 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Taboo
Common Sense Media says
Global subcultures offer eye-opening edutainment.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that many of the unique cultural traditions examined in this documentary series -- including gender transformation, painful and often life-threatening initiation rituals, and physical mutilation -- will seem bizarre or extreme from a mainstream American point of view. Since the topics are approached from a thoughtful, educational perspective, mature teens should be able to handle the show, but its graphic imagery and complex subject matter could upset or disturb younger or more sensitive kids.
What's the story?
National Geographic's provocative documentary series TABOO raises questions about what's socially acceptable among subcultures in the United States and around the world. Each episode presents groups who engage in norms, traditions, and rituals that fall outside of the mainstream -- from gender bending and eating rats to scarification (the art of creating scars on the body by piercing, tattooing, or burning) and body modification. These acts are often seen as strange, unacceptable, or forbidden by those who don't perform them.
Is it any good?
Taboo doesn't attempt to change people's minds about what's "right" or what makes something an acceptable social practice. Instead, the series focuses on exposing viewers to people and practices that they might never see otherwise.
While the series is quite educational, the seemingly bizarre and sometimes-grotesque imagery can create a carnival-like quality that's more entertaining than informative. But the shocking nature of the show's visual images also pushes viewers out of their comfort zone -- they're instrumental in challenging people to open their minds and consider the fact that every cultural group has their own definition of what's "normal."
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how traditions differ in cultures around the world. When do these traditions cross the line and become abusive or unacceptable? How does your own background affect your perspective of other cultures' practices? Can you truly understand a group's traditions without being part of that group? What are the consequences of misunderstanding other cultures' traditions? Families can also discuss the use of graphic pictures and video footage in documentaries. Even though these images are showing real life, is it necessary to include shocking pictures? Why or why not?
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AGE
Very very interesting show
This show, though filled with all kinds of graphic stuff, is very interesting. I have learned a lot of things through it.
It can often be bloody and graphic, so I would say it's iffy to 13+
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AGE
Taboo
Fantastic show. The viewer can learn a lot about different cultures all around the world. Wheather its tattoos, nudity, food, sex, or anything else, Taboo informs well and teaches a lot.
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AGE
This is definitely one of my favorite TV Shows. It is very interesting and well done. Sometimes it gets a little creepy and sometimes boring but overall it is just plain amazing!!!
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | National Geographic Channel |
| Cast: | David McCallum |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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