Nothing super about being famous

Smushing cream on faces and having pairs of people rolling over a bumpy mat resemble bad jokes played by young children.

But these are stunts featured on the most ridiculous show I've ever seen: Super Trio Continues on TVB Jade. And the participants are not children or everyday people, but celebrities who are idolised by many youngsters.

What kind of message does this send to children?

While I don't think it's necessary for celebrities to act like saints, they should at least be aware of their image and actions, which are watched by millions and imitated by many.

The problem is, Hongkongers love the Super Trio series, which has become immensely popular.

At my clubhouse on Sunday nights, people can be seen laughing hysterically while crowded around the communal television.

Just what's so funny about watching people roll around on the floor? It hints at a more fundamental problem in our society: we seem to enjoy seeing people being made fun of, to the point of embarrassment.

We're also comfortable teasing others. Thus, television programmes have picked up on this trend to introduce shows similar to Super Trio.

TVB Jade's Minutes to Fame and ATV Pearl's Almost Famous reflect our dire need to laugh at the flaws of others.

At the same time, it reflects how far most of us will go to achieve money and fame.

Contestants are willing to embarrass themselves and be ridiculed by programme judges in the name of money.

Adults may find these shows a good source of humour and stress relief, but what do children learn? That making money is easy? Or that it's all right to tease people?

As this fad continues to grow, contestants are being recruited from the mainland and overseas.

We need to seriously consider whether to permit the broadcast of television shows made with the sole focus of boosting viewership at the cost of social morals.

Pulcheria Chung is a regular SYP columnist