YOUNG GENRE, YOUNG PARTICIPANTS
Almost everyone that watches television in 2016 knows that reality shows feature an unscripted and non-actor cast. What Jane Feuer, Professor of English and Film Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, points out, however, is that the ongoing narrative of reality television is much more complicated than just handing over a show to non-actors. According to Feuer, "On reality TV, the narrative does not follow people's lives in the fly-on-the-wall-fashion that ostensibly structures direct cinema. Rather real people structure their lives to follow the formula." Before one can tackle what impact such reality television modeling might have upon its youngest participants, children, it is first necessary to provide a little bit of historical background to the genre of reality TV.
The genre first appeared on American television screens in the 1950s with shows such as Candid Camera and You Bet Your Life. However, it has only been recently that reality programming has experienced exponential growth. In the early 2000's, series such as Survivor and American Idol emerged and gained unprecedented popularity. In just its first season, American Idol reached an impressive 12.7 million viewers. This resulting television ratings catalyzed reality TV's expansion into dozens of subgenre. Channels began to air series on self improvement, celebrity lifestyle, and social experiments. The possibilities were seemingly endless; if something was reality, it could find its way onto the screen.
As reality television series gained popularity and expanded in number, another phenomenon emerged: greater participant diversity. The variety of subgenre opened casting opportunities to people from a range of cultures, social classes, and ages. Accordingly, an increasingly large number of children began to participate. In 2008, four-year-old Kaitlyn Maher stepped onto the stage of America’s Got Talent (Season Four) and became one of the youngest final contestants. Dance Moms, which is currently in its sixth season (2016), highlights twelve young girls in the Abby Lee Dance Company. Some shows have even adopted “kid versions” of popular series. For instance, because MasterChef was so successful, producers followed with MasterChef Junior which casts those between the ages of eight and thirteen (2013-present).
RISING CRITICISM
Initially the increase in child involvement was noncontroversial. It was seen as a way for children to showcase their talents and potentially jumpstart careers. However, recently, multiple instances of children being exposed to traumatic and/or stressful situations have called the ethics of the genre into question. Further examination revealed that these children were only tenuously protected by law. The Fair Labor Standards Act, a law which ensures the safety and health of workers, does not cover reality television participants. In 2014, news of a sex offender scandal in the show “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” was enough to send audiences into an uproar. Viewers wanted proof that the safety of young cast members was being prioritized by their parents and producers. Eventually, the show was cancelled and audience concerns diminished. Any momentum behind a major change in policy and regulation ceased.
The goal of this site is to present the multiple viewpoints related to the topic of child participation in American reality television. Below are three stakeholders who hold perspectives on this issue: psychologists, producers, and parents.
The goal of this site is to present the multiple viewpoints related to the topic of child participation in American reality television. Below are three stakeholders who hold perspectives on this issue: psychologists, producers, and parents.