On Wednesday nights, TLC broadcasts the reality series called "Toddlers & Tiaras". Each episode follows three set of parents and toddlers as they participate in a pageant. These toddlers, boys and girls, go through a combination of spray tans, heavy makeup, dental procedures, hairspray, fake eyelashes, and hours upon hours of practice. Finally, the day of the pageant, the children take the stage only to look into the audience and see mom and dad doing every planned step.
This look into the child pageant world is very scary. I'm wondering what these parents are teaching these children. In the show, in the days before the pageant, the parents are not shown encouraging the children, but yelling and forcing them to practice. At the pageant, the children are very mouthy and do not behave well. As a child development major, I believe the parents should guide their children in more appropriate behavior rather than shout out expectations.
These children are taught from a young age that "beauty" is what determines a winner. As they get older, they will consistently measure success by how pretty as person is. A friend of mine posted on her Facebook status quoting her 3 year old daughter "put on Toddlers & Tiaras so I can win the crown next time" Three people judged this pageant and now this little girl is trying to "learn" what to do to win.
A Duncan
I agree that a parent involving their children in pageants at such a young age is detrimental to the child’s character and learned behavior. The series “Toddlers and Tiaras” exhibits just how monstrous child pageants can be. First of all I believe the mothers and even fathers who put their children in pageants are simply trying to fulfill their own dreams through their children. I have seen the show and many of the mothers explain how they participated in pageants or always wanted to participate in pageants. Second of all I think the parents of pageant children are not teaching their children strong values or morals about physical appearance. They truly are reinforcing that beauty allows you to win. The behavior of these toddlers is another thing that worries me. The parents of these children do not properly discipline. When I watch the show there is always a little girl who is sassy, demanding, and downright horrible and the mother doesn’t do anything or attempt to control her behavior or even attempt to administer discipline. If parents continue to allow these toddlers to act, behave, and believe beauty achieves all, just imagine what these children will be like as adults.
ReplyDeleteAllison Lafargue
I completely agree with what you're saying; in my opinion that show is a joke. I don't know how parents think it's ok to raise their child like this. I can only imagine how they will turn out to be when they grow older. It is exactly how you said, the only thing that they are teaching their child is that the only way of winning in life is to be beautiful and like a robot. They aren't teaching them morals or how to be a good kid let alone even let them be raised in a normal way. I also think you have very good evidence saying that your friend posted her status about what her child said. That is proof of what that show and raising your child like that does to these poor children.
ReplyDelete-Meagan Madere
I completely agree with your point of view. I have watched this show before and have been absolutely appalled by the craziness and drama of it all. What loving mother would allow her daughter to be transformed into an eighteen year old in a six year old body. These little girls have no chance at living a normal child's life. They are forced to grow up and act like robots performing routines and winking at judges. I think that the show is a bad influence on any child and in my opinion should not be aired or promoted.
ReplyDelete-Lizzy Ormsby
I completely agree to what you have stated in your argument. It is sad to think that children are being controlled into a superficial life, when clearly that is not what being a young child is about. They should be able to express themselves in the ways that interest them, not by putting on make-up and a fake smile as a three year. I have even seen a show where mothers make their daughters wear fake teeth. To think that a child has to constantly look over and make sure they are doing the right thing at a young age is ridiculous. I think your evidence was well backed up.
ReplyDelete-Sarah Giffin
I'm really glad this topic was brought up because I have seen the show and HATE IT. I am also a child development major and hate the message the parents send to the children. They way they dress up the 3,4,5, year olds with DENTURES, spray tans, and loads of make up makes them look freaky. It is not right. Plus, most of the kids cry and don't enjoy not being able to act freely. The parents "say" the kids enjoy it but if you have ever watched the show you will realize the kids act worse when it is pageant day. I emphasize with these children who try to keep their parents happy doing these ridiculous stunts. Good post!
ReplyDeleteChloe Goodwin