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Common Sense Note
Parents should know that featured teens come from very affluent, sometimes well-known families. Budgets for the parties can run anywhere from $10,000 to $500,000. It's hard to know how we're supposed to feel about these kids. Should we want to be them? Hate them because they're rich? Feel sorry for them because of their crazy parents and lack of limits? Few of the kids seem grateful for their priveleged life. The show also creates unrealistic aspirations for teen viewers.
Familes who watch this show with their kids may wish to discuss the complicated message the show is sending. Ask your kids: How does it make you feel? Would you want to trade lives with any of these teens? Do you think they're happy after their party? Does this make you want to have a party of this scale? Would you be happy/content having one within your family's means?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kate Pavao
In this MTV reality series, parents purchase new cars, rent expensive party spaces, and generally ignore all limits in order to throw extravagant SUPER SWEET 16 parties for their spoiled, rich teens.
Everything in this show is over the top. One mom took her daughter to Paris to shop for a dress, while the dad of teen boy hired a team of sexy dancers, later claiming to have spent a total of $250,000 for the big bash. Parents who are well connected can make real impressions on their teens' classmates (Kanye West and Ciara have appeared on the show and performed at parties).
Of course, it's not all glitter and glamour. One mom drinks heavily, and it's unclear if her daughter's father will even show up. Another father is majorly intense, telling his son it's "pathetic" when only five kids RSVP for his party. (Later his stepmother bribes girls to attend by giving them free clothes from her chic boutique.)
It's hard to imagine exactly what this show's point is. It can be fun to gawk at the riches -- and at the bad behavior of both the kids and parents. But there are disturbing messages throughout. Are these teens more popular now that they've given a great party? Have they already gotten the idea that women can be bought? Will they expect/demand that celebrities appear at all their social events, since their families are well connected?
All in all, like many MTV products, My Super Sweet 16 is both disturbing and addictive. The message it sends to teens is a mix of "look what I have" and "don't you wish you were here?"
Better MTV reality shows include Run's House and True Life.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentTeens often audition models to dance at their party; one hired topless men to escort her, while another had all her friends over and had "hot boys" take their shirts off to a group of giggling teens. |
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Social BehaviorParents act like jerks, and kids act like spoiled jerks; unrealistic aspirations for teens; parties often have a red-carpet theme, some with celebrity guests; commonly heard quotes include "my daddy will get me anything I want" and "I feel famous." Teens often say that they hope their friends are jealous; celebrities (including Kanye West, Diddy, Ciara, and Jermain Dupri) have been paid to perform at or attend parties. Girls shop (even flying to a destination) to get couture dresses -- one teen went all the way to Paris. |
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CommercialismKids get new cars (Range Rover, Mercedes, Ford Mustang), plus the show is all about materialism. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoOne party showed girls taking shots. |
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