'The Amazing Race,' Hanoi, Vietnam Controversy: CBS Criticized for Using B-52 as Prop, Performing Communist Song, 2013, Season 22 Still Getting High Ratings

CBS reality show "The Amazing Race" is in its 22nd season after first airing back in 2001. The show has been a consistent ratings winner for the network, but now it's sparking some outrage. The show follows eleven teams of two around the world in a race to see which team finishes first. However, the show is coming under fire for a recent episode set in Hanoi, Vietnam where contestants had to go to a B-52 memorial. The shows decision to use wreckage of an American plane shot down during the Vietnam War as any other prop has sparked outrage.

Many are questioning the network's decision to treat something so sensitive to many as a reality show prop as a poor choice. On the episode, a bright "Double U-Turn" sign was placed on the front of the plane signaling the next leg of the race for the contestants. There were probably a number of Vitenam Vets and their families that felt the decision to use the wreckage was a poor choice. The show also had contestants learn a song performed for them by children in front of a portrait of North Vietnam Communist leader Ho Chi Minh.

FOX News' "The Five" was particularly critical of the controversial episode. Liberal host Bob Beckel was enraged with the network, calling CBS executives "idiotic" and at one point telling CBS to "take that show and shove it."

What do you think of the shows decision to use Vietnam as the backdrop for an episode in season 22? Was it a poor decision? Should the network issue an apology?

"The Amazing Race" continues to get strong ratings for CBS. The show kept the network in first place Sunday evening, March 18 during the 8pm hour with 8.77 million viewers and a 2.2 rating among adults 18 to 49.