The Learning Channel

     On Thursday, July 14, 2011, there is a concerted effort to get people to boycott TLC. I personally think that this channel should be permanently avoided by all who have morals. Has anyone really looked at the crap that is on this channel? First of all, Tots and Tiaras...this show is disgusting as far as child exploitation goes. These are "children" being forced to be in the world of Beauty Pagentry. Do these parents not think that a "normal" childhood will serve their children better in the world. These cildren are shown pitching fits and throwing temper tantrums when they don't get their way. I think this is also a show in which every pediphile in America sits at home in a dark house and watches as these children are made to look like miniature adults. I think a better show would be "How To Raise a Productive Member of Society" or "Why I Spanked My Child Today." I don't know, maybe I have been left behind by society.
     Another show, Sixteen and Pregnant...What the hell are we teaching our children with these shows? Hey, it's ok to go out and get pregnant? I don't think so. In the society that we live in today, with the high rates of divorce, and single-parent homes, children are being left alone more and more, as the single-parent is out trying to make enough money to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. When these teens are sitting at home alone, a show like this is going to grab their attention. This show teaches that it is ok to get pregnant because the grandparents will help raise the child, so they can have a good time; does Casey Anthony ring a bell? Human life has been reduced to a play toy, instead of a baby that needs a parent to raise them.
     Now, they have come up with this BRILLIANT idea to let anyone, no matter what their background, and for a fee of $4800 dollars, they will "TEACH" you to be a tattoo artist. I understand that tattooing is a very hard industry to get into. There are people who taught themselves through trial and error on a friends skin and have become great artist, but, to advertise that anyone can be an artist for $4800, is ludicrous. Even if they have the artistic ability, not everyone that can draw can be a tattoo artist. This is just one more attempt at the old "You can be anything you want to be" attitude. NO! You need skills to be certain things in life. Could I go out and be a professional baseball player? I don't think so. Why? I DON'T HAVE THE SKILLS. It isn't because I never wanted to be a pro baseball player...I just sucked at baseball. Sure, anyone can be taught to draw, no matter how bad you are, you can be taught to draw. BUT, it isn't going to happen in 5 weeks. Then once you learn drawing skills, you are not going to pick up a tattoo machine (not a tattoo gun...that's usually in a drawer loaded for the occassional moron that tries to rob the shop) and begin throwing down ink.
     Well, maybe I am just old-fashioned and still believe that everything has to be earned and learned....