Skins

I dont know if anyone else has watched it, but my post is regarding the new series on MTV called skins. The show, which is a spin-off (featuring basically the exact same characters, plots and dialogue) of its British counterpart. The British show, which is currently in its 5th season gained both acclaim and controversy. Of course, America could not be outdone in regards to sex and scandal, so it was decided that Skins was heading across the pond and landing in American households. Both versions are supposed to be insights into the realities of teen life, whether it be in Bristol, England or in an unnamed US city. IT features the lives of teens of various backgrounds and sexual orientations engaging in drinking, drugs, sex, and seemingly least importantly, education. The kids are all rebelling against their families in some way and most often, this is in the form of some illicit activity. What is truly frightening about the show, not only the way it depicts boys treating girls like sexual playthings, is the age of the "actors" on the show. Currently, advertisers in the US have begun pulling their ads during the show because of controversy. While most of the characters are engaging in sexual activity, the focus of many is currently on those who are underage. This begs the question as to whether this can be considered child pornography. Even if it is found to be legal, isnt it a sad thing when we find such entertainment in the exploitation of young kids?

What frightens me even more is the way the actors (of the US version) speak in the interview i posted above. They all admit to watching the UK version, which is very inappropriate and explicit, at young ages and profess their LOVE for the show and its characters. Just watching the actors discussing their roles highlights their young age and makes me wonder how it is socially acceptable to see these kids engaging in unhealthy behaviors, drugs, and sex. They claim it is "for teenagers" and that the sex scenes are realistic. It is VERY unnerving to me to think that this could ever be considered the "norm," and if it is, I think we are in serious trouble. It also makes me worried to think that kids are watching this show at younger and younger ages! When does the cycle stop?!