Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this compilation of real-life videos features extremely dangerous stunts that shouldn't be performed at home -- from setting off fireworks irresponsibly to motorbike bungee jumping. People get hurt and cry out in pain, though injuries aren't shown. Curse words like "s--t" are bleeped out, and there are some images of women in revealing outfits. Some of the commentary -- particularly that referencing people and customs from other cultures -- comes off sounding ignorant and even racist.
Families can talk about why people do these dangerous stunts. What's the appeal (if any) of trying things that could hurt or kill you? Does the media perpetuate this behavior by treating videos of these activities as entertainment? When is risk-taking a good idea, and when should you play it safe? Families can also discuss why some cultures perform rituals that cause pain or injury. What is the significance of these activities?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho
WHACKED OUT VIDEOS is a "reality" series that features both amateur and professional video footage of unique, silly, and frequently dangerous stunts performed by people around the world. Like its sister series Whacked Out Sports, each episode combines reality and comedy by pairing "funny" commentary with footage of the feats being performed.
While most of the show is dedicated to showcasing dumb and dangerous tricks, some of the footage is actually of religious and social practices performed by cultures from other parts of the world. Unfortunately, the narrator's comments about these activities include some uninformed observations about the rituals. Worse, in the name of humor, they sometimes offer inherently racist comments about those who practice them. For example, in one segment, Columbian men are referred to as "Juan Valdez wannabes" and Columbian women were said to be competing for "the town's stretch pants."
Regardless of why the stunts are being performed, the fact is that the majority of these exploits pose a real danger to those who try them. Because they're being presented as a form of entertainment, it may be difficult for younger (or less-mature) viewers to appreciate the real risks associated with them. In other words, this one's not for kids.
Families may prefer the tamer America's Funniest Home Videos or the sillier MXC.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentWomen are occasionally seen wearing bikinis or other revealing clothing. |
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ViolencePunching and hitting, sometimes using sticks, whips, and other objects. Cars crash; one video features a kid driving a car into a house (though no one was hurt), while another shows a man being swung by a crane into portable toilets. |
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LanguageAudible language includes words like "hell" stronger terms (like "s--t") are bleeped. Grunts of pain are often heard from the injured. Words like "moron" and "stupid" are also used. |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorLots of irresponsible behavior and dangerous stunts. Teens and adults are seen taking risks without using protective gear. Cultural and/or religious rituals from other countries are presented by the narrator as being ridiculous, and some of the commentary includes ignorant and even racist epithets. |
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Commercialism |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoVisible beer consumption. Some of the people in the videos seem drunk. |
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