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June 20, 2013
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TLC Exploits ‘Honey Boo-Boo Child’; Gives 6-Year-Old Own Show

By Paul Wilson | June 11, 2012 | 14:38

A  A

TLC has already exploited children with its show “Toddlers and Tiaras,” showing 6-year olds wearing skimpy clothing and guzzling energy drinks or “Go-Go Juice” in order to win beauty pageants. The network has now decided to further exploit children for ratings, with a new 6-episode spin-off series of “Toddlers and Tiaras,” called “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.”

“Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” follows “Toddlers and Tiaras” 6-year old beauty pageant contestant Alana Thompson (her pageant nickname was “Honey Boo Boo”) and her family in their Georgia home. The network describes the new show as “an inside look into Alana’s world where the 6-year-old pageant sensation proves that she is more than just a Go-Go Juice-drinking beauty queen. When she’s not chasing after crowns, Alana’s with her family in rural Georgia doing what her family does best: four-wheeling through mud pits and picking up road kill for the family cookout.”

If the past is any guide, TLC will exploit Alana – they made a habit of doing so on “Toddlers and Tiaras.” Alana infamously yelled: “A dollar makes me holler, Honey Boo Boo,” and was shown spinning in circles while guzzling “Go-Go Juice.” “Go-Go Juice,” later revealed to be a blend of Mountain Dew and Red Bull, was created by Alana’s mother to boost Alana’s energy so that she could successfully compete in pageants.

“Toddlers and Tiaras” also exploited children sexually, regularly showing children dressed in skimpy outfits. One child dressed up as the Julia Roberts prostitute character in “Pretty Woman.” Other toddlers were similarly dressed in revealing outfits; another girl dressed up as Dolly Parton, complete with fake breasts and rear end enhancements. During the show, Alana squeezed her belly, saying: “I showed my belly to the judges. Look at this big thing. They don’t know a good thing when they see it.”

Even liberal Think Progress’ Alyssa Rosenberg criticized “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo,” declaring: “Whenever news of some media move that exploits children in a way that creates a permanent record breaks, I end up feeling like a Church Lady.  But it really does seem like we need some sort of media code of ethics when it comes to the presentation of children.”

TLC regularly explores controversial topics for ratings. TLC mocked virgins in a 2011 series, “Virgin Diaries,” and explored the lives of a polygamist family in “Sister Wives.”

About the Author

Paul Wilson is the Joe and Betty Anderlik Fellow in Culture and Media for the Media Research Center's Culture & Media Institute and Business & Media Institute. Click here to follow Paul Wilson on Twitter.
  • Culture/Society
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Comments

TLC= The liberal cause

Submitted by I hate marxists on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 2:46pm.

Just when we'vew seen enough with the Kate + 8 stupid show comes this trash. Please folks don't tune in.

One Nation Under GOD and very proud of it
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Right-

Submitted by Servo1969 on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 3:09pm.

Nothing at this point is the child's fault. She has absolutely no power in her life except what her mommy and daddy give her. So, exploit your child for money. Everyone's doing it. Right? She can be a star. She'll learn self-control later. After a few run-ins with the police, a couple of abortions, and maybe a near OD. Does that seem harsh? Well, that's the kind of stuff her mother SHOULD be thinking about instead of all the money her little girl can make!! You are supposed to protect your baby, you dumb b**ch! Oh, let me guess... "We're doing it for her! She loves performing! It's money for her college. It's so she can have a better life." Right. Sure. I believe you.

Oh, and screw you TLC. Once again you come through with the "People in the South love to eat roadkill" meme. Lived my entire life in the deep south. Never met anyone who eats roadkill. Lot's of wild game, but no roadkill. Oh, and we all loves us some mud-boggin'.

Bunch of prejudiced jerks.

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Was "Toddlers with Tiaras"

Submitted by Rusty Shackleford on Mon, 06/11/2012 - 3:15pm.

Was "Toddlers with Tiaras" really that exploitative? I mean considering what the parents were already doing to the kids did placing it on TV really add that much exploitation? The show brought the absurdity and near universal revulsion of the practice into the mainstream and may have saved a lot of kids from that stupidity because parents that were on the fence may have become too embarrassed to pursue it.




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