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From G's to Gents

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Fonzworth Bentley, Where to watch: MTV, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Gritty reality show teaches bad boys good lessons.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series portrays the "gangster" image as both negative and stereotypical. Participants learn to be better men by learning life skills like basic manners, good communication, professionalism, etc. While some of their motivation is driven by greed, many of the contestants want to change their lives around. Contestants occasionally make racist remarks about other contestants. There's also class-based stereotyping among contestants. The men are from various racial/ethnic backgrounds. Most of them come from lower-income inner-city communities.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Lots of yelling and arguing between cast members; occasionally contestants threaten to punch out or "whack" a fellow contestant. Cst members occasionally push and shove each other. But violence is not treated as acceptable behavior.

  • Sex:

    Some references to being "sexy." Participants make suggestive comments about Bentley's assistant; one makes a lewd comment about her breasts using the word "tits." Several of the contestants refer to themselves as "pimps."

  • Language:

    Audible language includes words like "piss" and "hell." Curse words like "s--t" and "f--k" are frequently used but bleeped out.

  • Consumerism:

    Tag Body Spray is one of the show's sponsors; Bentley is featured in at least one Tag commercial during the show's run. Labels on beer bottles, etc. are covered, although the brands are still identifiable.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Smoking, alcohol consumption (beer, hard liquor), and drunken behavior are prominently visible. Subtle references to drug dealing.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About From G's to Gents

Parents need to know that this reality competition series -- in which men compete for a cash prize by transforming their inner-city "gangster" image into one that's more gentleman-like -- promotes the idea that living or acting like a gangster is a negative choice that can keep people from bettering their lives. While there's some greedy behavior, most of the contestants treat the experience as a chance to improve their lives. Expect lots of strong language (though words like "f--k" and "s--t" are bleeped), drinking, smoking, and other iffy behavior. Some of the contestants' conversations touch on subjects like prostitution, drug dealing, and other crimes. But these actions aren't treated as acceptable, and contestants are challenged to change this behavior.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the different ways that the media can be used to help educate viewers. What kinds of lessons is this show trying to teach? Are they only applicable to people who embrace the "gangster" image? What does that image represent? Is it stereotypical? Do you think the media (music videos, for example) generally promotes this image as a positive thing?
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