November 27, 2012
To whom it may concern,
I am writing on behalf of my concerns with your show Toddlers and Tiaras.
My name is Mikayla Ellison and I am a senior at Brigham
Young University majoring in Family Life with a Human Development emphasis. As
a part of the Family Life curriculum, I have been required to take multiple
classes that have made me a more knowledgeable media consumer. As I have become
more educated about the effects of media on the development of people, specifically
children, I feel the need to take a stand and express my concerns with your
show Toddlers and Tiaras.
I grew up watching TLC very frequently with my mother. We
loved TLC. We particularly enjoyed watching your shows What Not to Wear, A
Baby Story, and Little People, Big World. When I first viewed an episode of Toddlers and Tiaras, I feared greatly for the young children and their
parents watching this show. I have been so repulsed by the poor values and
behavior on this program that I have stopped watching the TLC network all
together. I can’t imagine I am the only one who feels this way.
If the extreme tantrums, bratty bossiness, and money
obsessed attitudes (of both the children and the moms) didn’t disgust me enough,
the hair extensions, teased hairstyles, fake teeth, screaming mothers, and
scandalous outfits did it for me. The few episodes I have seen of your show have
featured 3 and 4 years olds dressed as Dolly Parton, Madonna, and Julia Roberts
as the prostitute in Pretty Woman, all
of which have included large, fake breasts as part of the costumes. What is
this teaching the young girls in today’s society? Why is this behavior necessary
to receive high ratings at these pageants? It can’t be denied that the pageant
industry is sexualizing young girls and teaching them that it is necessary to
have large breasts, a fake tan, and revealing clothing in order to succeed. It
is teaching young girls that the only value they hold is their outer beauty.
I also have an issue with your network promoting good
parenting with your TLC Parentables
website while also airing shows that promote the terrible parenting practices
shown on Toddlers and Tiaras. Your TLC Parentables website has articles such
as, “How to Start Gratitude Practice” “5 Effortless and Economical Ways to Make
a Difference During the Holidays” “5 Ways to Increase Your Happiness” “5 Ways
to Inspire Your Kids to Write” “Goldie Box Aims to Spark Young Girls’ Interest
in Engineering”, yet your show Toddlers and Tiaras promotes very opposite
themes such as self-centered, materialistic attitudes. This is a double
standard which makes me question the integrity and honesty of your network.
I understand that shows with more dramatic or shocking
content may be more successful than shows without those factors. However, I am
pleading that your network takes part in not perpetuating these stereotypes and
poor values by discontinuing the show. Our country has enough problems with
young girls struggling with body image and self-confidence.
I respect the many uplifting, inspiring shows that TLC
produces. They have had a positive influence on me and I’m sure the case is the
same with many others. Even if Toddlers and Tiaras continues to air, I would
hope that these concerns would be taken into consideration when evaluating future
decisions. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Mikayla Ellison
Amen!
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