Ragin' Cajuns

Review

Common Sense Media says

Cajun shrimpers drink, curse, and struggle for survival.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Rajin' Cajuns is a reality series that features some strong language (words like "f--k" bleeped), suggestive references, and occasional alcohol-fueled bar brawls. The show highlights how events like Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill continue to threaten the Cajun shrimping community. Occasionally fisherman are shown shirtless or with their buttocks slightly exposed. Smoking is common.

  • Positive messages0
    The series highlights some of the challenges faced by Louisiana Bayou shrimpers after Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill. There is an underlying environmental message and viewers get the impression that this particular culture might be on its last legs.
  • Positive role models0
    The shrimpers are hard workers and love their community and their way of life. Some engage in questionable tactics (like invading another's fishing space or overpricing shrimp) in order to increase profits. Some shrimpers drink, fight, curse, etc.
  • Violence2
    Storms and other natural elements lead to problems. One fisherman briefly discusses surviving things like bullet wounds and car accidents. Occasionally the shrimpers get into bar brawls.
  • Sex1
    Mild sexual innuendo that includes references to doing "the wild thing." One shrimper's pants are so low that his butt-crack is occasionally visible. Some of the boats are named for or are referred to as women.
  • Language3
    Contains lots of strong vocab, the strongest curses (like "f--k") are bleeped.
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    Beer drinking and hard alcohol is visible; a deck hand arrives to work hung over and throws up. Cigarette smoking is frequently visible. Some scenes occur in bars.
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What's the story?

RAGIN' CAJUNS follows six Venice, Louisiana, shrimp boat captains risking everything they have save their way of life. The captains, Timothy "Blimp" Chermane, Kip Marquize, Waylon Buras, Acy Cooper, his son Trae, and future son-in-law Dardar, work the three-month white shrimp season as hard as they can in hopes catching enough seafood to support themselves and their families.  But the damage done by Hurricane Katrina  and the BP oil spill has devastated the former $150 million industry, and it is all that these shrimpers can do to catch what they need to make a profit. From treacherous waters and mechanical failures to harvesting contaminated sea life, each captain faces challenges in order to keep their small town thriving and to keep the Cajun shrimping tradition alive for future generations.

Is it any good?

 

The show takes a voyeuristic look at the life of the Cajun shrimper, the existence of which continues to be threatened by natural and man-made disasters. Details about the shrimping process are also offered. Adding to this are some larger-than-life personalities and drama created by rivalries between the fishermen.

Viewers who like this sort of job-oriented reality fare will find it entertaining, but the series can also be viewed as a story of cultural survival. It is also a strong warning about the long-term impact the destruction of our natural resources is having on the livelihood and culture of a region.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the Cajun community. What is this ethnic group's history? What are some of the stereotypes that exist about this group? Do shows like this one perpetuate these stereotypes? Or do they simply let audiences get to learn a bit more about their community?

  • Why do you think these men agreed to be on this show? What kind of benefits might they get from doing a show like this? Are there any potential drawbacks?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Topics:science and nature
TV rating:TV-14
Network:Discovery Channel
Cast:Acy Cooper, Kip Marquize, Timothy Chermane
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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