Kid Nation
- Thread starter Ryan
- Start date
I'd heard about this show, but decided against watching it; sounded a little too Lord of the Flies to me...
Ryan
I like turtles
I was the same way untill I watched it. It's much better than I expected.
The producers took advantage of a loophole in state law to get around the child labor laws. (The state has now changed its laws...)
Watching something like Survivor or Big Brother is one thing, IMHO. Those people are pretty much aware of what they'll be facing.
I watched the teasers and promos and decided I didn't like the premise. So, it's not in my viewing schedule.
Kingzrool
Starter
This is a great show. I would not think twice about letting my 10 year old go if he wanted. This is a real growth and learning experience. What kid would not be stoked about the idea of running the show. This show is an eye opener for the participants. I plan on having my boy watch it. The kids have many oppertunities to leave if they so desire.
I am completely missing the part where these kids are being taken advantage of. How is it any different than child actors?
I am completely missing the part where these kids are being taken advantage of. How is it any different than child actors?
I could easily be mistaken because I'm not watching the show. Child actors are properly compensated for their efforts, are subject to very strict labor laws about hours of work, conditions, etc. It's my understanding this was not the case with this show, which is why the law has now been changed. Some of those kids are as young as 8-years-old.
Ryan
I like turtles
There are loopholes in the show, but it's not like these kids are not getting compensated. They hand out $20,000 to the best kid on every show.
$20,000 to the best kid on each episode? As determined by whom? It doesn't seem fair that one kid earns and the others don't. They're all part of the "cast," aren't they? I love reality shows but taking kids that young just smacks of wrong-doing at some point, either by the parents or by the producers et al who will make a LOT of money if the show gets even halfway decent ratings.
Kids in their mid-teens are one thing. I just don't agree with the concept of putting children as young as 8 and 9 in those kinds of situations.
But again, I'm not watching the show and I don't intend to so me talking about it is really just an exercise in theory from my side. As with other threads dedicated to various shows, I'll just leave this one to those who are watching. I may change my mind at some point and watch, but as it stands right now I have some pretty strong philosophical objections and I don't really see those changing. Of course, I also had philosophical objections to the Jackazz series, but for a different reason.
Kids in their mid-teens are one thing. I just don't agree with the concept of putting children as young as 8 and 9 in those kinds of situations.
But again, I'm not watching the show and I don't intend to so me talking about it is really just an exercise in theory from my side. As with other threads dedicated to various shows, I'll just leave this one to those who are watching. I may change my mind at some point and watch, but as it stands right now I have some pretty strong philosophical objections and I don't really see those changing. Of course, I also had philosophical objections to the Jackazz series, but for a different reason.
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Kingzrool
Starter
All kids get "paid" for there contribution, albeit not equally, which is how it is in real life. The $20,000 goes to the kid who has contributed the most as determined by the 4 group leaders which are children themselves. I think most everyone was in agreement that they gave it to the proper person.
It was great that the kids got to choose between a TV and 7 more latrines, I loved that twist. I guess there will be drama about whether or not to slaughter a chicken this week. As a parent, it really is amazing to watch them work this stuff out amongst themselves.
Ryan
I like turtles
But again, I'm not watching the show and I don't intend to so me talking about it is really just an exercise in theory from my side. As with other threads dedicated to various shows, I'll just leave this one to those who are watching. I may change my mind at some point and watch, but as it stands right now I have some pretty strong philosophical objections and I don't really see those changing. Of course, I also had philosophical objections to the Jackazz series, but for a different reason.
I really hope you do watch it because I don't place this in the category with other so called "reality TV show". Sure, in the end the producers are looking for ratings, but we as a society can learn a lot from what these kids are doing. To a certain extent, the show is a metaphor for life. It's a perfect example of a basic democracy. I think the best part of the last episode was when a girl started giving dance lessons for extra money - that's America at it's core, equal opportunity.
This show makes me think of the 3rd grade teacher back in the 50's who separated the "brown eyed" kids from the "blue eyes", and gave the brown eyed kids special privileges. Sooner than later the kids went at aether's throats, and it was a perfect example of the greater problem of racism.
Who knows, maybe I should just stick to "Wife Swap"
So you never read "The Lord of the Flies"?
The show may be a metaphor for life, but at whose expense? Children who really have no idea what they're getting in for whose parents have made this kind of decision for them? And what are the motives of the parents?
Lots of philosophical discussion possible here, but we come from different times and I find this kind of programming reprehensible because it's primarily exploitation of children who were put into the situation by their parents. To me it's no different than child pageants.
But enjoy. I'm just saying it's not something I have even the remotest interest in.
The show may be a metaphor for life, but at whose expense? Children who really have no idea what they're getting in for whose parents have made this kind of decision for them? And what are the motives of the parents?
Lots of philosophical discussion possible here, but we come from different times and I find this kind of programming reprehensible because it's primarily exploitation of children who were put into the situation by their parents. To me it's no different than child pageants.
But enjoy. I'm just saying it's not something I have even the remotest interest in.
