Kids Television
October 3, 2005
By Cam Tait
There's enough drama in prime time television to make one seriously ponder if getting comfy on the couch for another reality show is worth it. If we look at the dramas out there - and it seems they are all known by letters these days: ER, The OC, CSI - there is typically more backstabbing, in-fighting and corruption than in a broadcasted session of the House of Commons. So why get yourself jacked up for another reality television show?
Exactly. But when my wife told me there was a different twist to the Amazing Race this season, I rushed over to the microwave to get the popcorn ready. In this version of what is perhaps the quickest world trip known to videotape, the contestants are families. Such an experience - to see places around the world and participate in some ancient traditions with your family - doesn't come knocking at your door every day.
As we sat back and watched the first episode last week, it was interesting to watch the dynamics in particular situations. What made it so interesting, even special, was to see children taking part in the Amazing Race. We saw the excitement of parents as their children worked together, in several cases, for the first time. We saw the pride on the parents' faces when their kids did something well. And we also saw a tinge of competition in their eyes when a task was a little more than what the young people could handle.
We saw different teams of families: a mother and father and three kids; four sisters; two sisters and two brothers; one gentleman and three of his son-in-laws; and perhaps the sentimental favourite, the widow and her three children who are trying to get on with their lives after the death of their husband and father. Working together to get through different tasks might not take the pain away of losing a loved one, but maybe it will create new bonds and relationships that can propel them through their grief and on to a new tomorrow.
But here's what's so refreshing. In most reality shows, there is severe backstabbing, whispering behind contestants back, lying, unethical scheming that leaves one's integrity dangling in the balance, and so many other things that can range from rude to downright cruel. In this version of the Amazing Race we have a wonderful diversion. People willing to help others...with smiles on their faces.
At the end of the first episode of the Amazing Race, families congregated in a Philadelphia park. When they arrived they had to pitch a tent. Once several teams arrived at the park - free from the fear of being the last team to arrive and therefore being eliminated from the race - they started working together. Participants were helping other teams. They weren't scheming to hide one another's tarps or pegs, or sitting comfortably in their tents while others struggled to put up their tent.
It was nice to see.
And it raises some interesting questions, most of all, why was there such a shift? Why were contestants so willing to help others rather than ignoring them? The answer is quite obvious. The children in this Amazing Race may have just a minor role, but their innocence certainly stole the show.
Cam Tait is a sports reporter and columnist for the Edmonton Journal. He covered community investments and volunteers for 19 years. E-mail Cam at cam@charityvillage.com with thoughts, suggestions or ideas.
Opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of CharityVillage.com®.
