The concept of poverty is something that is indirectly addressed in the television show Honey Boo Boo. The show demonstrates a faux poor family, who takes the extreme stereotype of hillbilly and poverty and exploits it. The bottom line is, that a family who is poor would not be able to afford to partake in pageants. It's not funny that those children are overweight, do not have access to a proper education, and healthy food. The show takes the working, and lower class and turns it into a 'carnival'. A student in class made a really great point, "everyone wants to go to the carnival, to see the spectacle, but not join or work at it."
In reality, the subtitles are constantly pointing our their faults, and exploiting their stereotypes. The show is constantly directing our attention to negative aspects of the characters. We are treating the poor like animals that we can laugh at but not guide them into a healthier lifestyle. It justifies the treatment that we want to give to poor people.
This makes me beyond frustrated. I feel like the family is being taken advantage of. Honey Boo Boo's life is being made into a spectacle and she's not aware that she's constantly being laughed at. Her reputation has been tarnished before she is able to understand whats going on.
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