We live in an age of self-congratulation. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the proliferation of awards shows on TV.

Where once the Academy Awards were a much-anticipated special occasion, these days one can't seem to change the channel without running into another awards show. It's to the point where the idea of a channel devoted exclusively to awards shows is conceivable. With the Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys, Grammys, Teen Choice Awards and so on, we seem to be awash in accolades. As a result, awards shows have become little more than occasions for like-minded insiders to pat each other on the back and drone on endlessly about all those they want to thank.

While the commonness of awards has contributed to diminishing their status, far more damaging is the blatant politicization of the process. Filmmakers, musicians, journalists and statesmen alike are all too often awarded prizes based not on merit but on political affiliation. Invariably, that affiliation tends toward the left side of the political spectrum.

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