Parenting War: Ban on iCarly
Miranda Cosgrove has risen to fame as the younger sister on “Drake & Josh” and now her own show: “iCarly” and this show is extremely popular.
The show follows two girls and a boy who produce a regular web video program, similar to YouTube, called iCarly.The characters revel in their pseudo-Fame as an excuse for daily antics in school or their personal lives which drives a back story to the perennial webcast.
While the theme of friendship is apparent and there are efforts to send a message, there are also several incidents and language that you don’t want your child emulating.
No longer in my house.
Recently, the friend, Sam (blonde) is advising Carly’s brother on how to lie more efficiently. Great topic for a kid’s show.
The characters on this show treat each other horribly. Is this based on how they kids behave in the real world or is it perpetuating the problem?
One episode of iCarly, Sam isn’t allowed to insult Freddie all week, unless she wants to pay him $5 an insult. As soon as Sam has some money:
Sam: You smell like feet. *gives him $5*
Freddie:*smiles, takes money*
Sam: If you were a country, you’d be El Salvadork. *gives another $5*
Freddie: *still smiling, takes the money*
Sam: Have I made fun of your butt yet?
Freddie: No.
Sam: It’s oddly shaped. *gives $5*
Sam: No girl will ever want you. *gives $5*
Emmy worthy yes?
Sam is constantly getting into trouble, blaming others (usually Freddie) and her rude and cruel behavior hasn’t gotten the show shut off from my the television.
When you hear the seven-year-old introducing or calling each other “doof”, “Bubble Butt” (nickname for one of their teachers), referencing “pimples on their butt”, putting spaghetti in their pants, you can trace it back to this show.
Carly: You’re in trouble.
Sam: Who has urine trouble.
and
Sam Puckett: Those Dingo people are dead!
Carly Shay: What are we gonna do?
Sam Puckett: We’re gonna go find ‘em and kick ‘em in their dingoes!
Carly: [doorbell rings] There’s the doorbell.
Sam: Smells like your grandad.
Sam: [turns to Freddy] You smell like garbage.
Freddy: Your butt’s shaped like a ham.
Let’s not ignore that great messages the show sends:
Sam Puckett: [crying] I don’t like working! I don’t know how people do it. It’s horrible! Th-they don’t let you sleep, or watch TV, or go online, and they expect you to be nice to all the customers! And I’m not even allowed to eat the chili. Do you know what it’s like to be me, surrounded by giant pots of chili and not allowed to eat it?
Some stuff I found researching for this:
On the episode of iCarly when Freddy is afraid that Sam is going to “get him back”, and about all the first kiss junk. When Sam was about to throw Spencer the football, I looked across the hallway at the number of Freddy’s apartment, and it says 8=D.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090523163843AAMOjCO
Infamous iCarly “hobknocker” controversy, which was said on the show:
http://www.icarly-show.com/blog/what-is-a-hob-knocker/
See what I think of “Degrassi” : http://deskofbrian.com/2010/06/degrassi-is-disgraceful-even-for-teens/
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This is a pathetic article. Kids are smart enough to differentiate between this show and reality. I have, not once, seen a child copy any of the characters’ “rude and cruel” behavior.
And as for your comment,
“That doesn’t really justify the exposure does it?”
What “exposure?” They’re not copying the behavior, and none of this happens in everyday life. The only thing your children are getting exposed to is a controlling parent, and that is way more dangerous for them in the future than “bubble butt.”
Umm I just this episode with the 8-D it’s 8D I believe you were trying to look for something that wasn’t there
Thanks Pak, that was my motivation for writing the piece. The more I found out about Degrassi, the more I didn’t want my kids to see the commercials
I don’t have a problem with this show, it’s show that are sexually suggestive that I have issues with. My kids are 9 and 13, and are old enough to know what is real and fake. They watch it they laugh and that’s fine. It’s harder as a parent today. When I was a kid, the shows that had sexual tones were on later in the night plus we weren’t interested in watching them. With cable everything is on all the time all day long. Teen shows or young adult themed shows advertise to younger crowds. My son is watching Sponge Bob but has to see a commericial for Degrassi. That isn’t right.
Yes Anna, but unlike the shows of the 80′s, especially the Cosby show, there was a message correcting the inappropriate behavior.
iCarly is devoid of a responsible adult figure, Sam’s behavior is condoned & encouraged — all for some laughs.
Trust me, shelter your kids all you want and they still learn what the “real” world is like.
I can’t shield them from everything, nor do I try, but when I identify a poisonous and bad influence, we explain to them WHY and eliminate the exposure.
I’m 41 years old, and even back when I was 10-14, these icarly insults would have been tame and mild. Growing pains, Family ties, even the cosby show all had their ‘bad’ moments.
Any parents who wish to ;shield’ their kids from all naughtiness are just asking for trouble later. When your kids live your compound, they will be exposed anyways
This guy is not giving our kids credit. Most kid shows are funny on their level, however it doesn’t mean they are gonna mock the actions. Not if they are taught properly. This is stupid! As for the symbol, i’ve never seen it on the show but I thought it was a happy face! Maybe some practical joker did it to see if they could get away with it. How minor, who is looking at the door number anyway!
My kids are smarter, quite a bit smarter than me, but as a PARENT, I’ll teach them a few things. For example: the behavior on iCarly is unacceptable. I may be “funny and often silly” but it is also crass and my kids can be better served by simply watching something else.
I will 100% agree with their understanding reality versus the fictional TV and movies that are out. That doesn’t really justify the exposure does it?
To each their own.
My daughter watches iCarly translated into German. She finds it funny and often silly. Kids are smarter than you think when it comes to differentiating between reality and what’s on the box. I think they could teach you a thing or two.
Krissy
the characters form a penis symbol
i dont get the 8 part
I hate this show. I can’t let my six year old daughter watch it anymore.
I understand your concern for your kids but its not technically a show for younger children. Nicks target here is the 10-14 demographic. To many teenagers this is just average everyday humor.
the 8==D might be a little too much, though. i cant believe it wasn’t pulled