Have you seen that show "Honey, We're Killing the Kids" on TLC?
If you haven't, WELL AREN'T YOU QUITE THE TELEVISION CONNOISSEUR? We're in the black TV hole between the end of "So You Think You Can Dance" (Neil! Call me!) and the beginning of "Prison Break", OK? Here's how it works:
A worldwide search is performed for the most nutritionally retarded, stereotypically fat-and- lazy American family available. Once they've been located in Potluck, Texas, or wherever, they are followed as an "expert" shows them computer-aged photos of their kids, intended to "scare them straight" re: a "healthy" lifestyle. Then the "expert" gives rules for the family to follow, and if they do, they are treated to an "after" version of the computer-aged photos. Got it?
Of course, the "before" computer-aged photos always make the kids look like 500 lb. serial killers slash child-molesters, while the "after" images make them look like they just returned from the Ironman Triathlon after a quick stop at the cosmetic dentist.
The part that really grates on my nerves, though, is when the smug, bitchfaced host gives the "family" (mom) the new "healthy" recipes they're required to prepare and eat. Without fail, the recipes are always something like Tofu Barley Scramble and Wheatgrass-Crusted Monkfish. With a side of Brussel Sprouts. And they never fail to show mom slaving away all night chopping tofu and soaking barley, until the entire exhausted and pissed off family finally sits down to eat at 10 pm. Aaaand...cue Chernobyl. Well, NO SHIT.
Look, I know this is reality TV, and not some goddamned PSA or whatever, but why must they make eating better look like such a monumental beating? If I was Joe and Judy Beercan watching this show, I would throw up my hands too. I guess stuff like whole-wheat chicken quesadillas or eggplant parmesan or whatever doesn't cause grown men to spit their food out onto their plates, so that would never do.
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13 comments:
HAHA,
Hey, Neil is from where I live....he's been all over the local news.
I've seen it, and I agree. We usually eat fairy healthily around here (except for the two kids that don't eat, they get vitamins), but I could never do what the families on that show have to. What's wrong with a bag salad topped by meat pulled off a rotisserie chicken? Quick, easy and healthy, and I don't even have to make the salad or cook the chicken. And it's good. We have this about once a week.
I mean fairly, not fairy. :)
What, you mean "reality" television should involve more reality and less BS? I agree, but am still addicted to the crap.
They are doing a disservice because many a parent may see that show and determine that healthy living is way too hard, and I'll just keep up with the cheetos and pepsi. It's like trying to get in shape by immediately running a marathon. Baby steps.
Why is it that the transformation to a 500-lb mess always includes little details like earrings or a mullet? How do you know, TLC, that they'll look like pansies? How?!?!
Mona-I KNOW! And they always put the 70s Jeffrey Dahmer glasses on the boys too.
I watched that show a couple times, and was horrified. Not one of the recipes was something I would even attempt to feed my husband, let alone my kids. On topic, but listing to the side, a couple of years ago I bought a book at our school's book sale called "One Bite Won't Kill You". It's healthy recipes that won't make kids (husbands) freak out. Have the producers of this show never hear of blending up vegetables and hiding them? I am so with you.
I couldn't stand that show. I also used to have a morbid fascination with Nanny 911, which had the same kind of Super Brat kids and totally dysfunctional parents. I have to wonder how much the show exaggerates the kid resistance to decent diets, ya know?
I watched this show once and decided I did not like it because what is with the nazi food lady?! At least on the Biggest Loser the hostess is not all skin and bones and nazi like - she chubby and cheerful even when she sends them packing.
And they got rid of Pirate master over this show?? (I know different network but I am still fuming about that... It was a horrible show but I like the idea of being a pirate...)
I am SUCH a total dork.
OMG - I always say the same thing about that show. Notice I said *always* because I can't. stop. watching. I think it makes me feel superior... like, my kids are not overweight and I prepare healthy meals (that they eat), so I am clearly a better person (parent) than those people! Then I switch to Supernanny to confirm that I am a better disciplinarian, then my new fave, "How Clean is Your House" to confirm that I do NOT have the dirtiest house out there. I cannot, however, watch too much of "What Not to Wear", because I am so obviously a before picture!
I've seen that show a couple times too. Usually I love TLC, but that show is horrible, and does a total disservice to any families actually thinking about making healthy changes. It makes nutrition seem like a monumental effort every day. Not eating like crap does not mean eating tofu every night either, people!
Mmm, wheatgrass-crusted monkfish. My favourite. OK, I'm glad we don't have that show over here (yet), because it sounds awful, yet I'm sure I'd be compelled to watch it.
Lori-I use all those shows to feel superior too!
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