Things That Make Me Die Inside (Vol. 23)

Christian Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 01:12 PM EST

I suffered one of "My Super Sweet 16"'s marathons while I was crashing @ my brother's pad (he has teenage girls).

I see things this way:

The kids who get on it are completely clueless, ingrateful, and oblivious that MTV has no interest them whatsoever other than to put them on the air so we normies can mock them.

We, on the other hand, watch because secretly we want/need to vent at something.

And MTV has a ratings sensation that, true to legacy, they'll continue to renew until the next stupid show makes us die inside even more.

The winner: MTV. Meh! *shrug*

Kay Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 12:32 PM EST

Im embarassed for the parents. They are teaching their children that everything in life can be bought. MTV is terrible....along with all those spoiled kids.

Perhaps Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 11:41 AM EST

Irene Cara?

My Say Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 11:32 AM EST

TeeCee: You have a right to your opinion, and I think you are correct. Giving a child everything they want sends the wrong message. No matter how much one gives, it just produces ingrates. Think of all the people who have committed suicide because they lost their "riches." I personally know a family who were well-to-do. The father left and the mother was left to struggle with five children. Two of her sons turned to crime to keep living the lifestyle they had grown accustomed to. One was killed by a correctional officer on a Brooklyn street at the wee hours of the morning. the other served ten years in prison.

teecee Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 11:17 AM EST

i watched judge judy on larry king last night and she asked what was wrong with america, every where the president goes he gets booed (except albania). i'll give my opinion, which may be wrong: how can giving a 16 year-old a jaguar be considered right. and this is what people all over the world watch and think america is all about. how about teaching the 16 year-old the importance of an education, hard work, charity and respect. add all of the above and then you can buy yourself your jag. but, of course, these issues would be so boring for tv.

C B H Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 09:54 AM EST

So THAT's what the children of the Upper 1% do for fun...

No Brand Woman Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 09:11 AM EST

I'm not so much allowed to watch this show. I've seen it a couple of times, but it knots my stomach too much and I yell at the TV. Embarrassing, but it's true.
I love seeing the expensive cars that these brilliant parents buy their spoiled brats at age 16. I mean, how can they not know that their idiot child is going to wreck that shiney Ferrari within a week? From their upbringing, these kids have it in their heads that they're something special and real life can't touch them. I'd love to see them try to fend for themselves in the real world.
And shouldn't this reality TV fad be over by now? I'm definitely over it. I'm sure someday we'll all look back and have an embarrassed laugh with our grandchildren as we tell them stories of what we used to watch.

Nose Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 08:59 AM EST

Honeybee: I am not sure how old you are, but put yourself in an impressionable tween's shoes. Are they looking at this show and saying, "Wow. That family is really sad. They really don't know what real life is like," or are they just looking at it and saying, "Wow! I want a party with dresses and bands and cars!" There's a reason Paris Hilton is a celebrity, and it is because people want to be like her. Well, maybe not so much anymore, but you know what I mean.
It is like the Bridezilla show as well..these girls and women think they are princesses who deserve to be treated like royalty, no matter what the cost. It makes it that much harder for us normal girls to find a man!! Ok, end rant.

Nose Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 08:52 AM EST

Sure, we would all love an over-the-top party in our name, but the difference between us and them is that we don't expect it, we don't demand it, and we don't freak out when the wrong crappy singer shows up. This is what is wrong with America. Shows like this and the one about Orange County housewives and such...NOBODY CARES! Am I really supposed to be entertained by shows like this when I a worried about making student loan payments? How about a show where you take normal people who struggle in their lives or who have had hard times and give them a super-expensive party? I would watch that.

Sadie Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 08:18 AM EST

I get sucked into this show every once and a while (like this Sunday when MTV ran a marathon). My favorite episode followed a girl who was recently adopted after spending most of her life in foster care. She had her cronies around her helping her pick out everything for the party and must have said at least 20 times in the course of a half-hour conversation that she "deserved" the party and all of the lavish accoutrements. Very disturbing -- I thought that the only things you "deserve" at 16 are food, shelter and clothing.

Disgusting and disturbing, but I still watch.

FLIPPER Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 07:49 AM EST

As I've said before, these wealthy 'I simply don't know what to do with all this money' types should be forced to spend some time in impoverished countries. It may help them find the strength to climb out of the 'privileged' dunghole they've found themselves wallowing in.

Honeybee Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 06:34 AM EST

I think it is so clear from the reaction of this blog and everyone I know, that the show is meant to humiliate the child and the parents. They agree to do the show, thinking people will admire how rich and classy they are, only to be shown as the rich clueless idiots that they are. And yes, it is the parents fault that the kid is so spoiled.

Everytime I see a moment of the show, I think of a visit I took to one of the wealthiest, most exclusive country clubs in the country. Old guard wasps. The parking lot was filled with Camrys and Accords.

This show is a public dunning of the trashy parents and spoiled child, and they are often too clueless to realize it.

However, I think there is a peculiar streak in this show. On cribs, similar vulgar spending is seen, and the music stars are always lionized for it. Yes, the stars earn the money, but they also spend it stupidly. Yet, there's no doubt we are to admire their shopping for video games, tvs and Hummers.

Snarf Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 06:31 AM EST

Bridezilla's were once just like the junior harpies featured on My Super Sweet 16. I've seen the future people and it is bleak.

Floridaboy8703 Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 01:16 AM EST

I dont think anything is wrong with this show. I mean if you have the means why not spend it. You only live once. So why not live it up. These kids parents worked hard to provide them with anything they want. And why not waste it on a decadent party. I mean dont blame the kids when there are grown adults doing the same thing. In and Out of thier means.

Has anyone seen Bridezillas? Those are grown adult women behaving just like these children. Only without the means most of the time.

David Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 12:00 AM EST

The entire show is vile, and is a prime example of everything wrong in society. Those spoiled brats are not only permitted to act in a disgusting manner, but are in fact rewarded. Creating another "Paris Hilton" type generation. The thought of it is cringe worthy.

BrandonK Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 10:08 PM EST

Sigh. I don't even know what to say about some of these things anymore. I do think we must be getting close to the end of this "Things That Make Me Die Inside" series, cuz how much can you die inside before you're dead?!

Houstonian Jen in Baltimore Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 09:51 PM EST

Oh, one more idea!

Episode 5: They have to deal with my mother. Trust me, y'all, my mama is no joke. By the time she gets through knocking some sense into their heads, the kids will be begging to leave the show to take a vow of poverty at the convent.

ceej Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 09:48 PM EST

This show and "Bridezillas" are the main reason guys don't want to committ.

Houstonian Jen in Baltimore Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 09:45 PM EST

I watch this show a bit too often, it's like slowing down on the highway to see an accident. Yeah, it's bad, but I do it. I think I'm secretly waiting for the episode where the hypnotized parents regain consciousness and give their kid a mighty strong backhand to the face. A woman can dream, right?

They should do a variation of "Flavor of Love: Charm School" for these kids. Some possible challenges:

*Episode 1: The kids learn that in reality, they are really broke. The money they waste belongs to their parents.

*In episode 2, they have to support themselves with a low-paying job.

*Episode 3: The kids are sent the 'wrong side of the tracks' to see how quickly their stank attitudes will get them punched in the face.

*Episode 4, the kids are forced to do something for someone else. It promises to be the most controversial episode of the season.

Call me, MTV!

covertanjou Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 09:26 PM EST

As the mother of two teenagers, I feel disgusted when I see these spoiled brats on the show. The parents are the most spineless people I have ever seen. They seem incapable of saying "NO." If my daughters behaved that way, not only would I NOT film their whining behaviour for the world to see, but they wouldn't be able to go out except for school and work. I shudder to think what kind of adults these spoiled brats will become. Paris, Lindsey and Britney come to mind.

Kimmie G Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 08:57 PM EST

I hate this show. My husband likes to watch it for the train-wreck factor, but I find these kids and their warped sense of entitlement nauseating. I really become physically disgusted by how they throw around their parents' money like it's their own, treat others around them like garbage, and act as if they're the role models of their schools. I think the parents of these kids need lessons in manners, boundaries and discipline as much as the children (and I do mean children). I hate this show. It's bad television in every way, shape and form.

furry_tom Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 08:20 PM EST

I guess it wasn't clear enough that I'm not actually advocating the use of the word hoe-down as an acceptable replacement for Bacchanal. Hoe-down should only be used in place of the word ball, as in "debutante hoe-down".

emily Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 08:16 PM EST

I think the problem with the brats on this show has to do with there parents. These parents never say no to whatever the brat wants. If they were more strict and raised better then the would not be such spoiled brats.

Denise Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 07:19 PM EST

B Ro, you need to be the head of programming at MTV. Seriously. THAT'S a reality show I'd watch.

ma Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 06:26 PM EST

My 16 year old daughter used to watch. I caught some of it while doing housework. I have since locked out MTV.
Spoiled brats. Absolute crap.

mikey Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 06:14 PM EST

Matt below mentioned the "South Park" take on "My Super Sweet Sixteen" but left out an important bit. The guest of honor was Satan his own self. After throwing the fit about the Acura cake, he had an epiphany where he realized that even though he may the Prince of Darkness and Master of all things Evil, he wasn't so bad that he was willing to act like the brats on "My Super Sweet Sixteen."

Lisa Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 06:11 PM EST

Unfortunately we now live in a society where shallow, constantly diverted, materialistic fools run rampant.

Just as Arcade Fire asks...

"MTV, what have you done to me?"

-from "The Well and the Lighthouse"

V.M.L. Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 05:30 PM EST

Brian Graden's quote is one of the reasons why I hate MTV now.

B Ro Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 05:29 PM EST

See, MTV needs to combine this show with a version of Punk'd. In it, the spoiled brats would think they are getting a big obnoxious birthday party but instead, they'd suddenly find themselves in Darfur, where actual problems exist. There's a show I'd watch.

jim Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 05:14 PM EST

I watched one episode very early on. When one birthday girl threw a spoiled fit and didn't turn purple and get rolled off by the Oompa-Loompas, I never watched again.

djm Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 04:50 PM EST

I have seen a few episodes of this beyond heinous show and all I felt was that I can't wait for the parents of these beasts see themselves on tv and (hopefully) realize how completely lame they appear to be to anyone with half a brain. Slezak, I don't think you'll go to Hell for going to the site but something tells me the parents of these brats surly are for creating these horrid creatures and then setting them free in the world.

Martha Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 04:48 PM EST

Have to agree with Ep and Sarah on this one...I wouldn't have complained had my parents given me a rockin' car and hired Duran Duran for my 16th (because, you see, it was in 1987 and all). On the other hand, I wouldn't have (and didn't) complain when all my parents did was throw me a pizza party. Which shows my utter moral superiority to these girls, pixie dust or no pixie dust.

Honeybee Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 04:13 PM EST

I think My Super Sweet Sixteen is one of the nastiest, meanest shows on television. Yes, there is a section of the audience that lionizes and admires the grotesque spending and spoiled behavior.

However, I think the majority of the audience is meant to ridicule, snark at and hate on the participants. It's a big, giant Scarlett-lettering for vulgar new-monied brats and their clueless trashy parents. The event planners are nothing more than PT Barnums taking rich suckers for all they can get. Wedding planners have been doing this for years, convincing people to pay for bogus, invented traditions.

And no, I won't be clicking on that link either.

t3hdow Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 04:10 PM EST

I grew up in an upper middle class family and even I hate those spoiled b!tches with a passion. Go all politically correct on me if you want, but they don't even deserve a shred of respect.

I didn't know they had a website until now. I've seen ugly things on the internet but I'll probably be convulsing on the floor in horror once I view the site for a few seconds. I need my super sweet sanity, reading news like this.

Amber Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 03:58 PM EST

This bit of information definitely makes ME die inside as well.

Bill Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 03:55 PM EST

Bacchanalia is not such a fancy word, and it was the best word to describe what Slezak was describing there. Phillistines.

LP Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 03:53 PM EST

Um, yeah, thats three words.

LP Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 03:52 PM EST

I have four words for you – Real World Las Vegas. Its just been downhill from there. My Super Sweet 16 is the culmination of MTV’s trend of promoting vanity and stupidity. If they are now trying to make these brats seem “cool” I am scared to death. I thought it could only last one season because there would only be a handful of these conniving little brats – I am very sad that I was wrong. I turned of E! when I found out they were giving Lindsay Lohan’s mom a TV show about parenting 2 of her kids while the eldest was in REHAB. MTV now has to go too.

furry_tom Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 03:36 PM EST

It's cool. I don't mind people giving their pet peeves as long as they don't mind when I get all sarcastic about it.

tnygrl Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 03:26 PM EST

P.S. To everyone peeved by the use of "bacchanal" or claims it's showing off a fancy eduction...are you kidding me?? You may as well be telling Mr. Slezak to lay off using words like grotesque, dulcet, genteel, abject and exorbitant - everything that makes him seem like a voice of reason amongst the 16 year olds whose grasp of English is limited to "like, y'all" and "give me it now." Since when does pop culture blogging mean dumbing down language or staying away from such devices as alliteration or metaphors? I'm offended and appalled that anyone would believe "big words" can't be used casually.

Nano Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 03:25 PM EST

I know, furry_tom, I know. It's a personal pet peeve. Suppose I should have kept it to myself.

Ep Sato Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 03:25 PM EST

Cisco, the M stands for "Empty". Empty-V is now one of the most brainless channels on earth. Remember when it was the hotbed for controversial cartoons like Beavis&Butthead and Ren&Stimpy? Even then it was focused less on music videos but at least the shows were kind of smart. Even the Real World's become some sort of sad sack parody of its first two seasons.

As for Super Sweet 16, the Hills, and other shows about shallow idiots, we just get to watch and laugh. Mtv may edit the shows to glamourize the spoiled factor, but the producers hate these kids as much as we do. They just see a way to make money off of them...

For all my hating, got to agree with the poster who said they'd totally have one of those parties if they got it offered. A free Mercedes Benz and an A list band plays the gig? That's much better than my 16th was, by a longshot.

daisyj Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 03:23 PM EST

That's not pixie dust, it's tiny little doorways into the gates of Hell! Don't look too closely, or they'll swallow your soul.

Because, rotten nuts or bad eggs, either way these kids ain't all right.

tnygrl Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 03:17 PM EST

There's a part of me that likes to hold onto the irrational belief that this is actually a scripted show. That teenagers like this can't and shouldn't exist. Because eventually these materialistic, selfish fiends are going to be parents someday too (as long as Hollywood keeps up the popular "trend" of having and adopting babies). And I shudder to think of that world...

furry_tom Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 03:15 PM EST

I don't know, I'm beginning to think these girls are something special. I mean, look at the pixie dust swirling around that girl's head.
And Slezak, why would you use Bacchanal when hoe-down or shindig would be perfectly appropriate? To incorporate alliteration and show off your fancy education? For shame.

Tim Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 03:05 PM EST

This show makes me violently ill. The kids and their parents should be taken out back and beated to an inch of their lives. The kids are brats to the extreme, and the parents are just as dumb and guilty for catering to their kids' whims.

Trogdor Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 03:03 PM EST

I think I could go on some sort of Angel of Death type killing spree against these kids. And then once I'm in court, all I'd have to do is play the tapes of My Super Sweet 16 and no jury in the world would convict me.

Cisco22 Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 02:40 PM EST

Thanks MTV once again for giving me yet another reason for not watching your channel.

What's the "M" stand for again???

Nano Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 02:36 PM EST

Couple things: (1) I didn't know anyone besides Anderson Cooper watched this show; (2) MTV must be working some new marketing strategy, because they are requesting viewer input on casting the Real World, also; and (3) personal pet peeve - I HATE the word bacchanalia and all its derivatives -- it smacks of "I need a big word here, hmmm, wait, I used bacchanalia to great effect senior year...." Again, personal pet peeve, but Slezak, you're better than that.

furry_tom Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 02:30 PM EST

I actually prefer it when they fall down the garbage chute after singing about a bean feast, but that's just me.

Matt Clark Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 02:27 PM EST

South Park nailed this show last year when the birthday boy got wanted a Ferrari cake for his Super Sweet 16 and got an Acura cake instead and then threw a fit...it was great! This show does make me gag and these kids all deserved to be lined up with their money-waisting, no values teaching parents and slapped with rubber chickens in the face!

sarah Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 02:20 PM EST

I don't care what anyone says...if my parents offered to throw me a party worth a hundred grand, I'd accept it in a nano second, I'd rent out Disneyland for the day and life would be marvelous.

daisyj Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 02:08 PM EST

Ah, to see these entitled little pests get pushed down a garbage chute by magical squirrels. Now THAT's a show I would watch.

AP Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 02:07 PM EST

I absolutely love and hate this show...it's one of those things that you love and hate. I love it how they show lil spoiled rich kids rant and rave how they need this or that for their party while being a total brat. It really shows how those kids really dont deserve any of it because of their attitude. I snicker at the fact that one episode the father gave her daughter a mercedes covertable, when she doesnt have a drivers license, and a rolex watch. Makes sense right? That's also why I hate this show...cuz it's so out of reality.

Jen Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 02:06 PM EST

Ugh. Thanks a lot, now I'm feeling vaguely nauseated from clicking on that site. My Super Sweet Sixteen is just sick, and it makes me sick!!!

Adrienne Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 01:45 PM EST

Grandpa Slezak, I completely agree with you. I went to that site and was so horrified that I was scared I was going to hell just for looking at it. Why does MTV feel it's a good idea to idolize these spoiled kids? How is that setting a good example for other girls???

Green Gummi Bear Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 01:44 PM EST

Seriously, I hate to sound like a grandpa as well, but when the time traveling forefathers pop-up and wonder what the hell happened to our country, or the modern world in general, to cause it to fall so far, I will point to shows like this. My God, what it's doing to today's teens is just sick, even if they say they watch it sardonicly, it still shows them that it's ok to whine till you get what you want, to be a spoiled brat, to aspire to be...you know...Paris. That's just sick. Whatever happened to more socially contributing fare like Rock the Vote or other things that focus on real issues. Ugh...

furry_Veruca Salt Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 01:43 PM EST

Daddy, I want to be on a crappy MTV reality show. I want to be on a crappy MTV realtiy show noooowwwww!

Jean Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 01:39 PM EST

Back when this show first premiered, it was edited in a very mocking way towards these kids and their families. It seems now they are being idolized in the editing. Ack!

Anna Mon, Jun 18, 2007 at 01:35 PM EST

I'm addicted to this show. I watch it way too much. But not because I find it 'aspirational' in any sense. I love it because I think how spoiled the kids are and how extravagant the parties are is so entertaining.