MTV better off sticking to music videos, leaving teens alone

It was a random day of the week, and instead of reading or doing homework, I turned on the… It was a random day of the week, and instead of reading or doing homework, I turned on the television and laid down for another relaxing little visit to TV land. Flipping through the usual channels, I stumbled upon a relatively new show on MTV called “Parental Control.” I didn’t know what to expect; maybe a show dedicated to videos of our parents’ favorite golden oldies?

Alas, I was kidding myself to think that Music Television was actually going to do something crazy, like play music! It seems that “Parental Control” is more like a dating show, but with a twist.

Here’s what it’s all about: A boy’s (or girl’s) parents are extremely unhappy with the significant other their child has chosen to spend time with. Fueled by their hatred of this boyfriend or girlfriend, the parents grill new potential suitors in the hopes of finding someone better for their precious offspring.

The mother and father each pick her or his own – we’ll call them “potentials” – to take their kid out on a date. The catch: The kid’s maligned better half will be with the parents, watching every minute of the two dates as each takes place.

It may seem like a good deal for the parents, and even their child, but it sounds torturous for the poor boyfriend or girlfriend who has to sit with the parents while watching the two dates. Think about it.

First, think about the fact that your boyfriend or girlfriend’s parents don’t just have minor distaste for you, they hate you. Enough to set their child up with complete strangers. They’d rather see their child with someone they only met for a few minutes than see him or her spend one more second with you.

Another thing is that you have to sit there and watch your boy or girl go out on two dates, flirt with two different people and have a good time while you’re stuck on a couch with two people who hate you.

But you don’t just sit there quietly. Most of the time, both the parents are continually pointing out everything the “potentials” do right on the date and ridiculing and criticizing you on how you treat their kid.

Sometimes, the current boyfriend or girlfriend has some pretty nasty things to say as well. Jabbing little remarks pop up here and there about how the “potentials” are ugly, stupid or just an overall mismatch for the current’s loved one.

Then there are the boyfriends and girlfriends who really take it to heart. There was a specific episode where the current looked as if he was going to cry while watching his girlfriend get close to someone else.

At the end of the show, the parents and their son or daughter talk things through. Ultimately, the kid decides if he or she wants to stay in the relationship and keep angering mom and dad, or opt to make a “potential” a definite.

Usually, the kid decides to remain in his relationship, no matter how upset his mom and dad get. There are also times when the kid sides with his parents, realizes the current relationship isn’t quite working and dumps the poor significant other right there on the spot.

The emotional damage caused by the show is a bit unnerving. Although most of the contestants have been dating for less than a year; sometimes that’s all it takes to form a deep emotional attachment to someone.

For a little bit of entertainment, viewers are treated to kids being emotionally scarred for life. No one wants to hear that she’s inadequate for someone else, especially when she’s going through a time in her life where she feels self-conscious about everything.

Exploiting teens when they’re at their most vulnerable is just sick. It’s not only that, but some of the things that the parents say are hurtful. Being made fun of by anyone is upsetting, but it can be damaging when it’s adults who are barraging you with little comments about how you’re just not good enough.

It seems that entertainment once again overrides possible severe emotional detachment and intense commitment issues. Hey, whatever makes for good television during those much-anticipated study breaks, right?

Jennifer is looking for a boyfriend with attitude so she can be the next contestant on “Parental Control.” E-mail her at mjk18@pitt.edu.