Discussion: Child Abuse? Exploitation? Double Standards? What’s Your Take?

Okay class, here is your essay question for today.

This clip has been the topic of heated and sometimes nasty and nonsensical debate. This segment of the TV5 variety/game show Willing Willie features contestants talking a little bit about their lives and then doing a little performance of whatever talent they want to showcase. It can be anything. This particular episode featured children as contestants (as these shows often do). Take a look…


(This is the fullest clip that includes all the boy’s appearances on the show.)

This “moment” has been distinguished as a form of “child abuse” and “exploitation.”

Now take these clips. The first is from the ABS-CBN gag/comedy show Goin’ Bulilit which features an exclusively all children cast (+Dagul) acting out adult situations.

And these particular moments from ABS-CBN talent show Showtime

So, your essay question for today; What is the difference between these clips? Can one of these examples be called “child abuse” or “exploitation” and others not? Or are all of these examples or not examples of “child abuse?”
What exactly constitutes “child abuse” or child “exploitation” for you? What do you think is acceptable boundary for what children can or can not do on television?

Share your thoughts. And it might be a futile request, but keep it clean and sensible.

Share your thoughts!

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