Recently there has been great hype about the newest show on MTV - Skins, which in reality is a rip-off of the British version. In an article from Psychology Today (click here), by Marty Klein PhD, it discusses how the Parents Television Council has has asked the Department of Justice to investigate whether MTV's "Skins" violates federal child pornography statutes. The PTC has led a war-cry that the show is revolting because it (1) shows teens having and enjoying sexual activity, and (2) employ teen actors to portray these teens. However, these accusations downplay the horrors of real child pornography. Child pornography is a monstrosity in which innocent children are exploited for the sexual pleasure of adults, illegally, while this show is merely portraying what really happens in the lives of many teenagers.
Whether or not PTC, and other conservative groups, wish to acknowledge the truth, teens, many of which are underage, are in fact engaging in sexual activity. Also, these teen actors are voluntarily participating in these portrayals, are being paid to do so, and have full permission from their parents. Again, there is no similarity to child pornography, and the accusations are just a reckless juxtaposition of a risqué show with an abominable crime. Another complaint is that the show teaches children/teens that it is perfectly acceptable to engage in sexual activity at a young age. But as Klein posed it perfectly: "Parents, if you haven't done anything to teach your kids about sexuality, values, and decision-making, and "Skins" is their sex education-you've already made a few mistakes."
The PTC shouts libelous cries against MTV's "Skins" which only distract audiences, parents, and the general public from the real horrors of child pornography, and erroneously blame a slightly scandalous show for an irrelevant crime.
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