Recently, the writer's strike ended and with that we have recovered many of our glorious television shows. In the absence of these shows, the networks filled the void with many trite and empty-headed amusements. I, of course, watched many of them being awake at all hours of the night with a newborn. We'll call it cultural research (yikes!).

One such show that recently came out during this time and has continued is the show, "Moment of Truth". The premise of the show is based upon a person previously taking a lie-detector test with a series of questions at varying levels of embarrassment regarding the person's life. Then they put them on stage in front of their families and friends and ask them the questions. If the person is truthful then they accumulate more money. As the dollar amount increases the more shady the questions get.

Inevitably as the questions get more personal the family members who are there find out things that are hurtful, damaging.

And we are there to watch it all unfold as families are torn apart, friendships shattered, all in the name of Truth.

Does it shock anyone else that we are entertained by the destruction of people's lives? It actually reminds me of the time of the Roman Empire when people very much enjoyed the death and torture of humans and animals. It was then also classified as "entertainment".

How far will we go as a society in allowing entertainment like this to not only exist but to fill mainstream network television? Shall we demand something better, more true, more beautiful or should we just go back to reading books?

Now that's an idea.