Most of the time when we see the red boxes and white letters we immediately know that’s it’s the logo for TLC, the Learning Channel. The past couple of years it has been garnering many accolades for there interesting and engaging programming. Shows like Little People, Big World, 17 Kids and Counting, and Jon and Kate plus 8 have had skyrocketing ratings.
The main appeal of TLC’s programming is the reality based and family friendly shows. It gives many of us a personal look into other families lives. But they’re not just ordinary families. There families who are stereotypically different, who have challenges or difference that makes us normal people feel unsettled or curious.
In recent months, as TLC introduced its fall line up, they started facing some controversy- from high school students. There new show Toddlers and Tiaras has sparked a nationwide outcry of disgust.
Toddlers and Tiaras is a show that follows families that have children involved in beauty pageants. These children are splattered with spray tans, fake eyelashes, flippers (for there still growing teeth), heels, full make-up, hair extensions, skimpy swim suits, and provocative dresses and gowns. But that’s not all. They’re daily life includes practising sultry runway model walks, meeting with a coach, practising there poses, and polishing up the right attitude to go with it.
When watching the show you can’t help but be disturbed. These children don’t even look or act like children, except for the occasional meltdown, but even then the meltdowns aren’t childlike. They scream, swear and threaten their own parents. The parents give in, because god forbid there children cry or threaten to drop out of the pageant, it would have a horrendous effect on there bankbooks and reputation.
The main problem with this whole situation is the parents and there desperation. They are desperate to relive all their childhood dreams and ambitions through there children. They’re too busy being the children and trying to fill the void of insecurities, inadequacies, and opportunities they were never offered.
Two teenage girls, Karrin Huynh and Lesley Cornelius have had enough and created a Facebook group. [1] The group was created to encourage people to make TLC take some actions and stop glorifying this topic.
Unfortunately, nothing has been done so far. After receiving complaints from viewers the message has been forwarded to executives to further consider actions that must be taken. [1]
The other problem besides the exploitation of these kids, which is a big problem, is the effect on many girls out there. “And society wonders why girls have low self-esteem and low self-confidence when they’re sitting at home wondering, ‘Is this what I’m supposed to look like? Is this what I’m supposed to be?’” This is Huynh accurate thoughts. We’re always told from parents to hold off on make up, and heels aren’t what make us or our outfits pretty, yet we see these adults glorifying this.
This show is such a negative message to girls all over the place. How these girls look is not natural, nor will the emotional consequences a couple of years from now. We’re creating a generation that is more obsessed with looks than any other generation, and we don’t have any excuse because we are much more informed. We know what eating disorders are and we know the different stimulants teenagers go for.
To make things worse, TLC continues to defend the concept of the show. Yet if you go on there website you can rate the contestants on a scale one through ten. TLC is yet again contradicting everything there saying. These contestants are kids, it’s not healthy by any means to rate them at that age.
These kids already seem brainwashed and act 20 years older. I’m sure Jon-Benet Ramsey is in the back of everyone’s mind. What happened to that little girl could have been avoided and it’s a shame how the adults acted in that situation. But that just shows the different people out there and the actions they’re willing to take.
To conclude, removing Toddlers and Tiaras should be taken into serious consideration. There are not many advantages that come out of this show, and the disadvantages certainly outweigh the good. It promotes a negative message to a big part of society and is the force behind the destruction of many children’s lives.
The main appeal of TLC’s programming is the reality based and family friendly shows. It gives many of us a personal look into other families lives. But they’re not just ordinary families. There families who are stereotypically different, who have challenges or difference that makes us normal people feel unsettled or curious.
In recent months, as TLC introduced its fall line up, they started facing some controversy- from high school students. There new show Toddlers and Tiaras has sparked a nationwide outcry of disgust.
Toddlers and Tiaras is a show that follows families that have children involved in beauty pageants. These children are splattered with spray tans, fake eyelashes, flippers (for there still growing teeth), heels, full make-up, hair extensions, skimpy swim suits, and provocative dresses and gowns. But that’s not all. They’re daily life includes practising sultry runway model walks, meeting with a coach, practising there poses, and polishing up the right attitude to go with it.
When watching the show you can’t help but be disturbed. These children don’t even look or act like children, except for the occasional meltdown, but even then the meltdowns aren’t childlike. They scream, swear and threaten their own parents. The parents give in, because god forbid there children cry or threaten to drop out of the pageant, it would have a horrendous effect on there bankbooks and reputation.
The main problem with this whole situation is the parents and there desperation. They are desperate to relive all their childhood dreams and ambitions through there children. They’re too busy being the children and trying to fill the void of insecurities, inadequacies, and opportunities they were never offered.
Two teenage girls, Karrin Huynh and Lesley Cornelius have had enough and created a Facebook group. [1] The group was created to encourage people to make TLC take some actions and stop glorifying this topic.
Unfortunately, nothing has been done so far. After receiving complaints from viewers the message has been forwarded to executives to further consider actions that must be taken. [1]
The other problem besides the exploitation of these kids, which is a big problem, is the effect on many girls out there. “And society wonders why girls have low self-esteem and low self-confidence when they’re sitting at home wondering, ‘Is this what I’m supposed to look like? Is this what I’m supposed to be?’” This is Huynh accurate thoughts. We’re always told from parents to hold off on make up, and heels aren’t what make us or our outfits pretty, yet we see these adults glorifying this.
This show is such a negative message to girls all over the place. How these girls look is not natural, nor will the emotional consequences a couple of years from now. We’re creating a generation that is more obsessed with looks than any other generation, and we don’t have any excuse because we are much more informed. We know what eating disorders are and we know the different stimulants teenagers go for.
To make things worse, TLC continues to defend the concept of the show. Yet if you go on there website you can rate the contestants on a scale one through ten. TLC is yet again contradicting everything there saying. These contestants are kids, it’s not healthy by any means to rate them at that age.
These kids already seem brainwashed and act 20 years older. I’m sure Jon-Benet Ramsey is in the back of everyone’s mind. What happened to that little girl could have been avoided and it’s a shame how the adults acted in that situation. But that just shows the different people out there and the actions they’re willing to take.
To conclude, removing Toddlers and Tiaras should be taken into serious consideration. There are not many advantages that come out of this show, and the disadvantages certainly outweigh the good. It promotes a negative message to a big part of society and is the force behind the destruction of many children’s lives.
Work Cited
[1] “TLC controversy” “Student want ‘Toddlers & Tiaras’ off the air”, TVGuide.ca, February 4, 2009. March 30, 2009
http://tvguide.sympatico.msn.ca/TLC+controversy/TVNews/Articles/090204_toddlers_tiaras_scandal_DW.htm?isfa=1
Pictures From:
#1 (TLC logo) http://www.thejills.com/
#2 (2 girls) http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/toddlers-tiaras/about-toddlers-and-tiaras.html
[1] “TLC controversy” “Student want ‘Toddlers & Tiaras’ off the air”, TVGuide.ca, February 4, 2009. March 30, 2009
http://tvguide.sympatico.msn.ca/TLC+controversy/TVNews/Articles/090204_toddlers_tiaras_scandal_DW.htm?isfa=1
Pictures From:
#1 (TLC logo) http://www.thejills.com/
#2 (2 girls) http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/toddlers-tiaras/about-toddlers-and-tiaras.html
Right off the bat, I would like to make it clear that I am not 100% against beauty pageants. I believe that they have their time and place, however that time is not meant to be spent during pre-school years. I also find it rather disturbing that the parents of these children are putting their children through such "mature" situations and competitions. It is quite obvious that these insecure parents are entering their children in order to please themselves and "live through their children. They are also very being rather selfish as they do not understand or choose to be ignorant to the possible repercussions of their actions.
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned before, beauty pageants do have their time and place. Certain people are able to understand and succeed in such a business/competition, while others are not. Mature individuals have the mental capacity to understand that a poor outcome in a competition will not be the end of the world (I hope). They know that life will go on and there will always be another chance in the future. However, Children do not have the same mental capacity. As they are not yet mature, they do not understand how insignificant these competitions really are. They take the situation out of control and to a new level, but you cannot really blame these children, as they are not yet educated. Who can we blame? The parents.
Shouldn't these parents be teaching their kids to read, write, draw, dance, sing, play sports, learn life skills and all the other things one should teach their children during their childhood? These parents are depriving their children of the real world and without experiencing the trials and tribulations of life in their childhood, how will these children ever grow into respectable, well-rounded young adults? If one is to say "they experience trials and tribulations on the runway", I would like to remind them that life does not play out on a runway.
Dylan, I agree with you. The main problem is the adults and parents in this situation. The reason we have parents is to guide and make the proper choices, because kids are not mentally capable of doing so. When the parents are the incompetent ones, then they are setting up or maybe continuing a generational cycle.
ReplyDeleteWhat I mean with that statement is that there’s a reason why the parents are so desperate to live through their children. But they’re not being fair to their children or themselves because they are only adding a lot of negative years to all their lives. But there’s little we can do with that, parents have the right to do what they’re doing, and they wouldn’t even be doing this if there weren’t kids beauty pageants to begin with.
There must be some rules or laws created for such productions. It’s disturbing and nothing good comes out of this situation, or at least nothing worth all the negative.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThat is very true. Perhaps if the governments put some sort of age restriction on pageants, many problems in the world would cease to exist. Pageants have the tendency to make people feel insecure about themselves when they see these "beautiful" people on the runway strutting their stuff. From an even younger age than ever before, people will start becoming sensitive about their appearance and lead to many problems. Kindergarten students should be worrying about what colour "Play-doh" they'll get to use in art class, not if their mascara is running! The feelings of insecurity could easily follow individuals into their teen and adults years also. Perhaps if Beauty Pageants were restricted we would have less problems in society such as suicide, anorexia, bulimia, etc. It certainly is something that should be looked into! Anorexia, bulimia, suicide, etc. play a huge part in our society and perhaps if these issues could be reduced, society would be lifted a huge weight of its shoulder. By not having to worry about other issues, focus could be shifted to environmental conservation, etc.
ReplyDeleteExactly, the time and money spent on this show can be used in more postive ways. Now I understand where TLC is coming from, it's pretty common for them to push the envelope. But this is not entertainment. All you feel when you watch this show is shock, sadness and pity. You feel those things because a) for the kids involved and b) that you yourself wasted your time and supported such actions. It's also not the only show that's around the follows almost the exact routine.
ReplyDeleteAs for pageants in general, it's hard to stay away. The clothing is nice, the people in them even nicer, but pageants are pageants. They get crowned and life goes on, so what? Often times you never hear about all the good they've done or are doing during there winning year. For the most part pageants are for exposure, money and fame.
First off, pageants, at lest to me, have no reason. They promote very negative qualities in our society. Not only that, but it takes away time that could be spent on the child's education. What could those kids have learned in all the time spent preparing for the competition. Maybe one if those children would of gone on to become the person who finds the cure for cancer, but now it never happens, all because the child was forced into the competition. No one knows the damage these pageants could do to the world. They might seem small, but even a tiny hole can sink a ship.
ReplyDeleteNot only that, but what about the damage all of those cosmetics could do to the environment? They already pollute water sources. Now because you don't just have adults and teenagers wearing make up, you have kids to young to even be in school wearing it to.
Personally, I don't agree with making a child appear older than they are. By dressing and 'decorating' them as mature adults, I really think that it gives them an early impression of what beauty is. Society has tried hard to direct its people away from the idea that beauty derives from a makeup bag and the newest fashions of Dolce and Gabbana. Now, we as a society are actually teaching children the wrong definition of beauty at such an early age.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with what Dylan said, "Children do not have the same mental capacity. As they are not yet mature, they do not understand how insignificant these competitions really are." Every kid is beautiful, talented, and special in their own way. It's morally wrong to put children into a contest like this. Consider what this pageant could do to a child that loses. They will grow up thinking that they aren't beautiful enough or talented like the other kids. What's worse is that they'll still have this wrong idea of beauty trapped in their mind and will strive to achieve it now that they're not good enough. What about the winner? I would hate to see how smug that toddler becomes as they progress through life since they now have this idea that they're better than everyone else.
Fifteen minutes of fame has very negative effects on a child. River Phoenix was a child star at age ten. Due to his early years as a star, he was introduced to all of the bad things offered in society, such as drugs. When he was just twenty-three, he died of a drug-induced heart failure [1]. Also, the well-known Drew Barrymore was first a child star. At age ten, she was smoking marijuana. At twelve, she moved onto cocaine. Later in life, Drew Barrymore, the now successful actress, actually attempted to commit suicide [2].
I don't mean to suggest that every child who enters the pageant will become a star and live this kind of lifestyle. I simply mean to say that when maturity pressures a child who isn't ready for it, they may suffer the serious consequences.
[1] Stephan, Ed. "Mini Biography." IMDb: The Internet Movie Database. 12 April. 2009.
< http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000203/bio >
[2] "To Be a Child Star: Curse or Blessing?" Cyranos. 12 April. 2009.
< http://www.cyranos.ch/kinder-e.htm >
So basically I agree with everyone who has been saying that for the majority beauty pageants are negative events that such young children should not be raised in, but as Steve mentioned that most of the kids will grow up snobby and will develop bad habits faster than the average child, what about the other side effects? These children are going to become accustomed to getting what they want and later in life this could become a huge road block. When they lose their actions could become more severe as years go by, and eventually they are going to have to look for an outlet for all of their issues, such as Drew Barrymore and Fergie (who got into meth at an early age).
ReplyDeleteAt the same time though, there could be a few beneficial factors from these pageants. It teaches young kids to be confident, and teaches them skills such as how to speak in front of a large audience, and some kids may even be able to accept the factor that winning isn't everything.
To be honest I have watched the show a few times just to understand possibly where the parents get the idea that it is smart to enter your toddlers into such an event, and I have realized a few things. Some kids just like the feeling of being beautiful and do the pageant for themselves, not for the money. But, it is the kids who grow accustomed to winning all the time that become the 'brats'. These parents don't realize that sometimes forcing your kid to act in a way that they aren't is not always the best idea. It is also quite disturbing to see the four year olds who are crying because their false teeth might not be in on time. Average child like behaviour and manners are lost in this show, and it is a shame to see people allow their children to live this type of lifestyle.
Also, to mention TLC in this factor. They usually display shows on families with numerous kids or people with odd diseases. In this case I think they would create such a show to allow the public to go behind the scenes and see what is really happening in some peoples lives. It shows the other side to average life and gets people really thinking. I don't think this show is a waste of money because without Toddlers and Tiaras we wouldn't be having a discussion on how wrong it is, and now that we are realizing some of the major issues with this show maybe something can get done about it.
ReplyDeleteI was watching this show the other day, and to be honest it was disgusting. Some of the things the parents get their children to do is uncalled for. A child who is 2 years old shouldn’t be tanning, wearing hairpieces, and flappers. Tanning is terrible for your skin especially at such a young age. Two year olds don’t have all their teeth, so why fake it, its natural to not have any teeth at that age. I know that all little girls want to play dress up, and play princess, but this is too much. Beauty pageants are teaching these young kids that they need to be all dolled up to look pretty and that they need tiaras to show that they are better than anyone else. These toddlers and young kids shouldn’t be worrying about if they are going to win their next pageant, or that their make-up isn’t just right. They should be at the park swinging on swings, or at the beach building sand castles.
ReplyDeleteThe parents are taking away their kids childhood, that’s something they will never get back. The parents are trying to relive their childhood through their kids. They are pressuring their kids into something they may not want to do. These poor kids don’t know anything else other then being in pageants. They probably think every little girl does this, and that is far from the truth.
These young kids are going to grow up thinking that they are better than everyone else, and that looks are the only thing that matters. We don’t need to see toddlers strutting their stuff in swimsuits, diamond evening gowns. They don’t need to be doing this at such a young age, because they don’t know what they want to be when they grow up. I understand if they are 16 years old and they care about pageants because they would at least have an idea what they want to do for their career. They could be models, or wanting to compete for Miss America, or Miss Universe. But at such a young age there is no need to be plastered in make-up, and showing a lot of a lot of skin. It’s all just unhealthy.
First off if anyone hasn't had the chance to check out the promo for the show here are a few links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxHHBUgDGq4 and here is a link of the show that you can watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsy-rRzkufQ&feature=PlayList&p=44A80C7EF16211BB&index=0&playnext=1 .
ReplyDeleteAfter watching those I was thoroughly disgusted. Some of these girls are being helped to walk down the runway because they are so young they cant walk yet. Is this necessary? I don't find the point of beauty pageants to begin with, it just provides women for men to gawk at and helps further women self esteem issues but that is not the point.
These girls look like they are in their twenties. Can we imagine what these girls will be like in ten even twenty years.These young girls think they are princesses and well they pretty much are. Their parents give them everything they want.
Second, these girls are being plastered with make-up and spray tan, do little girls need to think that to be pretty you need to wear excessive amounts of make-up? I don't think that is right. In my opinion most girls don't need any make up especially these young girls.
Watch the promo video and about 15 seconds in the little girl says "I look good" Look at what she is wearing, does she look good? Really look at what she is wearing. Look at her pose. I don't know many girls our age who look like that or walk around and pose like her. It is horrible. If she thinks that by dressing like that shes "looks good". Well in ten years shes going to really look "good" wearing next to nothing.
In closing I am quite disappointed by TLC's program choice. I am usually quite interesting by their programing but this is just sick and wrong.
First off, i am not totally against beauty pageants, just like anything else they have negatives and positives. Personally i think putting a child in a pageant gives him/her the chance to grow up, look beautiful and appreciate what their parents are doing for them. On the other hand, your making the children think they need makeup to look beautiful when parents should be teaching them that "beauty is only skin deep", little girls that dress like this now are going to grow up thinking that dressing next to nothing is perfectly normal and "good looking". Also, this will cause children to become snobby because their parents give them what they want, when they want it. Since they get everything now, in the future they'll expect the same treatment.
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot of negatives to young children in pageants, but its their parents decision and its not going to stop anytime soon, so people need to deal with it.
Chelsea Lately, a famous talkshow host on E!, seems to agree with the majority of us, excpet she expresses her disgust in a funny way that appears to even have her audience agreeing with her. Check out this clip to see what I mean:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emEk6pWUPWg&feature=PlayList&p=01C41507107BF093&index=5
I think her opinion on the topic is pretty similar to almost everyones and she points out some of the negatives that we haven't yet mentioned.
Toddlers and Tiaras is a digsuting show, and the idea of having young children broadcast theselves in this manner is very pathetic, and disturbing. Chelsea Lately said it quite well when she said, "don't whore out your children." Parents really need to open their eyes and see what they are making their children do. The parents play a large role in this matter, and they don't seem to realize just how stupid they are for making their children do this. They aren't helping their children live their dreams, they are living their dreams through their children.
Ok so I just watched about four minutes of this show and to be honest it is quite disgusting of what these parents are doing to these children. What bothers me most is that when one of the children goes into a tanning salon for the first time (even though she is like 6 years old) she comes out crying and scared. At first the parent seems to realize her mistake and starts to comfort her daughter but as they walk out of the salon she says "She will be ready for it next time." In a somewhat cruel tone. How can someone do that to their child? It is unhealthy as can be and the child is scared out of their mind at the prospect of ever doing that again yet these parents seem to have it in their mind that this is for the best! Stuff like this should be illegal and they should put an age limit on beauty pageants for at least 14 when a child can make up their own mind.
ReplyDeleteTo what a lot of people are saying about TLC being stupid or horrible for putting this into their programming I have to disagree. This stuff happens in the world all the time. What I think TLC is trying to do is show people what is going on in society and the disgust that most people experience is a sign of understanding and learning of the world they live in, which is really what TLC is all about. The point that might be made about young children being experienced to this and it being "glorified". Tell me, how many young children do you see or know of that choose to watch TLC? I know of none and I only ever started watching it when I was about 14 when I could discern what the real messsage being sent was.
Rionok, just because you didn't start watching TLC until you were 14 doesn't mean that there are no young children watching the programming. There is not a "cookie-cutter" for people that makes everyone the same and encounter the same experiences in life. I am sure that for many parents with young children, TLC is a frequent family channel, as the majority of programs on the channel are "everyone friendly". It is up to the parents to censor which shows their children watch on TLC and if they do expose them to shows with negative messages or images, they must take the time to explain what is right and what is wrong.
ReplyDeleteAs a couple other people did, I decided to actually watch the show before commenting on it. And it scared the crap out of me. I'm not kidding, it is a scary show. The kids look like possessed dolls, it is just weird and abnormal. I think I might have nightmares. They could honestly take the cast of that show and make a horror movie. It is freaky stuff...especially when you watch it alone in the dark at one in the morning.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read Pari's blog I noticed it said: "They scream, swear and threaten their own parents"
When I first read this I highly doubted this to be true. I didn't believe a 3 year old would swear to their parent.
But I was mistaken. I was appalled when one of the little girls was arguing with her mother and said "...dammit mom, I hate you..." I almost fainted when I heard this. The girl was probably only like 2 or 3 years old and not only was she swearing to her mothers face but also saying she hated her. If I was there, I probably would have hit the kid. I know hitting children is wrong but this is disgusting. (FYI that was an exaggeration, I actually don't like hitting kids.)
I agree with what RioNok is saying, I don't accuse TLC of being anything negative for broadcasting this show. I actually quite like the fact that you can see this type of insanity on your television. Obviously, these parents think it is in their childs best interests to compete; I don't think we should judge them for that. After all, as noted previously in this discussion, there are some positives to a beauty competition. I do wish that they would choose older participants for a beauty pageant, but if the parent is okay with it, I don't think I would hold anything personally against them.
ReplyDeleteTo change it up a little bit, there’s a stereotype of child actors or children that set there foot in Hollywood, a world that adults have trouble understanding and surviving. These children are usually the ones that grow up years before their time. By the age of five to six they can take perfect direction and memorize lines. As they get older, being around adults is much more normal, and they find it hard to be with other kids, as most kids are there competition.
ReplyDeleteThese kids can be seen on a regular basis. Lindsay Lohan (who is currently facing another dramatic time in her life), Tatum O’neal (still having drug problems), Drew Barrymore (rehab at 13), MIscha Barton, and Britney Spears are easy examples.
The damage has been done with these women, and will always be a part of them. So is the fame, money, roles, people worth all that insecurity and exploition?
The media also expects Miley Cyrus to be included in that list Pari. Many people believe she is growing up beyond her years and it is only a matter of time before she falls off of the rails, as do many former "Disney Princesses". Miraculously though, there are former Disney teens, such as Hilary Duff, who grow up to lead a respectable life. I guess we'll have to sit back and see what happens to Miley, not that it really matters in the grand scheme of things.
ReplyDeleteDaveyWavey, I completely agree with what you said about some aspects of the show being horrifying. Perhaps if the parents are being disrespected by their own children, these parents should reconsider what they are doing to receive such a reaction form their child.
ReplyDeleteIn response to what dylanthebassist said about parental censoring, I completely agree. A childs early life is directed by their parents. Whatever these parents are doing, such as having their child participate in this pageant or simply watching it from their living room, they must have a reason for it. Personally, I think a child could learn a lot of morals from watching a show like this, especially with the help of a parent. However, if a parent were to allow their child to watch it, I think a firm understanding of what should and should not be repeated or will not be tollerated is probably in the parents' best interests.
I am not against beauty pageants at all but I am against parents brainwashing their children into thinking that all of this is "beauty".
ReplyDeleteIt is physoclogical damaging and will ruin their childrens lives and future if they do not stop soon (if its not already too late). These children are starting at toddler ages which is a very cruicial time area in their life where they are influenced by what they are surrounded with. There are countless cases of where child stars of gone wrong. I believe these toddlers and tiaras have even more pressure then child actors do. They are forced by their parents to look and act a certain way making the child believe it is natural. There are a number of child celebrities from this site alone http://www.listafterlist.com/tabid/57/listid/7878/Personalities/Child+Stars+Gone+Wrong.aspx:
Drew Barrymore- was sent to rehab at the age of 13 for alcohol and drug problems.
Macaulay Culkin- was arrested for possession of marijuana and the prescription drug Xanax.
Also, the countless of things Lindsay Lohan has done in the media...
I think this is wrong to have little girls in beauty pageants as majority of this blogs comments agrees.
steve_afro, one could basically sum up what you are saying as "everything can be looked and taken in a positive way?". If so, I totally agree. With proper guidance, a lot can be learned and can be very beneficial in real life. However, without this guidance, individuals may receive the wrong message and this may become a problem in life.
ReplyDeletecan be looked at*
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Pari is saying. That often times when kids are subjected to this celebrity status their life takes a turn for the worse. It is also common that they will have trouble finding new TV roles at an older age. A child star will always be remembered for there original role. If anyone has seen the movie "Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star" they will know exactly what I'm saying.
ReplyDeleteA good real-life example of this would be Gary Coleman. He is best known for his role on the old sit-com "Diff'rent Strokes" in which he coined the phrase "Whatchoo talkin' bout Willis?" Gary was forever scarred by that role and had a very hard time finding work afterward.
Remove the "and taken" from the quote also. *
ReplyDeleteSorry but going back to what dylan is saying, if you read my comment thouroughly you would have seen me say "I know of none". I did not say there are children who watch the station just that there are very few and fewer still that would be effected in any way by what they were showing on this program.
ReplyDeleteTo what Pari said it is very true that child stars go through a lot stuff that screws them over later in life. I think that is very true, even thoguh as stated earlier there are stars who have made it through that such as Hilary Duff. I think the reason for this is the amount of adult like stress being put upon these children. Stress makes adults go into severe depressions and such and that is when their mind is fully developed. As a child your mind is still growing and forming so this stress is completely unhealthy and could end up changing who these children would grow up to be.
I guess this is still a positive for all of the creepy pedophiles out there...lol.
ReplyDeleteYour clarification doesn't make sense RioNok.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what your saying, Rionok, these kids go through a lot of stress and that takes them down a bad road. Also, I believe someone pointed this out earlier, these kids are losing their childhood. They are growing up on camera, they will become celebrities. They will never get the chance to play at the park with their fiends or any of the great opportunities that we had. When they are older all they will remember will be this TV show. They are being forced to grow up too fast and one day they will wake up and realize they are adults who never were children.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, Harujuku Boi, I'm sure there are a bunch of pedophiles out there getting their fill of babies in bikini's from watching this show.
Sorry dylan I mean that the stress added in their lives would end up hurting their brain development, thus changing who they are and make them go to drastic decisions that they normally wouldn't even think of because of this.
ReplyDeleteAs I said before to clarify why this happens is that stress induces many types of things. One of these being depression which is something that mainly adults conflict, and even then their minds are fully developed.
And... What are you saying Harujuku Boi??
I was referring to the first part of your clarification, the part when you were referring to the amount of children that watch TLC.
ReplyDeleteJust simply pointing out a positive in all of this negativeness.
ReplyDeleteOh sorry I meant like... I do not know of any children who watch that channel and I took that plus the logic that the shows would most likely bore a child to high extents, and went to the conclusion that very very few children would watch this network. If there were children that readily watched this program it is very unlikely that they would be effected by the way these children act, again this is from logic and also knowledge I have from watching news and reading articles.
ReplyDeleteMinwoo that comment probably made my day, but really I think that TLC was probably trying to shock and watch their ratings sore. If you hear about this controversial show what are the odds you are going to watch it just to see what its like? Its like driving past an accident, you don't want to look at but you just do. Its part of human nature. If something is scary, shocking or insane stupid it will get people to watch.
ReplyDeleteHaha glad someone took the joke:D
ReplyDeleteBut ye people will be shocked and want to check out the show only to a certain point. I believe it will be dropped soon after the shock wares off. The show will get boring and the controversy will die out. This show is just ridiculous. Im even curious to watch a episode since I still havent.
Yeah, you can only shock people so long before it is not longer a shock and just a bore. There really is nothing interesting in the show. It caters to a very small audience and isn't full of the exciting drama one may expect. I would rather watch The Hills were girls are at least a bit easier to fantasize about while putting the show on mute.
ReplyDeleteThere's a reason why Hilary Duff is still going strong in normal life. I say normal life because many people think because you don't see her around as much, she is a failure. However, it is one of the smartest business moves to make. Go away when your strong. When you have a happy, strong fanbase its easier to come back and be appreciated (assuming the quantity of the project is legit).
ReplyDeleteBut also her parents have played a strong role in her life. She constantly acknowledges her mother's influence and her sister's for that matter.
Unfortunately, I think Miley is going to end up paying a huge price later on, however, if the proper steps and people step in there is hope. Again this is where parent come in.
Parents are so influential in children's lives, and this is why it's so frustrating to see show's like Toddlers and Tiaras.
I think if celebrities were to live a life out of the lime light we would have a much better society. Of course that will never happen.
ReplyDeleteThis is because of human curiousity and we also have that part of nature where we want power and to lead. Combined we form this hounding force that wants to find this "formula" as to how these people became famous or gained "power" so that we might find hopes of gaining this "power" as well. For the most part though these people do not have "what it takes" to be famous and so they are added onto that line of people just hounding forevermore bent on finding a formula that is not there.
ReplyDeleteI know that is kind of confusing so if you need clarification just ask and I will do the best I can.
David, fame has nothing to do with human curiousity. I think fame has everything to do with human greed.
ReplyDeleteActually, that's not necessarily true either. It may not have anything to do with greed. It may just be about doing what you want in life or achieving your full potential. Nevertheless, I still don't think fame has anything to do with curiosity.
ReplyDelete*** First sentence of my last comment. Curiousity should be curiosity. ***
Achieving your full potential involves, curiousity and greed steven.
ReplyDeleteNot necessarily. You do not need to be curious in order to strive for something. You also do not have to be greedy. Mind you, I do believe that greed is a MUCH stronger factor in achieving your potential (for every winner, there's a loser), but I fail to see how curiosity even comes into play. Achieving your full potential has nothing to do with inquiry.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it does for you need to observe and learn how these people ahead of you got to where they are before you make any move forward.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that curiosity plays a minor role in it, "Not NECESSARILY. You do not NEED to be curuious in order to strive for something." In your previous comment, you made it appear as though humans become famous because they are curious. But curiousity has no reason behind WHY they are famous, but more about HOW they got there.
ReplyDeleteSome people would never be famous without curiousity, look at American Idol. Most of these people that try out just work an average day and don't think much of their talent, while when they try out, out of curiousity, and make it they get record deals and fame to boot. The reason they become famous is because they have an amazing voice, while the how they got there is also a very key reason as to how they got their name known
ReplyDeleteJust to add to this curiosity debate… You need determination to be successful and famous. Some people “inherit” it, like Miley did from her dad. But there are people like Shia LaBeouf who was in a poor family as a clown who traveled around in carnivals. One day he thought he could be better and phoned agents and agents until finally he got an audition. Now he’s in so many movies and he’s very successful. These children are having fame forced upon them at an early age. They’re not having a regular childhood. Is it really for the children, or is it for the parents? I don’t think these children will grow up to be Miss Americas because they have the beauty pageant experience, but not the childhood or anything. They SWEARING at their parents, and they’re like what? Six? These poor kids don’t even know what they’re getting into.
ReplyDeleteI think that the people who went on American Idol did not do it to see how far they could get in the competition. A lot of them are very passionate about singing and saw American Idol as an oportunity, not a question. Yes, curiosity does come into play in some circumstances, but I highly doubt that parents have entered their children in this beauty pageant in order to see how far their child could go. A parent would not be that willing to participate their child in their own social experiment.
ReplyDeleteThese parents wanted money and they wanted the glory. They were determined for their child to win. It was not a question of how far a child could go. You witnessed the pressures that these parents were putting on the child. This was no game for them. They had a goal: first place.
I'm not saying that curiosity is always a factor I said also greed is in there you said earlier that it was nonexistant and so I wanted to clarify that to you that it is a factor in several cases.
ReplyDeleteThis entire time, I've said that it wasn't necessarily. I've never said it WASN'T curiosity (after I did, I later commented that what I just said was not necessarily true.)
ReplyDeleteWe've detoured far away from the original descussion.
Very true and really in my opinion not much more can be said on the topic
ReplyDeleteWhat about the fact that these shows may create targets for pedophile. If not that the show may get some started doing that, or may be imgery for someone. Would it be right to keep a show on tv that may support this kind of behavior? I mean who is really going to keep watching it.
ReplyDelete...............................................
I know this is kinda dark, but I really couldn't think of any thing so I just typed beauty pageants into google and I found some stuff that gave me the idea. In case your wondering Yahoo answers and google news.
I don't even know where to start, because everything you all said makes sense. I have actually seen a commercial for this show, and i don't think there is anything wrong with girls being in a pagaent. Look at it being a contest or something.
ReplyDeleteBut remotely 2 year old's should not be entered i think. They are far too young for this. They should just be learning about life not forced to do something their parents want them to do. It is not fair, because they don't know what is going on. They are turning their kids into "barbies"
I am horrified about the whole spray tan thing. I am already against people who " fake and bake" People need to be happy about how they look, just be normal and natural. Obviously these kids are not growing up normal, if this is what their parents are doing.
Pressure is normal. We all hate it, children shouldn't be under that much pressure by the rents. The parents get to competitive for these things. If their child does win, woohoo?
ReplyDeleteDoesn't mean your child is better then another child running. The children should be having fun, not worrying about their false teeth as said as before.
Sarah you are right Miley did inherit her famousness from her father. But why is she acting like the " shit"
ReplyDeleteRemember that picture Mr.pulley showed us?
That is definately not acceptable as a professional in the media.
Off topic a little bit...
I’m not here to be mean or nice, I’m just expressing my opinion. If you don’t like what I say too bad.
ReplyDeleteSo far I have seen about 5 minutes of this shoe. I do not need to watch more to see that this whole child beauty pageant is basically preparing the future sluts, whores etc. the episode I watched had a really not-so-cute girl in it. Basically she was ugly but on the other hand the mother was gorgeous. I wonder what she had to do to get her child that spot in the pageants. These mothers were failures in the model world so they just insert their dreams into there children. These shrivelled women just need to lay down and rest( basically kill your self). The young girls are probably being taught to do anything I mean anything to get themselves in a pageant. How awful. Yet not really.
Really do not have a care for these spoil brats. Yes, yes even though they have been taught that this is “good” well who cares. Basically kill yourself. Every single last one of you.
I didn't know that one could measure a shoe in units of time! :P
ReplyDeletehaha... I crack myself up.
You seem to have some really strong opinions "Dark Chalklate", what experiences in your life have helped you come to these conclusions?
I believe that little girls putting on make up and playing dress up is fine, but only up to a certain extent. The whole beauty pageant ordeal is just taking it to a whole different level. Talk about provoking pedophiles!! I bet these mothers also let their daughters wear padded bras! Okay, that was random, but I was searching online and cam across a website that happened to be having a discussion of companies selling padded bras for children as young as age SIX. I thought that was outrageous! In our society, young girls and boys are just growing up too fast. They are wearing too much make-up, following way too expensive trends, (not to mention that they’ll probably grow out of them in about a month) and I couldn’t help but wonder, is this the influence of a certain brands, say, I don’t know... BARBIE?! Or possibly children ogling in the eye of their idols? *cough, Miley *cough Britney. Beauty Pageants should be for people over the age of 18, in my opinion. At least by then they should have matured enough to actually grow some teeth and not have to wear dentures, and I always thought dentures were for old people?...
ReplyDeletei realize this is probably WAYYYY too late for commenting on this, but in my opinion its all just fucking nastey, they're kids look like fucking tramps. sure its their decision if they want their kids to look like that i guess, but it deffinatly shouldnt be allowed on tv.
ReplyDeleteI personally love the show. I find it interesting. Even if they take the show off the air, the pageants will still go on.
ReplyDeleteThis could have been an interesting article, but I'm sorry, I just couldn't get past your incorrect use of "their" "they're" and "there".
ReplyDeletePlease learn a little grammar, and then I'll read.
I personally think it is very disturbing, sad and disgusting that these so called Mothers would put little toddler girls into such a sexual oriented pageant. If one says it is not sexual just check out the dances, skimpy outfits, poises and facial expressions on these little girl they sure appear sexual to me. Toddlers and Tiaras to encourage twisted pedophiles to their sexual perversions. Whom no doubt have this program on favorites and don't miss a show and I can only image what they are doing while watching these little babies.
ReplyDeleteI am a mother to two grown children 37 and 38 one is a daughter. I can 1000% tell you I could never have done or even had an ounce of a thought of putting my daughter as a toddler (baby)into a program with such a strong sexual oriented pageant. It make me ill to even think about it. I say shame on you so called Mothers and double shame on TLC for allowing this program on the air!