Observing teens in the wild

TV REVIEW

There is no doubt in my mind that there are a number of very troubled teenagers in our country right now.
The pressures that are placed upon them by family, school, themselves and their peers are truly enormous and one has to wonder if as many as we think are coping, are indeed doing that. However, what surprises me, and I am fully aware that I am probably looking back with rose-tinted glasses, is the anger that many young people feel today. I remember all too well the battle I had with my emotions as I was growing up but I never remember myself or my friends being quite as angry as some teenagers that I have met in recent times. Nor do I remember referring to my friends in the derogatory way that many teenagers do these days. I realise these comments may seem old-fashioned or granny-ish (with absolutely no ill-will towards grannies) but to be quite truthful, I don’t care. I think that our young people, and especially teenagers, are in serious need of anger management or at the very least, someone to talk things through with.
This is a sentiment that is echoed in David Coleman’s newest series Teens in the Wild. Coleman is a clinical psychologist and has brought a number of interesting programmes to our attention. As he is from Clare, we Banner men and women may have more of an interest than most but the fact remains that the issues being raised by this programme have relevance for all, whether parents, teachers or just ordinary citizens. I, for one, would like the younger generation to be happy and content and be without this aggression that I see all too frequently. I am not saying all teenagers are aggressive, nor am I saying that all teenagers are not able to express themselves in a healthy manner, I am merely suggesting that we look at teenagers and ask ourselves how are they actually getting on, rather than dismissing their behaviour as childish, immature or typical.
Now, you may ask, what has this got to do with a television column. Well it has everything to do with it. I am between two minds as to the validity of Teens in the Wild, which can be watched on RTÉ One on Monday at 9.35pm.
On the one hand, I feel that the well-being of our teenagers is of national importance. This is the up-and-coming generation; a generation that will face some very harsh times in a world that is completely different to that which the teenagers of the last recession emerged. However, I am not sure that we should be broadcasting their struggles on national television. Yes, they are receiving the help and guidance they need but are we setting them up for ridicule when they return from the wild? And what about after the series, is there a support structure in place to look after these young people once they leave the wilds and return to the environments that triggered their unhappiness in the first place?
These are true concerns that in many ways outweigh the interest and enjoyment that, as a viewer, I gain from watching the show. There is also a certain element of ‘at least my teenagers are not that bad’ and maybe that is cathartic for some people watching it but I really have to wonder if this show is not bordering on exploitation. Are those taking part fully aware of what participating in this show means and how did they get picked to take part?
As a reality series, it is very well done. Coleman, as always, is a serene leader amidst the chaos and the urban/rural divide amongst the girls is, from a sociological standpoint, very interesting indeed. Some may argue that the participation of these young people will heighten awareness of teen issues and may help some other young people struggling with the same emotions and baggage. However, it is more likely that the teens that could most benefit from it are not going to be watching this kind of show.
It is a well-made programme but definitely leaves me with more questions than answers about what is best for our generation of tiger-cubs.
Featuring another Clare connection, Dragon’s Den has returned to our screens. To use a well-worn phrase, in this current economic climate this programme has never seemed more relevant. The format, which is tried and tested, is, as always, very entertaining. The dragons are not scary but rather pragmatic business people. I love their no-nonsense attitude and the clarity with which they deliver their decisions. Last week’s episode featured a woman originally from Clare with a unique product. She was looking for investors in her organic burger company. Her delivery was flawless and it resulted in a bidding war among the dragons. It was great television and, I must say, a great product. I will be looking for them when I do my shopping this week. The rest of the show was a parade of almosts and nearlys. The other hopefuls failed to ignite the spending habit of the dragons but were nonetheless very entertaining.
It is a clean, straight-talking show that although lacks pace occasionally, delivers a quick and entertaining 30 minutes for anyone interested in the entrepreneurs of this island.
One to watch: Staying with entrepreneurs, Feargal Quinn’s Retail Therapy began on Tuesday night. In this show, Feargal Quinn, formerly of Superquinn and current senator sets about helping six independent retailers to break the recession and transform their businesses into more viable ventures. Calling on his expertise as a retailer for many years, Feargal undertakes his task with gusto and, again, a no-nonsense attitude. It should make for an interesting series. Watch it on Tuesday nights at 8.30pm on RTÉ One.