~ Toddlers & Tiaras: Porn For Pedophiles? ~
TLC (The Learning Channel) Kicks Off Season 3 of Their Disturbing Series.
TLC has had stellar programming over the years; however, I have no idea what anyone can learn from “Toddlers & Tiaras.” Perhaps, that stage mothers are alive and well or that some forms of child abuse are legal.
Little girls are subjected to wearing spray on tans, false eyelashes, fake teeth, fake nails, and fake hair; one mother had her seven-year-old daughter shaving her legs to take the fake tan better. These babies are coached on how to “Shake that bootie,” and “Work it,” while prancing on stage. They are made up to look like sexy adult women in little tiny bodies. They are often scantily clad – yet, sadly, their exploits don’t meet the requirements to be considered Child Pornography. (Their conduct does not meet the definition of “Sexually Explicit Conduct.”)
Under federal law (18 U.S.C. §2256), child pornography1 is defined as any visual depiction, including any photograph, film, video, picture, or computer or computer-generated image or picture, whether made or produced by electronic, mechanical, or other means, of sexually explicit conduct, where
_. the production of the visual depiction involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; or_
_. the visual depiction is a digital image, computer image, or computer-generated image that is, or is indistinguishable from, that of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; or_
_. the visual depiction has been created, adapted, or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
During many of the clips the children are screeching and crying, mothers are prodding and scolding, and I shudder to think about what child molesters are getting up to in the dark at home.
Pedophiles see children as sexual objects. They act under the cognitive distortions that children want to engage in sexual acts with adults. Pedophiles rarely take responsibility for their actions. They either grab hold of the idea that they are “not in control of their illness” or they go to common justifications for their actions. They claim they are helping the children by teaching them, that they love the children and the children enjoy the attention. One of the more popular justifications is that the child was sexually provocative and seduced them. Given this fact, it is reprehensible that parents dress their children provocatively and parade them on stage, instructing them to smile (with their fake grown-up teeth) and act like they are having the time of their lives.
“Child pornography typically depicts children smiling or with neutral expressions. Rarely, are any signs of discomfort illustrated. As such, these images serve to reinforce pro-offending, thinking, and justify adult’s sexual interest in children. Therefore, the more individuals engage in fantasy, the more motivating and more detailed the rehearsal may become, and the more able the individuals are to convince themselves to act out the behavior in real life.” ~ D.R. Laws, Remaking Relapse Prevention with Sex Offenders: A Sourcebook
It is my opinion that “Toddlers & Tiaras” encourages pedophiles to further view young children as equals and sexually desirable. Whether intended or not, teaching a child to bump and grind, on stage, while dressed provocatively, is putting children everywhere at risk. I believe this program qualifies as the sexual exploitation of children.
The bottom line: I will not be tuning in to Toddlers & Tiaras but I wouldn’t be surprised if these guys do:
01/18/2010 at 8:25 pm
I agree with you 100%. This is a show I can’t watch ever. I don’t condone it and it angers me that it’s even allowed on television or that these types of pageants are allowed. It is destructive to little girls. Their mothers (fathers/guardians) should be held accountable for displaying their children in such a way. It’s simply destroys innocence. It’s deplorable!
01/18/2010 at 8:30 pm
Not many things offend me. but, Toddlers and Tiaras scares the hell out of me!
Thank you Pam for such a Great Post
01/18/2010 at 8:31 pm
Eeeech! I absolutely refuse to even look at this show, although I have seen it at least once…it was utterly shocking/disturbing/disgusting & frankly, I wish it weren’t on the air at all…You reall have to wonder about what goes on in the minds of those programmers at TLC…
Another good column Pam, kudos to you for bringing up the subject
*P.S. the guy in the top right hand corner scares the bejesus out of me, then again, they all do!
01/18/2010 at 8:42 pm
Utterly hideous.
01/18/2010 at 8:52 pm
Very, very disturbing!!!! It’s a sick world when parents willing sell their children’s innocence to pay for their own lust of money & fame! Well said, Pam.
01/18/2010 at 11:02 pm
Excellent commentary and well thought comparison … I can’t stand watching it for all those reasons.
It’s gross.
D~
01/19/2010 at 12:05 am
Agree 100%! Great post.
tonya
01/19/2010 at 4:11 am
I just don’t understand what these parents are thinking. Didn’t they learn anything from the Jon Benet case? Those pictures you posted are super creepy.
01/19/2010 at 5:27 am
When it comes to this show I’m just sickened, speechless. Can’t get past the images of the fake teeth, spray tans & the anxious looks on the poor kids’ faces to even watch. Disgusting on so many levels. Well said Pam.
01/19/2010 at 7:09 am
This is scary shit. But the thing is, although we are disgusted by this blatant parading of these children for paedophiles enjoyment, there are thousands are people who will tune in and watch this, not with evil on their minds, but who just think it is all ’sooo cute’!
To me it is exploitation at it’s worst. These parents are being selfish. It’s time it was stopped!
01/19/2010 at 12:53 pm
I agree with you whole-heartedly, Pam!!
01/19/2010 at 2:14 pm
couldnt agree with you more.
scary on such a HUGE level.
I worry that the show would also make it easier for these unhuman bastards to actually track down these kids????
great post Pam.
Ngaire
x
01/19/2010 at 4:20 pm
Total disregard for the images that provoke disturbing behavior in our society. It actually angers me….disgusting. Thank you, Pam!
01/24/2010 at 3:45 pm
I can’t beieve this show has made it to season 3…. I thought for sure it would be cancelled. I am very shocked that TLC is airing it, this show is by far the stupidest thing I have ever seen in my life!!!! Pleas not I have never even mad it past 5 minutes of on show before I turn the cannel. What happens to those poor little girls when they grow up and feel unwanted or unloveable because they never won a contest. I think every parent on there should receive a visit from Child Services and their children removed from the home….
Animal abuse is illegal why is thi crap not????
Way to go Pam, I hope someone from TLC sees this blog.
Cyndi
01/28/2010 at 9:27 am
My only hope is that that parents and grandparents of these children WILL
tune in…I mean really TUNE IN, and see their obsession for what it is.
I did watch for the first time last night and couldn’t help but think that
each child liked like a little freak – not a normal child at all. It’s not
the kid’s fault -
It’s the common-sense-impaired parent.
Wake up Mom!
02/06/2010 at 5:25 pm
Not only are these children being exploited, but are growing up to think that it is not adequate enough to be naturally beautiful. To be truly beautiful you first need to be fake, (hair, eyelashes, teeth, spray on tan, etc.) When are these moms going to wake up and realize they are doing their children a great disservice? Not only does mom need psychological help, but the children will need it before long as well.
These parents are living some sort of unrealized aspiration through their children. It’s time for them to grow up and put their priorities in order.
02/11/2010 at 7:34 pm
I think your commentary is no different than the thousands of other editorials clogging the blogweb lately.
Pageants are no different than cheerleading and dance, which is “accepted.” I have seen so many midget football cheerleaders and toddler/elementary school dancers with the curls, the fake hair, the eyelashes, the heavy make-up and the racy costumes.
To call it child abuse is ridiculous and ignorant. Of course the reality TV shows will showcase the parents who are crazy. It is not a fair depiction of pageant families, or child models.
Furthermore: did you even go to college OP? If you did, they should have taught you that sexual predators act on violence. They are sexual predators and will be sexual predators regardless of how these girls are showcased and on what program. Do you think it is a woman’s fault if she gets raped simply because she is wearing a revealing outfit?
Your commentary lacks knowledge and depth. It reeks of misinformation and your need to believe everything you see on cable TV.
02/11/2010 at 9:30 pm
Wonderful post…any parent who thinks this is ok is unfit to be a parent at all and to think people start their daughters out on this as early as 6 months old! My baby girl will never ever be exploited or ever be put in one of these “pageants.” I bet you anything the people at TLC who keep renewing this show are pedos themselves
02/12/2010 at 11:01 am
Dear “Yeah”
Giving pedophiles material to jerk off to is not a plus. Also, Rape is an act of violence. I would never condone the rape of anyone – including those in the sex trade.
There is extensive clinical evidence that pedophiles act out of the DELUSION that the victims are consenting to sexual acts. Offenders ALSO believe they are acting out of love.
Perhaps it is you who needs to reeducate. Rapists and serial killers are motivated my violence/control. Pedophiles are motivated by very different urges, which are rarely motivated by violence.
You are entitled to your opinion. This is mine. These pageants exploit children and “turn on” perverts. That is a fact that no amount of justification on your part, will change.
I am also against dressing school girls scantily and having them dance inappropriately for any sort of event.
Best Regards,
Pamela
02/17/2010 at 10:36 pm
I watched tonights’ show, and frankly, it is disturbing. Its easy to manipulate, cajole, harrass, threaten and demean children and that is what I witnessed on this show. It IS child abuse, and I believe these girls are being used by (mostly) their mothers who obviously are living vicariously through their child. The fathers seem unable to voice any concern about the effect this fake world their daughters endure and go along , to get along, I think. I watched how one mother endlessly berrated and belittled her daughter, and tortured her by pulling her hair to have it “done”. Why are these girls made up so much? Are they being taught they are not “good enough” the way they are? Who in their right mind puts makeup, fake nails, spray tans, fake hair ,etc. on little children? I believe children are naturally beautiful, and not should NOT be made up like little plastic dolls. They look obscene like this, like caricatures of humans. These parents need to do this to make themselves feel important and they are very controlling. The insecurity they feel is being nutured now in their daughters, the very thing they are trying to overcome themselves. Not everyone can “win” and what then? For the ones who seem to win all the time, is this where they will get their self-worth as girls? I dont think the parents realize the damage they are inflicting and I hope this goes away soon. They are real living children, not dolls to be put on display and judged on how they look! Its GROSS.
02/18/2010 at 5:55 pm
i just watched this last night. i do think that those little girls on the show have been robbed of their childhood. the parents seem to be obsessed about the whole pageant, putting too much pressure on their 4 year old girls. at that age, all those girls should be concerned about are things like what kind of toys they should play with that day, or which coloring book to color in. instead the moms are like “our future is riding on you…”. one mom sickend me as she said her 4 yr old girl was exhibiting “diva behavior” when she whined about not wanting to practice her routine. when her girl started to whine, the mother said “get away from me, just get away from me”. i think this lady aught to have her ovaries removed.
if the toddlers want to do it, its not that bad. but if they’re not into it, don’t force them! what is more important, the 5k you’re gonna get for winning the pageant, or the well being of your little girl??
03/08/2010 at 8:41 pm
OMG.. Who is the idiot that wrote all this BS… its like OH please lady… ( I wouldnt even be the slightest bit surprised if my opinion/my post doesnt even show up!!!!
Conservative people make me sick….its because of people like you that make the USA an unprivalaged place with every wall/boundary/censor put up so no one can have any fun!!!
*** I dont care what you have to say…just dont watch the damn show***
03/12/2010 at 7:53 pm
Hello Angela, I am the “idiot” that wrote this
and I post ALL opinions – even the ignorant ones.
I am FAR from conservative. Spend some time on other posted items and that will become apparent.
As for the USA being “an unprivalaged place with every wall/boundary/censor put up so no one can have any fun!!!” hmm… I thought it was the land of opportunity?
Also: I AM CANADIAN: and when crap (don’t care where it’s produced) permeates MY airways, I will voice an opinion if I see fit.
I don’t believe in censorship. However, I don’t believe in child abuse or peddling children, especially in a form that arouses sexual predators.
If you had read this complete post you would see that I’ve already stated: “I will not be tuning in to Toddlers & Tiaras…” But HEY, thanks for your permission NOT to watch.
If you didn’t care – I doubt you would have gotten angry or taken the time to comment. Nevertheless, you are entitled to a comment/rant and I am entitled to my opinion.
Feel free not to visit OR to visit here again,
Best regards,
Pamela
06/02/2010 at 5:47 pm
Hi Pam,
You are awesome! I don’t know if you’ll read this, but I just wanted to let you know that despite harsh and very rude remarks towards you, you handle yourself with class and intelligence. I really enjoyed reading your responses to some negative feedback, and for the record, I totally agree with you. This show could do nothing but show people bad parenting. I also agree that flaunting children around in make up and fake tans further drives the sexual fantasies of predators. I really hope people think twice. Thanks again!
06/02/2010 at 6:15 pm
Hi Jay, I read every comment
Because you’ve taken the time to read and write!
Thanks for weighing in and for your words of support. Kids should have the opportunity to be kids!
Take care and pop in/comment any time!
Pam
06/10/2010 at 6:44 am
The tv show called “Toddlers & Tiaras” where grossly overweight and overbearing mothers doll up their little girls to look like move starlets in pageants, obviously something these ladies could never hope to achieve for themselves! Parents get mad and their kids cry when they don’t win! This borders on child abuse!
07/06/2010 at 11:58 am
Oh my gosh !!!! I am so glad that others feel the same way I do.
As far as I’m concerned, these parents are pimping out their “babies” for money. The price of these children’s innocence
is way too high. Jon Bonet is the perfect example of what the lust of a pedophile can do to a child. How many pedophiles sit in the audience taking pictures. I could not believe the pictures that are posted on the “Toddlers and Tiaras site” It made me ill. What will it take for this show to be taken off the air before another innocent child gets kidnapped and used then thrown away like yesterdays trash. I am so mad.
07/14/2010 at 2:27 pm
I just watched one episode and it’s sick. The 6+ year olds is still kind of tolerable, you can say that they enjoy it, because they can think. But 2-3 year olds in bathing suits and gowns and fake lashes and like a jillion hair pieces sewed on their heads? It’s really sick. What’s more sick is the homo/pedophile FATHER. This little girl, Ava something, showed up with her creepy father that was all smiles and ‘pride’ when she was on stage, yelling “Yeah! Smile! Happy! Strut!”, and when she only won 1st runner up or something, it just wiped the smile off his face, and he was angry, saying shit like “Now I have to explain why she didn’t get it, blah blah”, when the child was perfectly happy with the trophy that was taller than her.
07/22/2010 at 5:05 am
I am also against these child pageants. I think it is exploitative and can really hurt a child’s own self image. With the mother constantly pushing the image of “perfection” in her child’s little brain, her child may grow up to believe that she will always have to strive for “ultimate perfection”, via eating disorders, plastic surgery, etc. I think the whole “makeup on little children” and fake teeth aspect is also disgusting. I do not approve of children under 15 wearing makeup in any way, whether its for a recital or what. To the Pageant/Stage Mothers—Our children are only children for a little amount of time – Let the children BE children and stop trying to make them grow up too fast!