TV shows and the Troubled Teen Industry

[FemanonFatal2.0]

I've noticed in a few shows that I watch that there have been significant references to characters being sent off to "wilderness programs"

the first i noticed was WEEDS, it was in season 1, Celia sent her daughter to a program in Mexico called "Casa Reforma", and the daughter made a comeback in the last season, apparently she's pissed off and holding her mother for ransom. I'm interested to see what they mention about this "Casa Reforma" and what kind of light they shed on it. I can guess it wont be great, but I'll be impressed if they mention anything about abuse.

the second was in season 2 of Gossip Girl, where a character, classic bad girl Georgina was sent to a program. The next time you saw her she was a born again christian, and was sickeningly "goodie two shoes". The bad Georgina made a comeback in the season finale and well be seeing a lot more of her next season but its just weird that they made that stretch and explained nothing about the program that temporarily turned her into a cult member.

Most recently was the finale of 90210 where a character Liam was showing less interest in school activities and was sent by his asshole of a step father to a "wilderness therapy camp" ? kidnapped in the middle of the night by 2 burly men and all. The school counselor, recycled character, Kelly even pulled out a stack of brochures when she told the kid that his step father was pulling his records and considering military school. All this makes me question how much research into this subject these producers have done, and how much they are willing to reveal about the program next season.

all in all i think that this exposure can either greatly help or hurt our progress trying to reach the general public. I think there is great possibility to send a really strong message to both teens and parents of teens that these so called "solutions" have serious consequences. I would personally like to get a hold of the producers of the show and share some of my experience in a "wilderness program", in hopes that they will at least try to tackle this issue.

What do ya'll think? worth a try?

[Che Gookin]

How about we just hunt one of the fuckheads down and shoot him?

[Inculcated]

I've noticed in a few shows that I watch that there have been significant references to characters being sent off to "wilderness programs". All this makes me question how much research into this subject these producers have done, and how much they are willing to reveal about the program next season.
All in all I think that this exposure can either greatly help or hurt our progress trying to reach the general public. I think there is great possibility to send a really strong message to both teens and parents of teens that these so called "solutions" have serious consequences. I would personally like to get a hold of the producers of the show and share some of my experience in a "wilderness program", in hopes that they will at least try to tackle this issue.
What do ya'll think? worth a try?

I think it’s well worth while to try.

[Oscar]

BTW: Our researchers found a link to a facebook group writing a book about Casa here, while we updated the European wiki page for the Casa Reforma - Weeds info.

The reason the media industry is misinformed is that the use the wrong people to ask. The owner of Diamond Ranch Academy was heavily involved in Higher Grounds, which are a kind of marketing for the industry. Read this link.

[FemanonFatal2.0]

BTW: Our researchers found a link to a facebook group writing a book about Casa here, while we updated the European wiki page for the Casa Reforma - Weeds info.

The reason the media industry is misinformed is that the use the wrong people to ask. The owner of Diamond Ranch Academy was heavily involved in Higher Grounds, which are a kind of marketing for the industry. Read this link.

Thanks!

As well Id like to give you another testimony to add... My Account Of The Abuse

[Antigen]

I caught those Weeds eps too. In the mean time, they did an awesome job of portraying Ceilia as a program parent. I posted a note to that effect in the Weeds blog. I think it's all good, really. Any publicity is good publicity in that it brings the topic into the mainstream dialog.

[BuzzKill]

The Sopranio's touched on the topic too. I think I recall seeing it mentioned on the board somewhere. I can't recall the names - but the chubby guy who was gay that got killed - his son went off the deep end. The mom wanted Tony to help her move, thinking it would help the boy to get in a different neighborhood and school. Tony instead paid for a troubled teen program. It was cheeper.
The mom spoke of being worried b/c she had heard some bad things - but Tony talked her into it. I wondered if they would go into the situation a bit more - tell more of the boy's story - but as far as I know that was where they dropped that story line.

[Inculcated]

I remember that. The plot went so far as depicting that character being awoken in the night for transport (abduction). Later, there was a scene of the character on the road (with these captors). I don’t recall the action of that later scene. Still the boy’s plight was portrayed fairly accurately by the child actor’s expression of fear.
 As I recall the motivation for Tony Soprano’s character pushing for this “Treatment” was that it was to him a more cost effective solution to his obligations to that family(whacked their Daddy), and to everyone’s embarrassment of the boy’s self expression.

[Che Gookin]

I'm surprised Tony didn't have the boy whacked as well. You'd think that would be even cheaper than a program.

[Inculcated]

I'm surprised Tony didn't have the boy whacked as well. You'd think that would be even cheaper than a program.

Ah, well that would’ve been quite the plot twist. I think that even our society’s threshold for vicarious violence would’ve been taxed by Tony just out right  offing the boy.
Unfortunately, the general ignorance of the reality of the consequences of the decision that was depicted caused no such moral conflict.
Maybe the producers of these current shows can be informed enough to in turn enlighten their viewership.
Failing that, there’s always plan B.

[Che Gookin]

Tony Soprano, violent? Why I'd never guess...

As for the rest of these fanukes I'm torn between having their houses toilet papered or putting them on a mass mailing list for gay porno. While I realize the value of the American media and how it effectively keeps our population nice and idiotic I can't take it seriously. I've always rejected most modern entertainment as a pointless waste of time.

Well other than those old shows like Mash, MacGyver, and Airwolf, but the rest of it is total garbage. I can't see the point of reasoning with someone who produces crap for their living.

I suggest using bright colored markers and stickers to make your point as I doubt these folks are the sharpest blades in the drawer when you get right down to it.

[Inculcated]

As for the rest of these fanukes I'm torn between having their houses toilet papered or putting them on a mass mailing list for gay porno.

Considering the target, that last lesson might be dealing them a romp in the old briar patch

I've always rejected most modern entertainment as a pointless waste of time.
Well other than those old shows like Mash, MacGyver, and Airwolf, but the rest of it is total garbage.

...seriously Macgyver?

I

[Oscar]

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