My Big Redneck Wedding - TV-14

Knot-tying reality show reinforces stereotypes.

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TV Rating: TV-14
Network: CMT
Cast: Tom Arnold
Genre: Reality TV
>Available On: Download

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that although this reality series about couples who plan eccentric country weddings is meant to be in good fun, some of the behavior plays into existing negative stereotypes about Southern living, and some of the featured folks come off as crass and uneducated. There's also drinking, smoking, gun use (mostly for hunting and target practice), and some strong language ("bitchy, "ass").

Families can talk about the difference between dispelling stereotypes and perpetuating them. Can stereotypes ever be used to empower people? How? Can you think of any examples? Families can also talk about what defines "country living." Does wearing a cowboy hat or riding a horse automatically make someone "a little bit country"? What other assumptions do we tend to make about people based on what they wear or do? Does the media reinforce those assumptions? If so, how?

Message
Violence
Sex
Language

Message

Social Behavior:

The couples clearly love each other and have fun at their weddings, but the series plays into existing stereotypes about Southern culture, and the people featured on the show often come across as uneducated and crass.

Consumerism:

Visible product labels include Coors Light, Bud Light, Jack Daniels, Wrangler, Lays Potato Chips, John Deere, and Frederick's of Hollywood.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Visible smoking includes cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco pipes. Plenty of beer and whisky consumption, too.

Violence

Rifles are used for hunting, target practice and shotgun salutes. One episode shows a chicken being butchered.

Sex

Some sexual innuendo, including references to bondage. One groom-to-be shops for "scanty panties" for his bride. One man is shown mooning the camera, and a bride-to-be takes nude pics for her groom (no nudity is actually shown).

Language

Audible language includes "damn," "ass," and "bitchy" stronger words -- like "f--k" and "s--t" -- are bleeped.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Melissa Camacho

Hosted by Tom Arnold, reality series MY BIG REDNECK WEDDING profiles couples who embrace their country roots and plan over-the-top, country-western style weddings. The couples and their families proudly celebrate their love -- and heritage -- by getting hitched on horseback, exchanging vows with the help of ordained ex-cons, or hosting mud-wrestling competitions during the reception. There's no crystal on the tables or champagne on the menu, but baked beans, roast squirrel, and chicken dumplings make for finger-licking wedding-day meals. Family members and guests contribute by buying unique lingerie for the bride or organizing shotgun salutes.

Is it any good?

The series attempts to diffuse existing stereotypes about people from the South by using the term "redneck" to connote pride in one's Southern heritage. But the weddings here are presented as bizarre and eccentric and sometimes feature behavior that comes off as uneducated and crass. Instead of celebrating the fun, meaningful side of country-style weddings, the show actually perpetuates negative stereotypes about the South.

This, combined with extensive alcohol consumption and some salty language, makes it rough viewing for younger viewers, although it might appeal to teens and adults who enjoy this kind of guilty pleasure.