Kid Nation: I Wanna Go!
It is already getting a lot of buzz - both good and bad - but nonetheless, Kid Nation is poised to be one of the Fall’s most popular new shows.
Even though there are multiple reports highlighting controversy behind the new show, I am very excited for the first episode on September 19. Adults across the nation are speaking out against the show - claiming that the concept is dangerous and unethical. In addition, many critics are blaming the network for luring participants with the $20,000 prize.
I personally don’t understand what all of the commotion is about. If this show would have come about ten years ago, I would volunteer for it in a heartbeat! Winning the $20,000 prize wouldn’t even be a concern of mine - I would do the show for free, just for the experience. It’s like a super-exclusive summer camp where you get to interact and coincide with children across the country - not to mention the extraordinary opportunity to grow and mature and an individual. I guarantee majority of the children benefited from the experience and are much more open and assertive in their everyday lives because of it. I view the show as more of a leadership training camp rather than the child labor camp that some critics are relating it to (which is ridiculous in my opinion).
To me, it is way too early to criticize the show the way many people have. The most anyone has seen is the trailer which features four minutes of the season. Accusations of child labor have already come up - even though the children were voluntarily taking part in the show - and were permitted to leave at any time. Sure, the trailer makes it sound as if the children are completely on their own in the middle of an old deserted town, but do people really think CBS is that irresponsible? Of course the network took the proper safety measures to ensure that the children were in no danger. In fact, even some of the dialog in the trailer sounds somewhat scripted and too mature for children of these ages. It’s Hollywood, it’s drama, it’s what makes reality TV so successful in prime time.
To address certain accusations regarding the careless procedures of the show, creator Tom Forman issued a statement that read, “These kids were in good hands and were under good care with procedures and safety structures that arguably rival or surpass any school or camp in the country.”
The show was a voluntary commitment that offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to children who were interested in a unique life experience. Sure, the experience isn’t for everyone. Certain children rely heavily on their parents, friends and familiar lifestyles. But there are many children who seek adventure and change. I envy the children who had the opportunity to star in the show. I mean how often do you get the chance to join/create a society in which everyone starts on a level playing field? You govern yourselves, and you work together to create a society that thrives and operates in harmony. Giving these children the chance to take risks and coordinate such a project probably inspired them (and taught them) more than any school (or camp) project could.
Whether you view it as a cruel exploitation of children, great entertainment, or just a simple sociological experiment - Kid Nation is sure to make an impact during the Fall television schedule. I already have my day planner marked for the 8 o’clock hour on September 19. I will wait to pass judgment on the show and the network until I have actually seen Kid Nation, rather than jump the gun and throw it under the bus before a single episode has aired.
