Like many people out there, I am a reality TV junky. Even though people say “it is scripted-it’s not reality”-there’s something about the rawness of it all that makes it exciting to watch. Furthermore, the fact that average Joes agree to go out and make fools of themselves by doing wild and wacky things; like in ABC’s Blowout or CBS’ Survivor, is a break from the fantasy we all wish we could experience in the glitz of Hollywood movies and shows. However, it seems that reality shows are becoming all the more raunchy and possibly a little too real to handle.
Take for instance, MTV’s hit show: Teen Mom, a documentary type program, produced by Morgan Freeman, with the intention of showing the hardships of being a mother and dealing with relationships at such a young age. Now, MTV is no stranger to publicizing the lives of random people living together or struggling through tough things. Remember, they originated documentaries like: True Life, The Real World, The Challenge, Jersey Shore, and Teen Mom. Honestly speaking, in every one of these shows there has been an act of violence committed against a cast member, and MTV stands there continuing to film the aggression. You know why? Because people like a good fight. It’s what raises the ratings. And in these days…MONEY is everything.
The latest incident has possibly gone too far, causing enough attention that the media is all over it. Apparently, the Teen Mom star… well “Person” (Lauer claims calling these cast members "stars" glamorizes thier situaton), Amber Portwood, is allegedly facing an investigation after she repeatedly committed domestic abuse against her on/off again fiancé, Gary Shirley, in front of their child, Leah. In the state of Indiana (where they live), “domestic violence in front of a child under the age of 14 can result in felony charges.” Amber could be facing some time.
After Gary threatened to take Leah away from her, Amber “kicked and punched him seven times before kicking him in the back as he walked down a flight of stairs.” There have been numerous other times when Amber has lashed out on Gary, and he just stands there and takes it. Perhaps if the tables were turned, you know Amber wouldn’t hesitate a minute to call the cops on him. But what’s striking is that the film crew didn’t even intervene. They continued to watch the abuse over and over. Furthermore, they didn’t mind to edit it out, allowing the crimes to project through the screens of TVs and computers in millions of American households.
What’s got everyone talking is the realization that reality TV and magazines, in some way, glamorize this behavior. As Matt Lauer mentioned in an NBC interview, "look at all of the attention these cast members have gotten for having a baby at 16!" They probably get a fat cut out of the revenue for the show as well. I mean, accidents happen, and perhaps MTV’s purpose with the show is to convey how hard it is to be a teen mom, possibly to dissuade teens from ruining their lives at such a tender age.
But others feel differently. One reporter describes “Reality shows [as preying] on featuring people who appear to be undereducated, narcissistic and full of anger...Teen Mom is not the national image Anderson wants. We don't push our loved ones down stairs. We don't take pride that our teenage girls are 16 and pregnant. We don't all drop out of high school."
It’s the image that people are worried about. They see teens entangled in such volatile lives and they fret over its influence on the teens watching it. This makes sense, sometimes we see something cool, and we want to imitate it. That’s why they have those warnings before a dangerous stunt is shown; “please do not try at home.” But I think the real purpose of Teen Mom is to educate. You don’t see the Moms all decked out in fur coats, going to the jewelry store to buy some bling-bling. This isn’t the life of footballer’s wives. This is probably the most unglamorous show out there. Judging by the delivery episodes, childbirth is messy! And the problems that come with it are too. These kids are going through so much! For instance, Farrah’s story is hard to swallow: her boyfriend died before she told him she was pregnant, now she’s a single mom and her relationship with her parents hasn’t been that well. Maci is also a single mother, and Catelynn has to deal with the pain of giving a child up for adoption. These stories happen every day, and these ladies just had the guts to invite cameras in to show the reality of it all.
As for Amber, I don’t condone her behavior. If you know the cameras are filming you, have the courtesy to Not abuse your baby’s daddy. Guess what, Amber? Now the prosecutors have evidence. Perhaps, Amber just needs some anger management.
At any rate, the violence is a part of ever day life. And no matter how much people want to protect their kids or just complain about the censoring on TV, they have to realize that kids will experience this one day for themselves in the REAL WORLD. Parents you can’t hide everything from us kids; you can only shield us for so long. And while people get all heated over this, it should serve to remember that this is TV…there is a thing called the one/off button. If you don’t like what you see, just turn it off.
In terms of the domestic abuse and the media coverage, I want to hear from you guys: Do you think these Teen moms are being glamorized? Does Amber need anger management? Is Gary doing the right thing? What would You do in their situation? Sound off by writing a comment.
Source: 1."'Teen Mom' Under Investigation for Domestic Abuse in Front of Child | PopEater.com." Celebrities | Entertainment News | Celebrity Gossip | Celebrity Photos | PopEater.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2010.
2. http://starcasm.net/archives/29094
This post is so true, I'm actually not a fan of the show bc well I feel the same way, I dont think that people should be aired on tv if theyre going to glorify the idea of being pregnant at 16. They should be showing things like successful people or ways to become successful. I like the idea of MADE because they help people succeed in the transformations that they want in their lives. Not all of these are important tho, i must admit they are kind of silly however its a better idea that theyre throwing out to the youth viewers.
ReplyDeleteYea seriously! Some upcoming teenagers would get the wrong message; that if you get pregnant you could be on mtv! lol Not so. After watching the show, I saw how much of a strain teen pregnancy puts on relationships and life itself. Totally not worth it at such a young age.
ReplyDeleteNetworks should air more positive shows, like Made, as you said. In such trying times as today, we could use some more uplifting programs that show people achieving their dreams and simply changing their lives for the better.
Totally agree! I refuse to watch shows like Jersey Shore or 16 and pregnant. For that same reason. Its great to find someone that agrees :]
ReplyDelete