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Russell Simmons Presents Brave New Voices

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Queen Latifah, Where to watch: HBO, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Slammin' poetry empowers a young generation.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Teens use poetry and spoken word to empower themselves. The series highlights the importance of mentorship, leadership, and team building. The teens and their mentors are from all over the country and from a wide range of racial/ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Several are disabled.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Poems and life stories often deal with violent themes, including lynching, gang/drug violence, rape, and child abuse. Sometimes the poets may argue or lose their tempers and act aggressively (like punching a wall), but it's never aimed at other people.
  • Sex:

    Some poems deal with teen sexual issues, while others deal with heavy topics like incest.
  • Language:

    Some poems feature strong language, ranging from words like “suck” and “damn” to “f--k," "s--t," and the "N" word, as well as other occasional racial epithets.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some poems and personal stories talk about living among drug dealers and/or coping with alcoholics.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Russell Simmons Presents Brave New Voices

Parents need to know that this inspiring series spotlights teens who are writing and performing poetry as an alternative way of coping with difficult life issues like racism, illness, violence, and more. Some of the poems contain rough language (unblepeed, since it's HBO) and occasional racial epithets (including the "N" word). But despite their strong content, the stories are poignant and honest, and overall the series offers very positive messages about using art as way of empowering change.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what makes a poetry slam different from just reciting poetry. What kinds of experiences can teens write and perform about? Are teens the only people who do this, or are there adult poetry slammers, too? Families can also discuss finding alternative ways to cope with life challenges. What kinds of creative activities can help us deal with difficult situations? Do you paint to express yourself? Take photographs? Dance? What are some additional benefits to pursuing these activities?

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