[bigpuma]

As for prejudice, it is the job description of the judges to be prejudiced.

um, it's not there job to be prejudiced. Prejudiced means to pre-judge, they're job is to judge what they hear not make a decision before a person starts singing. That being said they heard him, he sucked, they said no. They did their jobs.

 

[bigpuma]

"um," the job includes judging one's presentation, even if it happens before the contestant opens their mouth. So, yes, their job is to "pre-judge" based on the criteria.

I believe that has been crustal clear from the beginning.

the appearance is all a part of the package, I don't consider that pre-judging, that is just judging. If they stopped him/her before he/she sang and said sorry no get out before hearing the voice that would be pre-judging. They didn't do that and in fact they have let people through on voice alone despite appearence, although they usually don't last long.

 

[bigpuma]

That analysis does not work in a situation where the person was in front of the 3 judges, and on TV, only for entertainment value.

Nonetheless, yes they are prejudiced toward people who fit the mold, and against people who do not. That is their job. A few sing well enough to get a pass. I still have not seen anyone identify the qualities for which they were allegedly prejudiced, if not the actual mold of the AI contestant.

We are just picking nits here but that is not prejudice. Prejudice suggests that they are judging without just grounds or sufficient knowledge. Basing all or some of your judgements on looks does not equal prejudice. Looks are an important factor in this competition so they use it as part of the qualifications. They have an image of what they are looking for and use that to judge the contestants. it is simply judgement not pre-judgement.

From Merriam Webster:

Main Entry: 1prej·u·dice
Pronunciation: 'pre-j&-d&s
Function: noun
1 : injury or damage resulting from some judgment or action of another in disregard of one's rights; especially : detriment to one's legal rights or claims
2 a (1) : preconceived judgment or opinion (2) : an adverse opinion or leaning formed without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge b : an instance of such judgment or opinion c : an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics
synonym see PREDILECTION

 

[bigpuma]

American Idol does not accept Zachary as a contestant because of his/her whatever's gender issues.

(Of course, this leaves out the actual facts -- American Idol does not accept Zachary as a contestant, but freely exploits him/her/whatever for stunt ratings.)

Actually I bet if Zachary could sing he would have been put through, if for no other reason than it would make for good television. And which part of Webster's definition does this fit. They did not make a preconceived judgement nor did they make an adverse opinion without just grounds or before sufficient knowledge. They judged him based on his appearence and singing ability. That is still not prejudice. Which part of the definition fits in this case?