We're allowed into the homes and even bedrooms of "celebrities" from pop stars to hairdressers as the cameras follow them throughout their daily (and nighttime) activities. Some shows let us watch as fairly intelligent people battle it out for the top spot in business, fashion, music, or modeling. Let's not forget the show business moms and the out-of-control camp kids. So far, most are extremely poor role models.

As we're given more than a glimpse into their private and public lives, I wonder what is the fascination with watching someone treat others with such utter rudeness and disrespect as some of these people do each and every show. Does it sell more advertising when the mean and nasty contestant makes it to the finals? I'm sure it does.

One of the most abusive personalities of this season is a hairdresser who thinks the world revolves around him and hair. Or is it hair and him? From crying on cue to his repeated "Make no mistake about it," this man micro-controls his employees, his employers, and his business partners. It's his way or no way regardless of who is footing the bill as he makes sure that his various celebrity customers know that he and his hair techniques are the star and they are merely the prop. Instead of telling this guy to get lost, people line up to pay huge dollars for his services. Is he the only hairdresser who can create a good hair style? Hardly, but he believes he is and, apparently, so do his customers.

What is there about his abusive and controlling personality that keeps me from changing the channel? Do I hope he'll finally meet someone who will knock him off his pedestal? As long as his show's rating don't disappoint the stockholders I doubt anyone will be able to make a dent in that vapid, shallow personality.

What is there about an abusive or controlling spouse that keeps us from walking away? Do we hope there's a real, caring person somewhere beneath the mean exterior? Do we live for the momentary bursts of charm and cling to them when the going gets rough? Do the apologies that come long after the damage has been done give us hope for the future? Abusive personalities don't change.

We've all known, and some of us have lived with, and/or worked for, abusive and controlling personalities. Why glorify that type of behavior as it seems to be glorified in so many of today's hit television shows. It sets a very poor example for our kids who may draw the conclusion that the only way to get ahead or earn the big dollars is to mistreat everyone who gets in their way. It's not.

It is difficult enough dealing with the effects of an abusive spouse or growing up in an abusive home environment and it becomes even more difficult as verbal and emotional abuse is given celebrity status.

I know we've progressed far beyond the "Ozzie and Harriett" family scenario but is Bobby Brown really the best role model for "Father of 2005"?