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Kids Reality Shows

Sitting here in the hospital room with my son, I have to endure endless hours of kid-TV. There are two cardinal values underlying all of these shows: (1) things work out when we all work together; and (2) you can achieve your dreams if you only believe. These values in moderate doses and in relation to other values have some merit. However, as presented in these shows, they’re treacly-sweet. What I’d like to see is a reality-based kids show. Such a show would teach things like (1) not everyone is worthy of your trust; some people are downright rotten and should be avoided; and (2) you won’t achieve all your dreams; you have limits; get over it and learn to make the most of what you have. Maybe then we’d have less disillusioned teenagers.

7 replies on “Kids Reality Shows”

Funny how the kid shows get to us now as adults.

I recently had the opportunity to see reruns of some of my old favorites. You know what? They were no less “treacly-sweet”, to borrow your phrase. Underdog, Hong Kong Phooey, Mighty Mouse & Friends, Magilla Gorilla, Dick Dastardly & Muttley – the list goes on. Not to mention stuff like the Brady Bunch.

You’re right – moderation is important. Too much of any good thing can easily become harmful. I enjoyed “escaping” into the fantasy worlds of my favorite cartoon characters, but I was well aware that it was just that – fantasy.
I just don’t know if injecting reality-based programming is the key to the disillusioned teen dilemma.

From what I have observed, more damage is caused by parents who do not allow the realities and consequences of life touch their children from an early age. It’s one thing to try to serve as a buffer and protect children from situations that can easily crush them – physically, emotionally or mentally. However, I have seen children who never have to feel the pain of the consequences of their own actions. Six-year-old Johnny offends his friend, Tommy, with a nasty remark and goes crying home to Mommy that Tommy hates him. Rather than confronting Johnny about his own actions and making him apologize, Mommy talks to Tommy’s mother, who then forces her son to patch things up. Five or six years later, Johnny has now moved on to playing publicly humiliating pranks on Tommy. Tommy turns around and takes the altercation to a physical level. This time, Johnny’s Dad steps in and smooths things over with Tommy’s father. Another few years pass and Johnny has a new car, a gift from his parents for passing the driver’s exam. After accumulating tickets for various moving violations, Johnny ends up in an accident, totalling the car. The solution? Johnny’s parents buy him a new car, pay the increased insurance surcharges and off Johnny drives into the sunset.

The fantasy Johnny is living in (courtesy of his parents) is far worse than a temporary world set up by kiddie TV. At least the kids know that the TV will eventually get shut off and the fantasy will end.

Sonia, you’re right — these TV shows aren’t anywhere near the problem posed by over-indulgent parents. I was being a bit tongue-in-cheek, although the superduper positive tone of some of these shows bugs me. Maybe I was raised on too many cynical Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry cartoons!

I grew up reading fairy tales. People cutting off their little fingers to use the bones for keys, enduring being stung by nettles, having their eyes put out by thorns. Things usually came out all right in the end, but it was through perseverence and good moral character, and after a certain amount of suffering. I guess those things are too bloodthirsty nowadays.

Dave,

If given a chance, your proposal for a reality-based kids show would become a solid smash hit. But just as Pontius Pilate didn’t care for an answer to the question “What is truth?”, so our secular mass media doesn’t care a bit about “What is reality?” I’m afraid your proposal, worthy as it is, won’t ever see the light of day (and I really hope I’m wrong).

C

PS: I’m happy you’re all home now. May God continue to give you forbearance.

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