Television Review: America's Prom Queen
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this show's content is tame enough
to make it age-appropriate for older tweens and up. But the
premise -- that becoming "America's Prom Queen" is the most
amazing thing a girl could ever want -- doesn't give young
female viewers a whole lot to reach for. In terms of role
modeling, not every girl exhibits behavior that's worthy of a
glittery crown (one openly admits that she's gaining other
girls' confidences so she can eventually use their weaknesses
against them), but the judges eventually weed out the
contestants with iffy agendas.
Families can talk about why the honor of being "prom queen" is
something people value. When you think of what a prom queen
looks like, what sort of girl do you imagine? Could you see
yourself being named your school's prom queen? Why or why not?
Which of the contestants do you admire the most and why? Which
do you think is the prettiest? What do your answers to those
two questions tell you about the true definition of beauty?
In AMERICA'S PROM QUEEN, 10 teen girls are chosen to compete in a six-week, elimination-style pageant to determine who will walk away with the show's title as well as the opportunity to become CosmoGIRL! magazine's official prom correspondent, among other prizes. The competitors are tested on their abilities to perform various prom-related tasks, such as standing out when it comes to personal style, dancing with a partner, and planning a blow-out event. A "Prom Committee" composed of celebrity judges narrows the field to a final "Prom Court" of contestants, but viewers at home ultimately choose who gets to wear the crown.
The show is clearly targeting tween and teen girls and may, in fact, reel them in with its sparkly tiaras and pretty dresses. But parents might want to tune in to make sure their kids aren't absorbing any negative messages when it comes to girl power. More often than not, the challenges require superficial skills instead of actual smarts. And because this is a reality show, the contestants are crammed into a fully furnished mansion, where closeness sometimes leads to cattiness.
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