Disney Channel & Nickelodeon Dramas

Some may think disney channel is suitable for their young children, however in recent years I have noticed a change in the story line and the topics chosen to discuss on national television. There has always been issues with certain television shows such as spongebob squarepants and the fairly odd parents, however even aside from preliminary messages that are being sent out the story line of life with these young children is a too mature for my own personal comfort zone. While babysitting a little girl, whom I have for years, I was told to not allow her to watch certain shows. After wondering to myself how come I tuned into these shows once the little girl went to bed. After watching a few minutes I realized what was going on. Drake and Josh were kissing girls and using fake ideas to get into clubs. This may not seem as big of an issue to us college students, however for a 7 year old girl whom does not even know what an ID is this can have a lot of negative impact on her views growing up.

When in these shows the boys were asking their parents for money to go out and using it at bars and also kissing girls on television for long periods of time made me extremely bothered. I knew that television was taking a turn for the worst when I noticed things on the network that seemed questionable. Usually things do not stand out to me but compared to what I watched as a child I was extremely surprised what the same aged children are able to see just by flicking on the power button.

Certain shows I feel everyone has heard there are small references and conclusions drawn from them such as Disney movies and spongebob squarepants. These shows apparently make references in which place subtle messages in the mind of the viewer. I have watched these shows trying to pick out these small inuendos, however are reluctant to find many. Some disney movies I have seen small things such as cloud formations and awkward phrases used in the dialog, but innappropriate symbols and words do not stand out to me as much. Until pointed out to me I never noticed just how many subliminal messages were in all the movies and shows I grew up watching. If these messages are real does anyone else see them until they are pointed out? Do you think they are intentionally placed there?  I would be interested to know if anyone has seen or heard these secret messages in any cartoon shows?

http://www.parentstv.org/ptc/parentsguide/Tips.asp

http://www.parentstv.org/ptc/facts/mediafacts.asp

Here are just a couple websites which back up what I have discussed here also give you a brief synopsis of how on going and worldwide this problem is!

Toddlers & Tiaras

Most people will not be shocked to find out that many shows placed on the television network are not shows that were once viewed by the public many years ago. In recent years things on television have become more and more graphic and also are holding a much harsher impact on American society. This blog is to give you a little insight as to just how bad television ratings and demographic research has become.

In particular I find the show toddlers & tiaras to be one show on the rise that is not suitable for television or the health of young children. Time and time again I have tried to tune into this show and watch it with an open mind. However, after just a few short minutes I am very unhappy with what I am seeing. From a small child, mothers have thrown their little girl into make-up, hair extensions and heels to try to win pageants children literally do not understand anything about. The strenuous work and hours parents force their children to withstand simply to just enter a pageant is obsurd. The children will cry and throw tantrums and none the less become selfish to their own needs. Although children are solely relying on parental control for many years in the beginning of their life the habits and lifestyle these children are learning at a young age is not positive for their overall well being.

Growing up I never wore make-up or cared about how my hair was laying that day until I was in my early teens and could understand what that actually all meant and entailed. By teaching young girls it is proper to be the prettiest girl in the crowd and have the longest hair and be able to have the best talent you are showing kids that competition leads to success. In this context little girls are fighting, wanting to be the best at everything and not understanding what it means to lose one of these competitions. The long hours and days and parents become frustrated with their children is wrong. Also while watching this show I saw a mother give her child botox because it helped her keep a permanent smile. If people do not think something is wrong with that I just do not know what the world is coming to.

I would love to hear back from anyone who may have some feedback about this specific show & I will be posting similiarly with other shows on television.