Misstropolis

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Boob Tube: Teen Edition

by Abigail Jones and Marissa Miley

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With the writers’ strike in Hollywood, some of our favorite weekly indulgences have disappeared midseason. Many of us are understandably disappointed, but look at the upside: the strike is an opportunity for you parents of ‘tweens and teens to check in on what your kids have been watching.

Since the number of sex scenes on television nearly doubled between 1998 and 2005, it’s harder than ever to discern age-appropriate television. There are guidelines posted by the Federal Communications Commission, but the sheer number and variety of shows can be overwhelming. To help you get up to speed, we’ve put together a guide to some of the hit TV shows among ‘tweens and teens this season. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s a taste of what’s out there. 

KEEPING UP WITH KARDASHIANS
E!
More like putting out with the Kardashians. This reality television series follows the Kardashian family as they go out, hang out, and yell at each other. There are five raven-haired girls, ranging in age from 9 to 28. Kim, the second oldest at 27, is arguably the most famous daughter; her sex tape came out four years ago, and she’s close friends with Paris Hilton. Her stepfather is also former Olympian gold medalist Bruce Jenner. Since its debut in October, the show has been the top-rated Sunday night program among women aged 18 to 34.

What to look out for…
Over-sexualized and over-moneyed ‘tween and teen girls — and not much else. One recent episode featured Mom encouraging Kim to pose nude for Playboy and then smiling in the buff for her own private photo shoot.

Rated TV-14.  Likely to kill brain cells — painfully.

GOSSIP GIRL
CW
What a splash this show has made. Based on the popular book series by Cecily von Ziegesar, Gossip Girl is for teens what Sex and the City was for twenty- and thirtysomethings. Actually, there’s not that much difference between the two shows. Yes, the main characters are KIDS, but that doesn’t stop them from bar-hopping, partying and generally gallivanting around Manhattan as if their parents’ credit cards were their own (which they basically are).

What to look out for…
An unrealistic picture of “normal” high school life. This may be obvious to anyone who has already graduated, but it’s confusing (and disparaging?) for rising freshmen and those already in the mix. You may be shocked that Serena, the sultry socialite who recently fell from grace, eats one yogurt for lunch and downs dirty martinis before dinner, but there are many more disturbing things to heed. In the series premiere, Serena’s classmate, Chuck, turns to his friend Nathaniel and tells him that it’s time for Nathaniel to have sex with his girlfriend: “You are entitled to tap that ass.”

Rated TV-14. An addictive but disturbing sex drama better suited for adults.

AMERICA’S MOST SMARTEST MODEL
VH1
VH1’s latest addition to the modeling-reality glut features model wannabes competing for $100,000. The catch? They have to prove they’re not just models, but intelligent, too. Everyone knows the stereotype that models are dumb; this show proves it – while promoting eating disorders and anti-intellectualism.

What to look out for…
Throughout the episodes, the models throw back shots of alcohol, fret about their weight and, save for one or two contestants, prove that they have no intellect whatsoever. One thinks Luther Vandross wrote the “Star Spangled Banner.” Another thinks a guy named “Brad” killed JFK. 

Rated TV-14. Save your intelligence! If your teenagers want to watch a show about models, they might as well turn on America’s Next Top Model with Tyra Banks; she at least aspires to promote young women in a tough industry.

THE HILLS
MTV
An effortless, 30-minute stroll through the lives of wealthy young things in California.  Lauren is the nice girl who interns at Teen Vogue, goes to school and always seems to get burned by her best friends and boyfriends. She’s the admittedly adorable star, and makes amusing (and scripted?) one-liners like, “I want to forgive you, and I want to forget you,” (which she said to Heidi, her ex-best friend). Audrina is her replacement best friend.  Whitney is her coworker. And Heidi has been her enemy ever since her fiancé supposedly spread rumors about Lauren’s sex life.

What to look out for…
Bad relationships. Bitchy girls. Jealousy. All the stereotypical bickering that goes on among girlfriends. We watch the Hills because, in many ways, these girls go through what everyone else does: relationships, best friends, boyfriends, enemies, professional dreams and disappointments. The thing is, they’re not like everyone. They have money, TV crews and scripted lives.

Rated TV-14. Reality? Hardly. But compared to the rest of the shows out there, the Hills really is just a breezy stroll. There’s no harm here.

Despite the countless scenes and characters parents may not want their kids watching, there are plenty of teachable moments in these TV shows. For birth control, turn to the Kardashians, when Kim’s younger sister thinks she’s pregnant. For relationship advice, The Hills. For drinking and excessive spending, Gossip Girl. There are also many shows popular with kids we didn’t review, including Weeds, Grey’s Anatomy and Samantha Who? The point is, these shows are part of your child’s world. Watch first, don’t judge or dismiss. Then, talk with your child about it.

Want to learn more about what your kids are watching? Here are some great Web sites:
http://www.commonsensemedia.org
http://www.thetvboss.org/