Hardly a materialistic guy, somehow I have come to appreciate the importance of a nice car and a well-furnished home. And I have a couple of television shows to thank for opening my (straight) eyes. You already guessed one - Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. The other is Pimp My Ride.

The stars of these shows do more than fix up cars and update wardrobes. They actually raise the self-esteem of those they are helping. While any of us could shop for ourselves and very much improve the quality and condition of our homes and cars, we seldom transform our own self-image. Even if/when we might, it is hardly to the extent regularly acheived on Queer Eye or Pimp My Ride.

People react to their "makeovers" as if they had won the lottery or given birth. They jump up and down, they cry, they hug strangers. Often, these well-deserving people (it seems the producers do a heck of a job to screen for those who need help and warrant it) have difficulty being gracious in receipt of attention and gifts they would seem to have seldom known the likes of in their lives previously. This really touches me - when I see those who have never had much, being granted plenty, and the overwhelm makes them uncomfortable.

Recently on Queer Eye, a large family comprised of mostly foster children was featured. A remarkable group, of several different ethnic backgrounds, all led by a man who had no father to speak of growing up. While he was a likely candidate for help, he was a man who awkwardly accepted it. And he said as much when he told the camera he "just wasn't used to being given anything". He went on to say that it was always about the children, and he didn't know how to have it otherwise. What a guy.

And what special guys who share their talents for the betterment of others. Maybe the fame and fortune counter-balances any and all selflessness and righteousness. Still, I respect these guys for what they do, for putting their talents on display to the subjectivity of a cable TV audience. My hat is off to them and those they help.