tuneless songs? We felt better because we could sing better than he did. His moment of glory lasted for several months before fading back into oblivion, leaving him with less than what he had before.

 Richard Heene’s current status might end up like Hung’s. Despite all that he’s gained, he’s lost his future. 

After all, everyone is only supposed to be famous for fifteen minutes.