War Cry
Child Exploitation through Television ShowsSaturday, February 18, 2012 By Stephanie Byrne
Today, America has become familiarized with the lives of young dancers, pageant toddlers, families with an above-average number of children, and pregnant teens, through reality television. Shows like these raise questions relating to child labor, exploitation, and abuse. The television station, TLC, is known for airing reality shows about the lives of not-so-average people. A show that is no longer airing, Jon and Kate plus 8 stirred much controversy related child exploitation. Child development expert and author, Jennifer Jones, states that placing children in front of cameras is a crime. Jones also said that having children in front of a camera on a daily basis causes children to have a difficult time creating an identity as well as a relationship with parents. The eight children from Jon and Kate plus 8 were filmed from 2007 to 2011. Questions were raised by critics about the wellbeing of the children during that time as well. Another TLC show, Toddlers and Tiaras is a reality show that revolves around the lives of young girls (and boys) that are involved in the world of beauty pageants. Cameras follow the children as they practice, travel, and participate in the pageants. Some viewers complain that the children, mostly young girls, are dressed in an inappropriate manner and are dressed too mature for their age. The parents of the pageant children argue that wearing makeup, flippers (false teeth), and considerably revealing costumes is simply a part of the activity. A more recent reality show on Lifetime, Dance Moms , focuses on the lives of young girls that are under the direction of Abby Lee Miller, the owner of Abby Lee Dance Company in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The girls are between the ages of seven and fourteen. Cameras film the girls (and the mothers) as the girls endure rigorous rehearsals and competitions. The cast of the show, along with viewers, perceive Abby Lee Miller as a strict instructor. Viewers also say that Miller demeans her students. The aspect of Dance Moms that critics are considering to be child exploitation is similar to Toddlers and Tiaras . The costumes, as well as the dances themselves, have shocked the girls’ mothers and audience alike. The two parties have been upset by the lack of material and the display of skin the costumes encourage. Abby Lee Miller debates that the costumes “make the number” and that the movements are part of the sport of dance. Paul Petersen, a former child actor, has started an organization called A Minor Consideration , which advocates young actors. Petersen believes that fame may hold serious consequences for children. Petersen also thinks that reality shows should be under the same law as TV shows. Despite controversial issues of whether or not reality shows are going against the law and morals of child safety, viewers of these shows continue watching. Dance Moms Promotional Trailer |