Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this negative reality show from the creators of The Real World doesn't fall far from the tree, zeroing in on conflict and bad behavior and passing them off as entertainment. The series follows a group of women who were selected to live together because of their inclination for negative behavior, which ranges from lying to physical violence. Don't let the TV-14 rating fool you: The antics and examples on display here aren't fit for teens (or anyone, for that matter). Conflicts between cast members -- which sometimes include physical fighting -- are the focus of the show. Cast members are often seen drinking excessively, which sometimes serves as a motivator for more violent behavior.
Families can talk about why reality TV feeds on conflict. What messages is the show sending about how women behave and relate to each other? Do you think a show about men in a similar situation would get the same treatment? What's the difference between being assertive and self-confident versus being overly aggressive and inappropriate? Which category do the women in the show fall into? Families can also discuss the importance of fostering positive relationships among women as a source of support and empowerment.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho
Brought to you by the creators of The Real World, THE BAD GIRLS CLUB focuses on seven strong young women who pride themselves in being both strong and unwilling to conform to what society expects of them, proving their point by engaging in outrageously bad behavior.
The members of the club include aggressive Aimee, who believes that other women are generally out to get her; Jodie, a conservative office worker who likes to have fun after hours; Ty, a tough-talking former hustler; Kerry, whose recklessness has sidetracked her country music career; adult entertainer Leslie; spoiled, angry Ripsi; and Zara, who's known in her small town as the "wild child."
While living in their posh Los Angeles house, the women try to become friends while coping with one another's backstabbing, lying, cheating, and flirting. Manipulative and deviously resourceful, they all engage in their own brand of destructive behavior in order to have fun, get want they want, and -- sometimes -- get even with the other women in the house. Their conduct naturally leads to the kind of dramatic conflicts that reality TV feeds on.
Like any reality show, The Bad Girls Club has some soap opera-ish storylines, as well as some soul-searching among cast members as they begin to think about their own behavior as well as their relationships with their roommates.
But the show's real focus is on the ladies' excessive arguing and physical fighting. While the housemates may believe that their aggressive, often-outlandish behavior empowers them, the show presents them as a group of catty, irrational girls who are more interested in creating a spectacle of themselves. It's an extremely negative, stereotypical portrayal of strong women and offers a very misguided interpretation of what assertive, self-confident women are really all about.
For better ways to fill your reality TV quota, try the eye-opening 30 Days or the much more positive Cheerleader Nation.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome scenes include kissing and making out. Some strong references to sexual behavior. Some of the housemates dance suggestively. |
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ViolenceViolence and/or threats of violence are often used as a way of resolving conflict. Cast members are sometimes seen pushing, shoving, slapping, and punching each other. Several of the women have serious anger-management issues; other violent behavior is motivated by drinking too much. |
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LanguageFrequent use of words like "bitch," "whore," and "ass." Stronger language is bleeped out. |
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Social BehaviorThe series showcases young women who engage in negative social behavior to have fun and/or to resolve conflict. Cast members appear unable to handle their disputes maturely and rationally, relying instead on lying, cheating, and fighting to solve problems. It's an extremely negative, stereotypical portrayal of strong woment.The cast consists of both Caucasian and African-American women of diverse backgrounds from all over the United States. |
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CommercialismSome of the young women are extremely materialistic. Southwest Airlines logo is visible. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoFrequent consumption of alcohol and tobacco products. Some cast members are seen drinking excessive amounts of hard liquor and then engaging in violent behavior. |
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