T&T (Tacky and Tasteless)

I've been intrigued with the very controversial reality TV show called Toddlers and Tiaras that I finally decided to look it up on Youtube. The show basically features contestants of beauty pageants for children ages 0 – 12. I kinda’ knew what I was in for the moment I pressed the play button. But my oh my, I did not expect it to get worse. Spray tans, heavy make up, waxing, extremely edited photos, wild tantrums, acrylic nails, terrible manners and push over parents—these are mild compared to the long-term effects this kind of environment and set-up will do to the kids in the near future (oh, it’s gonna be damaging).

Standard photo requirement of contestant

I can already predict it. These girls, if continued to be brought up in a home which prioritizes pageant gowns over meals, beauty over character and allows children to talk back and even physically hurt their parents, they would possibly end up:

- Obsessing to fit the perfect beauty ideal the media presents
- Doing whatever it takes to follow the latest trends
- Using their sexuality to get what they want
- Judging and belittling other people because of their appearance
- Justifying bad behaviour for good looks
- Basing their value on their outer appearance

I could go on and on but you get the picture. It’s sad how these parents have allowed themselves to be brainwashed by the media, and in effect enforce a very one-sided beauty standard (worse, superficial living)  unto their kids. They should be these girls’ source of inspiration and motivation when they feel like they don’t fit in, when the “I feel ugly” days start to visit... but no. They themselves have become monsters who tell their kids to “flirt” with the judges and that they have to earn validation with their “sexy walk and cute wink”—all during the formative years of their kids. It’s terrible. They aren’t even aware that they have reduced their children’s personhood to a “look” that’s comparable to how Paris Hilton wants her dogs to be cute and good-smelling all the time.

I know I am far off from becoming a parent, but I’m so damn sure this is not how parenting should be (seriously, parents giving energy drink to a 5-year old for a quick perk-me-up before a show?! That’s sick).  This supposed-to-be amusing reality show has turned into a hot-button issue among its viewers all over the world. And I am not surprised why.

Watch for yourself. How do you think this will affect the girls’ view on beauty and self-esteem?



Note: This is just my opinion about the TV show and all my observations of it. I am also not generalizing, because I've seen some parents join just for the fun of it, while some lose it and go as far as shoving a bottle of Coke down a baby's mouth to keep her awake.


Don't let them fools brainwash you,
Danah