To think that RPDR and other drag-themed shows aren't good fare for younger children?

[WombOfOnesOwn]

Lately, I've noticed a trend among a certain set of progressive parents to start their children watching RuPaul's Drag Race at an extremely early age.

What I've also noticed is that the children raised with this turn out very appearance-conscious from an early age and are extremely judgmental about the looks of other people. They seem to believe that girls ought to strive to be beautiful and "fierce" and driven by clothing, looks, and over-dramatic movements. They can be downright cruel when talking behind the backs of classmates and friends, but their mothers (who watch the show alongside their kids) dismiss it by saying their kids are "throwing shade" and other similar euphemisms.

I feel like before they had kids, these are people who would have been horrified by the idea of their child trying to enforce beauty standards on other primary school children. But somehow the drag component makes them think it's adorable or progressive.

Do you know anyone who's raising kids who have favorite drag queens, or am I just "lucky" enough to know several different mothers who are very, very far from the norm?

I love RP and Drag Race but find it inappropriate and a bit cringey to see young children watching it (admittedly only online, I've never seen it in real life).
Having an age appropriate awareness of drag and a favourite queen isn't a problem for me either, just not watching uncensored episodes of DR.

Young children (and even some teenagers) aren't emotionally developed enough to understand the complexity of drag culture.

I doubt it has anything to do with drag or drag queens

In my experience the exposure to tv/media and the rise of social media influences children's perceptions and attitudes/values.
Combine that with the normalisation of cosmetic surgery - lip plumping, botox etc, along with the normalisation of face contouring/eyebrow shaping, fake lashes etc.....that is where kids get 'conditioned'.

I think the parody side of drag goes over the heads of most adults let alone kids

I don't think drag is the issue, is it?

There are tonnes of those vapid, appearance-obsessed programmes available if that's what interests you. Most of them are nothing to do with cross dressing.

None of them are what I'd consider suitable for DC.

These are parents who'd be angry with anyone showing their DC another appearance-based show. Their kids aren't allowed to watch other "reality TV" and such. They seem to think RPDR is somehow different due to the gender-bending, but don't seem to notice that the result is the same as the kids who are watching Kardashians or whatever else.

I think RPDR has some really positive messages about acceptance etc which are great for appropriate age group.

Introduce them to Dame Edna and Mrs Merton

My kids love drag race. They've managed not to do anything that you've talked about in your post, op. They couldn't give a shit what anyone looks like because I didn't raise them to be arseholes!

I'd say some of the content (e.g. Jokes, sex talk, tucking, HIV discussions and some of the 'reads') are inappropriate for kids. However I actually thinks it has quite a positive message. The show isn't about makeup to look pretty, it's about putting on a costume, acting a part, being creative, thinking outside the box, how you can transform one thing into another. The contestants are often all shapes, sizes and races. It's quite nice to see such a diverse show.

How's your head?

Danny la rue/roux?

My DD 15 introduced me to RPDR after her dad introduced her. I've not noticed a difference in her behaviour probably because she is a pretty typical make up obsessed teenager.

I see nothing wrong with the show and happily watch it with her. I believe the show promotes positivity and inclusion which are not bad things.

I've not had any complaints Say
I absolutely bloody love RPDR and have done since season 2. As pp note above it has plenty of positive messages (if you can't love yourself how in the hell you gonna love somebody else for example) and I am very keen to ensure my children grow up to be tolerant and accepting of all regardless of orientation etc. But the content can be very close to the bone. I've been to see a few queens live and it's not something I would take my kids to. Not because of who they are but because all the "sex chat" is a bit "mature audience"

RPDR is good fun and I love the brilliant makeup and there are some excellent comics like Bob the Drag Queen and Bianca del Rio BUT it is in no way suitable for kids. The jokes can be very crude and often have a sexual bent - which to be fair young children would't necessarily understand but we know how kids love to repeat things or ask what ??? means. I think you can teach acceptance of people without exposing them to that particular show.

For older teens - it's fine, young kids - no. I wouldn't be showing a whole show to my kids (although I did show them the makeup of one of the contestants (Kimchi) because it was awesome and we look at special effects makeup.

I've never come across this but I don't think little children should be watching RPDR. It's just such an adult show, full of swearing and sexual comments. I mean, I absolutely love it but no way is it appropriate for kids. Maybe 12-13 plus.

I'd be more upset with my daughter watching the Kardashians. At least drag performers are true to their authentic selves, not vapid a-holes.

I love it. It inspires me and I watch it everyday. Note my username My ds is too young for it at 2.5 but that's purely because of the swearing and sexual connotations in it! It sends an amazing message about acceptance and loving yourself. It inspires me to be myself and to put the real me out there. If others don't like it they can dick off!
It's not saying we have to conform to a specific idea of beauty, but that we are all beautiful in different and our own unique ways. The show sets challanges that aren't all to do with beauty as well and values the talent of the queens above everything else. Obviously looks come into it because it is a drag queen show. But it doesn't have a specific type of look, just look at the previous winners.
I just think the contestants have put themselves out there despite the negativity it may bring so they can do what they love and show it to the world.

I Haven't seen this show. But we have things like Drag Queen Storytime for children in Bristol which is great.

I don't think the comment about having favourite drag queens outside the context of the show is fair. I like the way that barriers are broken down by some of them making the children growing up who are questioning things like their sexuality and gender feel able to do so without feeling totally alienated.

Drag Queen story time? That sounds amazing!

Never watched it but I did go to Madame JoJos many years ago with DM

It was a fantastic evening and they looked spectacular (More than a little envious at nice pairs of legs)

Drag isn't the issue here. Would you rather they watch Geordie Shore?

RPDR in particular has a strong family message. The queens invariably struggled with their identities and Mama Ru makes sure they know that they are all family.

I wouldn't let DD watch anything with strong language yet but when she's a little older she'll be watching drag race. She can be as sickening as she wants.

sayyouwill haven't had any complaints.

Drag acts, for centuries, have had history of being family entertainment in the UK. Danny La Rue, Dame Edna, Lily Savage, Alastair Sim playing the headmistress of St Trinian's, a million and one pantomime dames ... most kids are pretty familiar with men dressing up as women and, unless they are really tiny, can easily see the comedy/parody element in what drag queens do, and just enjoy the spectacle.

If kids are having issues with body image and beauty standards, they're really not getting that from drag queens. They're getting it from celebrity culture, magazines, advertising, TV, reality shows, fashion, Instagram and a billion and one other places.