Is survivor appropriate?

[kingclick]

I just recently read an article (in a magazine) that quoted Leslie Moonves saying that Survivor was the Networks best family show. And then he said that until American Idol came along Survivor always was number 1 in it's timeslot for 4-17 year olds.

Is survivor really appropriate for "family" viewing?

[April]

I can honestly say that I have never watched a single episode of Survivor and neither have my kids...but from what I've seen in magazines and other shows like Entertainment Tonight, I would think that it isn't.

[btlsmum]

I wouldn't really consider it family viewing but that's just me. I know quite a few folks whose kids love it.

What concerned me more was the fact that Fear Factor is a HUGE hit with kids. Between the scantily clad, silicone-enhanced babes and eating of various animal "naughty bits" I just can't imagine.

[kingclick]

In that same article they addressed that point. Some guy from NBC was basically saying that Fear Factor is just a "Double Dare" like program. I mean kids are just about bugs and farting and snot sandwiches and spiders and creepy crawlies. As for the babes. They just want the hottest people on the show. I mean who wants to see an overweight guy that hasn't showered in a week wuss out from sitting in a vat of bugs? I personally dislike the show fear factor because it really isn't about fear but about physical challenges. They all might eat the pig guts. They just don't eat if fast enough.

But with Survivor. It's ALL ABOUT lying, cheating, backstabbing and deceit. Not things I wish to teach my children to do. And most of the liars and backstabbers outlast the others.

I wouldn't be surprised when we raise a nation of lying backstabbers when we let our children watch this trash.

[RogueAngel]

^^ I would have to agree. I am not real knowledgable on these shows, since I typically avoid the TV. I might be speaking out of turn. I caught survivor on it's first year a few times and was unimpressed. Fear factor, from what I've seen is just plain gross. Some of the other programs that bother me is this Cupid, The Bachelor, Bachelorette ... etc. It's like they are advocating and supporting walking onto national TV and finding the love of your life out of a certain amount of timed 'dates'? What is that all about? Near as I can tell, it doesn't work that way and sends a fairly bad message.

[April]

I did let my 13 yr old watch Average Joe with me and she was extremely disappointed that the girl didn't pick the average joe, so hopefully she does realize that substance is more important than aesthetics.

But I agree with KL and would like to add that the kids being raised on these shows will be running our country someday. Scary thought.

[Peanut]

I don't personally find a lot of "Reality TV" to be a valid form of entertainment, period, let alone family entertainment. Guess what, though...that is why we don't watch it. I think a lot of the popularity of these programs stems from the train-wreck factor of it all, plus the greed issues. Neither of these are things I like to encourage in my family, but that is just me.

[sarah]

oh good gosh no
survivor is shown in a 9:30pm time slot here because its not a family show as i guess most in oz would see it.

[Shannie-Poo]

But I agree with KL and would like to add that the kids being raised on these shows will be running our country someday. Scary thought.
__________________

Okay I think this is total bullhocky. I have three kids, ages 3, 7 and 10. We watch Fear Factor together as a family. They all love it. My ten year old will ask question like whats a pig rectum? I will answer honestly and she will say Ewww thats gross. Do you think my children are someday going to be adults and go around eating pig rectum? Judge someone on the shape of their body because they used to watch a show that featured contestants in bathing suits? Give me a break. They enjoy the show. They loved to be grossed out and its something we do as a family. Im sure they are not slipping in the cracks of society because of what we watch.

Same goes for Survivor. Normally its just my 10 year old and I watching. Not because I dont think its appropriate for the other two. Its just a time for both of us to watch. She understands its a GAME...that is for a million dollars. She understands the importance of telling the truth and yadda yadda yadda. Im sure shes not going to grow up lying and cheating her way to get to the top because Survivor influenced her THAT much.

Too many people put too much emphasis that shows on tv can have that much influence on our children. We as parents influence our children. Not TV. And if you watch it with your children, at least you are there to answer any questions they may have.

[Epicurus]

We don't watch it. I do not consider it family fare. We try to use the TV to enrich our lives and make choices accordingly.

Collette

[Mabel]

I'll be the odd one :) I do not have a problem with Survivor being considered a "family show" and I'm one of the strictest TV "parents" that there is. No I have no children, but I have a hand in raising my niece and nephew who'm I have every day - and they'll tell you I am STRICT.

BUT! There are things I don't like about Survivor for the kids - one of those being whenever there is sexual talk - if they show that in the preview, I choose not to have them view that show. Other than that, I like the kids to see how the players use their survivor skills to eat, get water, do the challenges, etc.
So far my two have always known it's a game, and in the rules of the game it is okay to trick people, make alliances, etc. They know those sorts of things are inappropriate in real life.
So I can see people's points - I just thought I'd chime in :)

[April]

Like I said, I don't watch it. But what's the deal with this guy lying about his grandmother dying to win a challenge? What is that teaching kids? Of course, I guess you can't blame the show, it's just a reflection of the morals we have today. Wanna get ahead, wanna win? Lie your ass off!

[RogueAngel]

Shannon has a good point. I don't think we should be blaming television for anything our children *might* do. Blaming television or music or anything else is the blame game. I have stated I don't get it and that some of them send a bad message. BUT I have the power. I can turn the channel. What someone else enjoys and thinks is fine, I might not and vice versa. I totally dig the Discovery Channel, others probably find it boring and useless. So I can have what I want and they can have what they want. All works out in the end.

[Shannie-Poo]

MM----And its up to us as parents to teach our children morals. That guy had no morals. When he made that all up my daughter said "Bad Karma is what that is". So obviously she sees that it was wrong. Doesnt mean shes going to go out and act that way. We see it as a form of entertainment. I dont see it as a show of corruption.

[Epicurus]

I agree that it is a reflection of what people want. I don't care if others want to watch it. I see no redeeming value in it for our family. We are so busy that when we do spend time in front of the TV we try to make that time valuable. We sway from that ideal of course. Last night we watched Planet of the Apes (the older kids only of course). The night before that Kevin Burns on Jazz. The night before that Good Eats on Salads, etc.

I don't have time for series that I see as a mindless waste of time is all. I don't care who else watches what.

Collette

[April]

Shannon, I do think you have a good point. That's pretty much my thinking behind my daughter watching Average Joe. I would hope that I've taught my kids well enough to know what's right and wrong, regardless of what TV, music, etc. says.
I'm obviously not going to be a strong debater in the whole Survivor thing because I don't watch it. And that's not because I think it's immoral or wrong or whatever. It just interferes with Must See TV! :p