Like John Travolta and bell bottoms

By David Dunch

Greed is good. That's a line that isn't easy to forget. It defined our nation for a decade. It won Michael Douglas an Oscar. Then it became evil.

We aren't supposed to be greedy, we are told. We're supposed to share - that way everyone will be happy.

Look out, folks. Greed is making a comeback.

This summer, greed became cool again. Suddenly, we were all transported back to the '80s, Reaganomics, Wall Street. We were allowed to want stuff again, and not worry about being politically correct. We could openly talk about the extravagant lifestyle all of us have always wanted but were afraid to mention for fear of being looked down upon. What brought about this sudden change? What has rekindled our passion for greed? Believe it or not, this sweeping change was brought about by a television show. That's right - television has once again changed society. It has us all asking the question, "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"

Of course, that's a silly question. We all do. That's why this show has revolutionized not just TV, but society as well. You scoff, but let's examine this phenomenon. Since its first broadcast, three other shows, all with basically the same premise as "Millionaire," have quickly found their way to our living rooms. One of them even has kind of an interesting name. It's called "Greed!" You can't get any more obvious than that.

People are falling all over themselves to try and get on these shows. It's like the shackles of supposed decency have been lifted. We can be greedy once again! Hooray! No more worrying about doing what they say is right. We can aspire for the big house, the fancy cars and the expensive gadgets. It's all right, we are led to believe. Greed is good. The winners become national heroes. They get to go on "Rosie," "Letterman" and "The Today Show." Regis Philbin has become a national icon. Wherever you go, you hear the phrase, "Is that you final answer?"

This train is showing no signs of slowing down, either. Just last week, "Millionaire" was on three times. The top three shows of the week, according to the Nielsen ratings, were those three episodes. So what does this say about society? We're greedy. We all want, and the thing is we always have. For 10 years, though, we were afraid to admit this. We thought we must be bad people if we were greedy. Let's be honest - it's human nature.

I say it's OK to be greedy. It's OK to want the finer things in life, and even the not so fine things. We live in a society of reward. Those who work hard get rewarded. Now, even those who don't still have the opportunity. Get on one of those game shows, and win a million dollars.

Greed drives this country. It always has and it always will. It's not a bad thing.

David Dunch is a junior communication major.