As many of you have heard, MTV debuted it’s new series, “Skins”, on January 17th. This is a quote pulled from Fox News:
“On January 17, the Viacom-owned cable network MTV aired a teenager-based drama, ‘Skins.’ The episode included all manner of foul language, illegal drug use, illegal activity as well as thoroughly pervasive sexual content,” PTC President Tim Winter said in a letter sent to the chairmen of the U.S. Senate and House Judiciary Committees and the Department of Justice. “Many of the actors appearing in the show are below the age of 18. It is clear that Viacom has knowingly produced material that may well be in violation of [several] federal statutes.”
Here are a few photos of teens that MTV is using to promote the show:
Here’s another:
And another:
Unless you have lived under a rock for the last few years, you know that MTV also produces “Teen Mom,” “Teen Mom 2,” and “16 and Pregnant,” (seasons one, two and three). All of which are reality shows about pregnant teens. You have seen these girls grace the covers of magazines and watched as they were turned into celebrities.
MTV needs to be stopped. These repulsive shows that target our teenagers with the intent of drawing them in by dangling the proverbial teenage carrot (sex, drugs, language and alcohol) is irresponsible and abhorrent. MTV should be ashamed of themselves. They are glamorizing the behaviors that we parents of teens fight so hard to prevent. The very behaviors that are ultimately responsible for countless teen deaths every year.
MTVs response:
“We review all of our shows and work with all of our producers on an ongoing basis to ensure our shows comply with laws and community standards,” the statement continued. “We are confident that the episodes of ‘Skins’ will not only comply with all applicable legal requirements, but also with our responsibilities to our viewers.”
Apparently we as a community have failed our children if this show falls under the header of “compliance with community standards.” More importantly, we have failed to protect them from a creepy, “Want some candy little girl,” ogre like MTV. We, as a community, need to show them that we care for our children. We care what they watch. We care that MTV is filling their minds with this poison. We. CARE. And we won’t stand for it.
Jessica Bennett, Newsweek, wrote, “And, well, let’s face it: real teenagers can be a little nuts. They do have sex; they do experiment with drugs. Three in 10 of them will get pregnant before they turn 20, and 9 percent of them will attempt suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control. They can be angry and volatile, depressed, isolated, and often insecure.”
All very true. So the idea is to glamorize and encourage such behavior with a one hour teenage drama. Why further these ideas? Why dress them up in pretty clothes, with pretty people, with paychecks and overnight stardom?
I know we can’t stop a big conglomerate like MTV from producing these shows. But I also know this. We can stop ourselves and our children from watching this trash. And guess what? They can’t have a show if no one is watching.
We are asking that every one of you prepare a post on Monday asking for a boycott of “Skins.” Let’s make sure EVERY parent is aware of this show and preventing their teens from watching. It is imperative that we spread the word, so that they are not watching it at your house and they aren’t at their friends homes’ either.
Ask other bloggers to do the same. Let’s tweet it. Let’s Facebook it. Let’s link up. It is said often that we mom bloggers have a lot of power. Let’s put it to use for good.
Mom Blogger Powers activate. Shape of Parents Who Parent.
Please tweet this out, write your blogs, use the hashtag #SkinThis. Let’s be a unified front against MTV. Take a stand for your kids. If you don’t, who will?
Worth noting:
An excellent New York Times article by David Carr.
Parents Television Council, a TV watchdog group said Skins, “…may well be the most dangerous television show for children that we have ever seen.” That is some statement considering the other trash MTV has produced.
Taco Bell has pulled all ads stating from the show stating, “We’ve decided that the show is not a fit for our brand and have moved our advertising to other MTV programming.”
USA Today is reporting, “Wrigley has decided to suspend any advertising during MTV’s Skins as it is never our intent to endorse content that could offend our consumers,” a rep for Wrigley told Access Hollywood on Friday evening. “Any ads that previously aired during the show were part of a broader advertising plan with the network.”
The Parents Television Counsel has called for the U.S. Senate and House Judiciary Committees and the Department of Justice to “immediately open an investigation regarding child pornography and exploitation on MTV’s ‘Skins.’”
Also. Please do not watch the show in order to understand what it is all about. That gives them ratings. You can click on their website, http://www.skins.tv/ It will tell you all you need to know.
Here are the instructions on blocking MTV on DIRECTV.
Here are the instructions on blocking MTV on Dish.
About Ooph
I’m in. Will post on my site & Tweet/FB on it. First channel I’ve figured out how to block on my TV, which breaks my heart since I grew UP on MTV, Back when it was, you know, MUSIC Television. Sigh…
Christina recently posted..This week in learning
Thanks love. I knew I could count on you.
Ooph recently posted..another mother
wow, mtv has gone major downhill. i’m in, i’ll post during the week!
melissa recently posted..In Response To The Stir Article
Thank you! The more the better. I really want this trash removed.
This is a really interesting debate for me as I have recently moved from the US to the UK. Skins, the UK version is massive, won awards and as far as I’m aware as encountered little controversy, certainly not like it has here. The format of the US version is the sane, even down to the names of the characters but there is something more abhorrent about it.
The UK version is played out on a channel that shows more ‘unusual’ content, it’s on late at night and is no means pitched at teenagers directly. It is actually a fascinating and rather frigteningly exact depiction of teenage activity (says she who was a naughty British teenage – now a model citizen – I thank you!). It is well loved and well watched.
OH and I watched the US version and were quite repelled by it. The fact it’s shown on MTV which has a clear teenage demographic and the fact that it’s not acted with as much ‘grit’ has made it look like a dodgy sex obsessed soap opera. Not at all the same.
We shan’t be watching any more. Would rather watch the British box sets.
So I went to the skins website, and now I’m even more ticked about this crap than before. Sure, the show is on air, but they are promoting it further with Google for others to share their ‘skins’ type activities and where. Promoting this with NYC parties… just look at the site and you’ll see. Beyond disturbing.
So, as I see it, the network filming and broadcasting this show, and any other promoting affiliates such as event venues, are aiding and abetting in underage sex and drug use. Shouldn’t they all face charges??
Yes. They should ALL face charges. Thank you for your support!!
Ooph recently posted..another mother
Definitely! This makes me ill and then some. It scares me to know end to not only see that this is what I’m constantly going to have to battle to raise my kids with the right kind of values and morals, but to know that there are those in the world that think this is ok and promote it. Horrible. Sad.
Tweeted. WTF! MTV is going to be mega-blocked from this house.
Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting recently posted..The Untold Rules for Military Goodbyes
Nice by you. That is the hope. That everyone bans MTV. Just get rid of this trash completely from your homes. Thanks for the support! We would love to have you write a post and link up with us above!
Ooph recently posted..another mother
As you know, I posted about this debauched teen show yesterday. If you are serious about trying to stop MTV, go to this site and sign the petition to have a choice of what cable channels you pay for and be able to exclude MTV from getting your money.
Here’s the link: https://www.parentstv.org/ptc/action/CableChoicePetition/main.asp
Mine’s up .. just the trailer horrified me.. No MTV in MY house
Samantha recently posted..Skin This
That is absolutely crazy. Luckily, I cancelled cable a while ago. It amazes me that parents let their kids watch this junk anyways!
Ryan Crozier@ Indianapolis Realtor recently posted..Plainfield its more common than you think!
Agreed. It’s junk. Good for you for canceling cable. Also? Love seeing another Hoosier on the site. Just the word Plainfield made my memories all come flooding back in.
Ooph recently posted..another mother
Really?!? MTV’s main goal for the past 25 years that it’s been in existence is to provoke and you’re taking their bait! Watching some stupid show about stupid teens making stupid mistakes isn’t going to turn every child into a hardcore drug using sex addict. Just like Elvis Presley shaking those gosh darn hips didn’t turn 1950′s American youngsters into heathens either. If you are a good parent and your children have good role models in their life then some show isn’t going to bring it all crashing down. How do I know? Because at 24 years old I grew up in the era of 16 year old Britney Spears posing in her undies on Rolling Stones, and the popularization of ‘video vixens’ who’s main goal was to shake it for some rapper whilst only wearing a g-string, and in more recent years Hollywood celebrities close to my age having nude photos and sex tapes “leaked”. Yet through all this “moral corruption” that “must be stopped” I have still managed to lead a life and conduct myself in a manner that makes my parents proud because my parents parented me, they didn’t leave that job up to television.
I can also say from experience that when these controversial type things went on instead of alienating my teenage feelings by refusing to let me listen to Britney, Christina or watch MTV they talked to me about what I was seeing- wow, what a concept, talking to your kids!- and how it’s all industry shock value and that isn’t how people really act or behave in real life, and if they do there are consequences.
All I’m saying is put down your pitchforks, a solid foundation at home will not be shook by some flashy TV show.
Hi Vivien
Thank you for your comment. I too, was once a teen. I know. It’s hard to believe for me too. I remember what it was like for parents to tell me that I couldn’t do something or it was bad for me. I was like a moth to the fire. And I learned some lessons the hard way for sure. When I was in my 20s, I would have said exactly what you are saying. And part of me, 40 next month, still agrees with you. Absolutely it is what we as parents do in our homes that makes all the difference for our children. If something terrible happened to one of my children, could I blame MTV for their corruption via these shows? No.
That said, I have been a parent myself now for almost 16 years. I have three boys, two are teenagers. It is my job to protect their well being. I know, that makes me old and old fashioned. I get it.
The obstacle course of raising a teen becomes increasingly more difficult every decade. Drugs are everywhere, prescription and otherwise, alcohol easily obtainable, bullies rampant, internet porn, eating disorders, steroids, sexting, suicide, the media, drinking and driving, deaths of their friends from drinking and driving and the list goes on and on and on. Trust me, that is just the tip of the teen raising iceberg.
It is my job to try and minimize their exposure. This show by MTV is something the likes none of us has seen before. If we let this pass, what is next? We probably won’t get this show shut down (thought that wouldn’t suck). It’s MTV after all. What we can do is make every mother aware of the show so that they can choose to either block it or discuss it with their teens. Whatever they deem fit in their own homes, where they try so hard to successfully lead their children through this crazy thing called Teendom.
Ooph recently posted..another mother
Hi Stephanie,
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my comment so promptly and thoughtfully. Although I know we won’t change each others minds, I just think the “raising a teen becomes increasingly more difficult every decade” argument is one every. single. generation. says. Most of the obstacles you listed in your comment that appear to suddenly seem so prevalent have always been there, and have been just as prevalent.
There have always been accessible drugs. In fact, in the 1970′s the family next door to the home my father grew up in grew their own weed and hippies would try and pass out LSD tabs to children leaving his school to help “expand their consciousness.” Prescription pills were handed out to every bored housewife who would take them. In fact, the grandmother of a family I nannied for once shared how the Dr.’s would give her and her girlfriends Quaaludes and their children would steal them (sound familiar?). Do you have alcohol in your own home? That seems pretty easily obtainable. You mentioned bullies? The nuns at my mother’s catholic school used to tie her left hand behind her back (at as young as 5 years old!) and watch other children eat their milk and cookies as punishment for being left handed- “the devil’s hand”. I’m sure your parents received corporal punishment in school from faculty- bullies they had no chance of standing up to! Teen Pregnancy? How old were your great-grandmothers when they got married and had children? Or your Great-Great-Grandmother? Sexting and internet porn are unique to our technical society but each generation has had distinct, hideous battles that they have had to raise children in (institutionalized racism?) and yet we are all still here, alive.
I think yearning for the good ‘ol days and painting the here and now as somehow scarier and more difficult is an easy and dangerous trap to fall into. I think the God’s honest truth is that raising kids is really, really, really freaking hard and every generation wants to feel like they have had it the hardest. Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen syndrome. I’ve been a full time nanny for 6 years and I know at the end of the day I run out of the house ready for a little glass of chardonnay in my own home, wondering how the heck parents can do it 24/7- and that’s with good kids!
I guess my long rambling point is that raising kids is hard. Period. No matter what time period you are in you will always face the same basic struggles with your children because they are innate in our DNA as humans. Getting all worked up over some stupid show is just an energy zapper.
Want a quick fix? Limit the TVs in your house to one and place it right smack dab in the middle of the house where you can see whats on. Unfortunately many parents are unwilling to make that sacrifice and watch Wow Wow Wubbzey over Real Housewives for the 1 millionth time but it’s such a minor sacrifice in the grand scheme. The TV thing worked for my parents (I routinely got busted for watching MTV too young and finally stopped trying)- that, and family dinners of course:)
Thank you for providing an arena for people to be able to discuss and debate this issue!
Viven
Thanks Vivien for your respectful response. It is always nice when two adults can respectfully agree to disagree.
For so long, I’ve wondered what the allure is of watching ignorant teens that have come from various backgrounds (i.e. broken homes, daughters of ministers (strict parents)) and have then rebelled against society and everything that is trying to tell them to better. MTV has taken it to the extreme to glamourize teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, physical abuse and sex. It’s disgusting and in my house — even though my kids are 2 and 4 — MTV is blocked.
MTV was once created for musicians as a place to showcase their awesome music videos that no-one ever got to see. How did it get to this? and Why? The age of innocence is totally gone and MTV is not the only one guilty of taking it too far. Gossip Girl on the CW has also raised eyebrows of teens abusing drugs, having sex and other escapades all under age and in high school — and that’s not even on cable.
I’m writing about this show this week — basically this Mama has had enough with all reality shows. I really don’t want to watch other people’s problems anymore and support their horrible lifestyles.
Everyday Mama recently posted..Did someone say PIE
Well, now you have done it….Four years of blogging and I managed to NEVER POST anything controversial because I was afraid I would offend someone or be unable to defend my point of view logically. Today, that is over. In for a penny, in for a pound.
You SDMoms inspire me.
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GO VIXEN!!
Three out of ten teens will become pregnant, eh? So, since half of teens (approximately) are male, they’re really saying that three out of five girls will get pregnant as teens? 60% of teenaged girls will become pregnant?!?! There is absolutely, positively no way that statistic is true. I call bullshit on MTV and their fact checker.
Do you remember the movie, Kids, from the 90s? —> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113540/
This was a film that I watched more than once as a teen and the behavior was not unlike what I was witness to as I reached “adulthood” and officially turned 18.
I’m also pretty sure that not one parent among my friends / acquaintances were aware of the film or what it actually contained, which means they didn’t have the opportunity to discuss it with us or attempt to ban it.
Watching it now, as a parent, would disturb me. My husband found it too uncomfortable to watch even then. Watching it as a “young adult” was intriguing and gave many of us permission to behave like adults (sex, drinking, drugs) because we knew we weren’t the only teens behaving this way.
Not sure what my point is, but I do know that there are many kids who are dealing with the internal struggle of behaving as they would want to and behaving like the teens in this show (Skins) with peer pressure reaching a whole new level that none of us (old people) ever had to face.
I am so glad I am not a young adult these days. I can only imagine how much I’ll have to deal with when my two young boys get to the age where TV and films influence him (possibly more than his parents).
Hip_M0M recently posted..Carb Lovers Unite
mine is up. i watched the episode and tried to write how i felt about it
melissa recently posted..Skins- The New MTV Drama
I thought we lived in a society where this kind of behavior is unacceptable? What makes MTV think because they are a mega corporation that it’s acceptable to promote sex, drugs, rudeness and give props to pregnant teenagers? We set limits for our kids (YES teens are kids!) for reasons of protecting them. It’s ok to experience & learn life on your own but being influential like MTV: shame on you and any producers/actors/publicitors of this show. Utter Trash.
Btw I RT’d your tweet!
As parents we need to be attentive to what our kids are exposed to. My friends laugh at me because all of the CDs in my car are children’s music. I am very careful about what I expose my daughter to because it is what I can control, but I can’t control what is out in the world. I don’t think the idea behind this is “grab your pitch forks and get your mob on”. The SD MOMfia vs. MTV … it is not even David vs. Goliath. I hadn’t even heard of this show until SD MOMfia brought it to my attention (probably would have heard about it in the news considering all of the controversy). I also don’t think ignorance is bliss. What we don’t know COULD hurt us. This group is about families … the kids. We have their best interest at heart. This is a great opportunity to educate each other about what is out there and our teens about what is right and wrong.
BTW … my post is up! Thank you for doing this!
Red Lotus Mama recently posted..MTV Shows Killed the Video Stars
As a mother of grown kids I would like to applaud the Momfia for taking this on. I would have loved to have had such a great support network, virtual or otherwise, when I was the one who blocked MTV. Even worse, our kids weren’t allowed to watch TV during the week during school and not before 4pm in the summer. And not a single one had a TV in their room. And at ages 19, 24, and 26 all 3 of them talk about how little they were allowed to watch TV and THANK ME! It’s not just about Skins, although I think the show is abhorrent and your kids SHOULD be protected from it. It’s also about really being a parent. It’s damn hard work. And with all due respect, talking to kids about what they see on TV is a great idea, I’m all for open discussion. But saying that certain things are just plain wrong and go against our family values, therefore they are banned in this house, draws an unequivocal boundary. And for all their pushing and pulling, kids really want to know where the limits are. Good luck to all of you current parents – I’m with you in spirit.
What has happened to MTV? Who at that network think shows like these are a good idea? Who would let their kids watch this show? What kind of parent lets their kids be on this show? My kids are 7 and 5, so we’re not into the MTV thing, yet. I would like to ensure that programming like this isn’t around by the time they are tweens and teens.
I understand that MTV wants to push the envelope, but Skins has gone too far. They should be ashamed of themselves! I’m going to start a post right now!
Judy N. recently posted..Honoring Martin Luther King- Jr…
Tweeted and blogged about. MTV who banned Madonna’s video back in the day, who bans videos that show anti religion themes, will show this garbage.
How sad has society gotten.
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thanks to Stephanie for the awareness
vanita recently posted..Parental Control over Skins- Vampire Diaries- Hellcats- etc
I love the show skins. MTV can put whatever they want. If you dont like it then dont watch it. Its that simple.