OK, so I think it is fair to say that there is quite a bit of sexism on TV. What I am finding, though, is that reality TV is loaded with it. My case in point this time? Nope, not "The Bachelor", though a true choice. How about TLC's "19 Kids and Counting?" I came across a repeat of this the other night while channel-surfing. Has anyone ever watched this show and noticed the limited roles for women within this family?
First of all, this is a family that does not believe in contraception. Obviously. I understand that they have their personal reasons for that. If that was all there was to it, I would say "Fine. Live and let live." What is really troubling is the idea that women must be babymakers and housewives. This is the lesson that is being passed onto the girls in this family, and quite possibly to the girls who are watching this show. There have been actual moments shown on the show where the father has thrown out college material for his daughters because why on earth would they need that?
The girls on the show do the majority of the housework along with their mother, while the boys do very little to pitch in. The girls also have attended "purity balls" with their father where they make pledges to remain sexually abstinent until marriage.
It would be one thing if their live was private. They are entitled to their views within the scope of their own family. However, when their lives become broadcasted as a "reality show" on TV, I have to take issue with the misogynistic views that are being promoted. This is not the type of messaging that I would want my daughter to receive and I think it puts women in general back about a century.
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