Kid Nation: A World Without Adults is a World Without Hygiene
As the layers are peeled away each week on Kid Nation, what is revealed is not at all what was promised. And the kids are surely not to blame. The question we find ourselves asking after last evening's episode is:
"How are these kids supposed to create a better world if they are given none of the important tools?"
The centerpiece of last night's show was town council elections. And yes, bossy, obnoxious Taylor was finally ousted (one of her best friends defected to tip the scales) and Zach, a smart boy with a more democratic approach took her place. Seems like that would be good news for Bonanza City. But who knows? Last week: religion. This week: politics. Next week, according to the coming attractions: Rats. Lovely. Which brings us to the most disturbing discovery of last night's viewing: hygiene. Or the lack thereof.
At Safety4Kids, we're vigilant about the aspects of the show that impact a child's health and safety. So the horror came not at the campaigning, poster-tearing, food-fighting, lazy and disrespectful banter; it came when the "reward" for completing a pinata-swatting challenge was a choice between an abundant barbecue or a toothbrush!!! We were stunned. It's not that we thought that off camera these kids went to a day spa. It's just that we thought they at least had the very basic elements of hygiene. And while previous inhabitants of Bonanza City, however fictional, likely did not have "Crest", surely these kids would at least be able to brush their teeth. We admit that after that moment, our viewing was influenced by imagining all those kids, for forty days, without toothpaste, a toothbrush, floss or mouthwash (all part of the reward), and drinking lots of root beer in the saloon. Yuck.
Once again, we find ourselves wondering about the contrived set of circumstances that contribute to this show's odd and disturbing premise. Imagine, if you will, the production meeting:
"Shall we give these kids beds?"
"Nah, let them sleep on the floor."
"How about dental hygiene--all in favor, say aye."
"Ok, let the record show, that's a 'no' vote on hygiene."
"Showers?"
"We'll see, but not at the beginning. Maybe we could have a hose and a bar of soap as a reward later on in the season."
"Great idea!"
"Anyone here feel strongly about protein?"
"Only if they have to catch it first!"
(laughter)
"Remember people, these kids have forty days to make a better world than the one they've got."
"Hey, did anyone check on those child labor laws?"
"What?"
"Huh?"
"We've got those signed consent forms, right?"
"Somebody call legal."
For the record, the council chose the toothbrushes. And at least one of the original council members, Laurel, ran unopposed because her team loves her. And Greg, the older kid with the attitude, who works very hard (he killed the chickens, remember?) and is now a kind of "big brother" to the little ones, finally won the gold star. In one heartfelt, real moment on the show, Greg addressed the group: "You guys have no clue what this is going to do for my life." He's using the money for college.
But here is our dilemma, week after week. If the idea of Kid Nation is to watch an eclectic mix of kids try to build a better society, why is deprivation the central approach?
CBS is not fooling anyone: this is "Survivor: Bonanza City" and it's kids that are being used as the pawns in this ratings game. And we have to ask, again: at what cost?
(c) Brian Kelly. Image from BigStockPhoto.com
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: Kid Nation, CBS, reality TV, Safety4Kids
"How are these kids supposed to create a better world if they are given none of the important tools?"
The centerpiece of last night's show was town council elections. And yes, bossy, obnoxious Taylor was finally ousted (one of her best friends defected to tip the scales) and Zach, a smart boy with a more democratic approach took her place. Seems like that would be good news for Bonanza City. But who knows? Last week: religion. This week: politics. Next week, according to the coming attractions: Rats. Lovely. Which brings us to the most disturbing discovery of last night's viewing: hygiene. Or the lack thereof.
At Safety4Kids, we're vigilant about the aspects of the show that impact a child's health and safety. So the horror came not at the campaigning, poster-tearing, food-fighting, lazy and disrespectful banter; it came when the "reward" for completing a pinata-swatting challenge was a choice between an abundant barbecue or a toothbrush!!! We were stunned. It's not that we thought that off camera these kids went to a day spa. It's just that we thought they at least had the very basic elements of hygiene. And while previous inhabitants of Bonanza City, however fictional, likely did not have "Crest", surely these kids would at least be able to brush their teeth. We admit that after that moment, our viewing was influenced by imagining all those kids, for forty days, without toothpaste, a toothbrush, floss or mouthwash (all part of the reward), and drinking lots of root beer in the saloon. Yuck.Once again, we find ourselves wondering about the contrived set of circumstances that contribute to this show's odd and disturbing premise. Imagine, if you will, the production meeting:
"Shall we give these kids beds?"
"Nah, let them sleep on the floor."
"How about dental hygiene--all in favor, say aye."
"Ok, let the record show, that's a 'no' vote on hygiene."
"Showers?"
"We'll see, but not at the beginning. Maybe we could have a hose and a bar of soap as a reward later on in the season."
"Great idea!"
"Anyone here feel strongly about protein?"
"Only if they have to catch it first!"
(laughter)
"Remember people, these kids have forty days to make a better world than the one they've got."
"Hey, did anyone check on those child labor laws?"
"What?"
"Huh?"
"We've got those signed consent forms, right?"
"Somebody call legal."
For the record, the council chose the toothbrushes. And at least one of the original council members, Laurel, ran unopposed because her team loves her. And Greg, the older kid with the attitude, who works very hard (he killed the chickens, remember?) and is now a kind of "big brother" to the little ones, finally won the gold star. In one heartfelt, real moment on the show, Greg addressed the group: "You guys have no clue what this is going to do for my life." He's using the money for college.
But here is our dilemma, week after week. If the idea of Kid Nation is to watch an eclectic mix of kids try to build a better society, why is deprivation the central approach?
CBS is not fooling anyone: this is "Survivor: Bonanza City" and it's kids that are being used as the pawns in this ratings game. And we have to ask, again: at what cost?
(c) Brian Kelly. Image from BigStockPhoto.com
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: Kid Nation, CBS, reality TV, Safety4Kids
9 Comments:
I couldn’t agree more. After all the incredible hype about how these children were left alone out in the middle of nowhere with no adult supervision whatsoever, it’s almost perversely disappointing to see how contrived and controlled their environment really is. Seriously even 12 year- olds pack their toothbrushes…worst case scenario at least one does! Good thing CBS had an ironclad contract with the families; imagine the inevitable claims of damages due to lack of proper hygienic care?! Rather icky indeed.
it's also disgraceful that these kids are not getting any proper nourishment. and then their rewards often involve "teasing" them with massive amounts of food, which they ultimately reject. i think it's cruel.
I think everybody needs to get a grip. If one kid packed their toothbrush, the why didn't the parents of the other 39 make sure their kids had a toothbrush too? I think this is a great experience for these kids. There are kids all over our nation who don't live any better than this right now, in their own homes! At least these kids get the opportunity to understand some of the hard decisions that parents/adults have to make.
I can honestly say that I've never had to decide between miniature golf and a bible, nor have I been forced to choose between food and a toothbrush. Other decisions I've not had to make: outhouses vs. hamburgers; microwave vs. pizza.
Does it strike you as odd that the decisions these kids are faced with are nearly always food vs. some practically applied thing like toothpaste, toothbrushes, outhouses and microwaves?
I think it's bizarre and not representative at all of the real-world choices we all have to make. Not to mention this -- I've never known any adult who got $20,000 for being nice.
Just when we thought this show could not get worse...these kids haven't been given toothbrushes?!?!?! How could that be?!
Did their parents know this when they signed the contracts? It probably wouldn't be legal if they hadn't, but how could they have signed if they knew? Then again, these are the same parents who sent their children off to a fake reality show so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.
As bizarre a strategy as this would be, I am hoping that this is just another example of CBS manufacturing inane situations for effect, while, behind the scenes, actually providing these children with toothbrushes and other tools for basic hygiene.
This imagining of the production meeting is brilliant. And likely not all that different from what actually occurred. I really have no idea what CBS is thinking.
I am counting down the days until The Amazing Race starts, just so I can be reminded that reality shows (on CBS, no less) have the potential to be entertaining and inspirational and pure good fun, without having to use children as pawns and without playing manipulative mind games on the viewers.
Its really sad when people have to nit pick something to death. You are right. We "adults" may not have to choose between outhouses versus food. However I know alot of adults these days get to choose between gas to get to work or personal care products and the quality of food their families get to eat. I could only hope for a 20,000 dollar gold star for keeping my chin up and trying to work together. You must have been raised with a silver "toothbrush in your mouth.
Oh good grief... it's 40 days. I seriously doubt that these "poor children's" teeth are going to rot out of their heads because they didn't have flouride toothpaste for 40 days. Oh, and they're not getting "proper nourishment"?? I am certain that the basic foods provided are fine. They are being "teased" with "luxury" foods... NOT necessities. Last time I checked, burgers and pizza were not on the top of my doctor's list as "proper nourishment" for my children. Get off your soapbox people... I think these kids will be just fine! Maybe even *GASP* better for the experience!!!
You people are a bunch of morons. How much reality do you really think is in this "reality" show. Do you think these kids are really without hygienic care, undernourished and constantly "teased"? GIve me a break. OMG THEY DON'T HAVE TOOTHBRUSHES! Yeah right. If you think these kids are out in the middle of nowhere with no supervision then you have no right to even be watching tv. The challenges are to win rewards, that is part of the game, it is not teasing. These kids look well taken care of to me. NO producer in their right mind would actually do any harm to these kids. SO you drama queens need to stop. You are probably moms who still breast feed their kids atr 5 yrs old. Get a grip. It's sad that you don't understand a show meant for 6th graders. I think it's great that these children are put into a position to make good decisions and solve conflicts. Just because mommmy and daddy aren't right there, doesn't mean these kids are neglected. The comments left by some of you no-brains are unbelievable.
these kids haven't been given toothbrushes?!?!?! How could that be?!
"Did their parents know this when they signed the contracts? It probably wouldn't be legal if they hadn't, but how could they have signed if they knew? Then again, these are the same parents who sent their children off to a fake reality show so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised."
HA HA HA LMAO!!! Are you kidding me? You are "funny" You said it yourself...it's a FAKE reality show. SO what the heck are you people getting your panties in a bunch over? dorks.
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