January 29, 2001

5:21 PM

a 13-year-old gets third-degree burns after watching mtv's 'jackass'. Who are these kids? Do you think mtv is responsible for their direct actions?; or are these just silly kids doing dumb stuff?
posted by tiaka (36 comments total)

(/me stifles murderous impulse)

No comment.

*cough*
posted by aramaic at 5:30 PM on January 29, 2001

from the mtv site:

"Jackass features stunts performed by professionals and/or total idiots. In either case, MTV insists that neither you or any of your dumb little buddies attempt the dangerous crap in this show."

this is why the internet is a good thing. and literacy.
posted by will at 5:38 PM on January 29, 2001

Not to mention that they repeat the disclaimer several times during the actual show. Particularly dangerous stunts are marked with a skull-and-crossbones in the corner of the screen.
Obviously it's time for flashing DON'T DO THIS subliminal messages during any kind of action sequence in TV or film.
posted by darukaru at 6:01 PM on January 29, 2001

yes, but perhaps it is better that some people ignore the warnings. survival of the fittest, perhaps?
posted by elf_baby at 6:15 PM on January 29, 2001

Now that I think of it, all fire-related stunts on Jackass show the guy putting on several layers of protective clothing (no part of his body is exposed), extinguishers are nearby, and (in the meat-suit stunt) the 'grill' fire is far from raging. Hell, it's about as safe as you can get, playing with fire--a far, far cry from dumping gasoline on yourself and striking a match.
posted by darukaru at 6:15 PM on January 29, 2001

Definitely the kid's problem. MTV puts more than enough warnings on Jackass, not to mention that lighting yourself on fire is stupid.

If the kid had died, he'd be a great Darwin Awards candidate.
posted by CrayDrygu at 6:20 PM on January 29, 2001

But what was the cause of this child's stupidity?

Could it perhaps have something to do with the vapid and unintelligent fare offered up by MTV?


posted by aladfar at 6:24 PM on January 29, 2001

It's called Jackass for a reason.

Disclaimer: I love that show.
posted by honkzilla at 6:25 PM on January 29, 2001

The show is true genius, and not to mention on the 'burning' episode, they hired professionals to help them with the stunt, they talked for about 5 minutes before hand on how it's done, what he's going to wear, and what to do if he feels a 'hot spot'.

That kid has problems
posted by Mark at 7:11 PM on January 29, 2001

Jackass rules!

That kid is a dumbass.
posted by amanda at 7:16 PM on January 29, 2001

Could it perhaps have something to do with the vapid and unintelligent fare offered up by MTV?

Nope. The kid's a moron; and his parents, *BY DEFINITION* are responsible. Could we not forget this? Even if the parents have forgotten, the *law* has not.

If this kid's parents sue Viacom and win, I'll personally drive down to Pax River, personally check out an A-6, and napalm their... oh wait. Sorry. Clancy flashback. :-)
posted by baylink at 7:55 PM on January 29, 2001

Well I wouldn't attack the parents right now, they are trying to handle a pretty horrible incident. This is different from something like breaking your arm while trying to do a wrestling move or any other stunt from Jackass, like the grocery cart segment. This is a permaneant and horrendous injury that has happened. But what gets me is how insane it is. This wasn't like something like juggling sticks on fire or something that is just related to fire. This was lighting yourself on fire, with absolutely no protection on. (Clothing is ZERO protection, your better off doing it naked.) This was done after watching a person spend ten minutes putting on a fire protection suit and walking with an entourage of about six men with all sorts of extinguishers and medical gear to a rather tame fire pit.
And if this wasn't enough to drive me nuts here comes Lieberman. Oh hi Mr. Lieberman what do you have to say about this? "It is irresponsible for MTV to air these kinds of stunts on a program clearly popular with young teens, to air it at a time when many of them are likely to be watching, and to do so without adequate warnings"
Has he watched the segment at all? The show is plastered with warnings and Johnny Knoxville even says "don't do this at home!" as he's on the grill. Ugh.
posted by thirdball at 8:41 PM on January 29, 2001

Don't forget: Beavis & Butthead was also blamed for an instance of self-immolation. It seems to be an MTV tradition.
posted by lileks at 9:22 PM on January 29, 2001

your better off doing it naked

This is true of many things.
posted by gleemax at 10:19 PM on January 29, 2001

FATHER RIPPER: I blame not Heather, but rather a society that tells its youth that the answers can be found in the MTV video games.
posted by Optamystic at 10:51 PM on January 29, 2001

Do you think mtv is responsible for their direct actions?; or are these just silly kids doing dumb stuff?

Yes, and yes. Monkey see, monkey do. Kids imitate. Their ability to decide what's a good idea and what's not has not formed. If kids are exposed to anything expect them to try to copy it. Expect some to get close. If it's dangerous, expect them to get hurt. It's a deadly race between the parents teaching their kids to detect and avoid potentially dangerous actions and the kids being exposed to such behaviour. The older the kids, the more the fault is of the parents. The younger the kids, the more the fault it is of MTV, or pop-culture in general. This "Jackass" program sounds almost criminally irresponsible -- although I bet it's a good laugh if you don't have (or care about) children.
posted by krisjohn at 11:51 PM on January 29, 2001

This "Jackass" program sounds almost criminally irresponsible -- although I bet it's a good laugh if you don't have (or care about) children.

I DON'T care about your kids. Not when "caring" about them means that I am not allowed to watch a show that I happen to find entertaining. If you cannot handle the formidable job of policing your own little tykes, then give them up so that they can be adopted by someone who can.

I don't want to sound heartless. As I have said before, I feel that parenthood is a huge responsibility, but it's not MY responsibility. And if you can't keep little junior from working on his Buddhist Monk impression, then I am truly sorry for you and for him. But point your finger where it belongs, in the mirror.
posted by Optamystic at 12:50 AM on January 30, 2001

The older the kids, the more the fault is of the parents. The younger the kids, the more the fault it is of MTV, or pop-culture in general.

I dunno. By 13, a kid should know better than to imitate everything he sees on television. Much younger than that, he shouldn't be watching programs like Jackass. So it's the parents' fault either way...
posted by dagnyscott at 6:30 AM on January 30, 2001

I've got an 8 year old boy, and I'll be damned if I'm ever going to blame a TV show for something he did. The fact is it's not that hard to keep your children from watching stuff they shouldn't, if you are a competent parent. Maybe I'll be proved wrong as he gets older (I hope not), but so far I know what he watches, I'm aware of what he's not allowed to watch (wrestling, "gun" shows and, yes, Jackass), and it's not a problem between us, since we have a healthy, respectful relationship. He trusts my judgement, and I afford him respect--within reason.

I'm not tooting my horn here. In fact, that's the point. I'm not some superparent, I just have a clue. It's scary how many parents don't.
posted by jpoulos at 6:51 AM on January 30, 2001

Here's a little story for you all.

I was watching MTV... the "Rockumentary" of Motley Crue, to be specific. In it, one of the Crue (I can't tell them apart, can you?) talks about how they used to put rubbing alcohol on their leather pants to do primitive pyro effects, because alcohol "burns cool."

Minutes later, I'm standing in the bathroom with the rubbing alcohol cupped in the palm of my hand.

The thing that hurt the most was when I hit my hand against the wall while I was flailing wildly.

Did I mention I was 18 when this happened? I can't even blame my parents.
posted by Jart at 6:59 AM on January 30, 2001

heh heh, I did the same thing after seeing that Crue rockumentary. It also works to spray antiperspirant in stripes down the legs of your jeans and light that on fire. It looks badass too, especially if you flash the "secret devil sign" for emphasis.
posted by ritualdevice at 9:38 AM on January 30, 2001

I, particularly, am sick of children acting this...this...idiotic...I've said it before in many conversations, and speaking as a member of the "youth" myself, there just making us all look dumb. Sure, I might be acting a bit elitist. The truth is, however, that each time another stupid stunt like this is pulled, kids like me lose another job opportunity. Maybe SOME kids need to have more parental support. When you're thirteen though, you should be smart enough to not light yourself on fire.
posted by starduck at 9:40 AM on January 30, 2001

Well I wouldn't attack the parents right now, they are trying to handle a pretty horrible incident.

The most horrible thing would be realizing that you raise a complete moron.
posted by dithered at 9:41 AM on January 30, 2001

Uh,

yeah, what you guys said.

Plus, I mean, what about that kid who beat the 5 year old girl to death and blamed it on wrestling on TV? And I already was beaten to the punch about Beavis and Butthead.

It's all a replay of the Iron Madien made my some commit suicide from the 80's.
posted by rich at 9:45 AM on January 30, 2001

Darwinism to EMT: "Curses! Foiled again!"
posted by Tubes at 11:17 AM on January 30, 2001

Once again what is going on out there? Where's the parents?
posted by passionblack at 12:20 PM on January 30, 2001

I bet this guy really digs jackass.
posted by Hankins at 12:47 PM on January 30, 2001

Quite honestly, this is turning into another one of those "blame the media"-fests.... not here, I mean, but with Lieberman and others who want anything that might possibly be entertaining to those of us mature enough to handle it banned. I mean, really. I don't know when 'Jackass' is usually on, but the time I watch it is around 11pm or later. It's not a time that networks put on shows catering to younger kids. I think it's time people starting taking some personal responsibility about what they do (or what their kids do.)
posted by elf_baby at 1:12 PM on January 30, 2001

I don't think you can blame the parents on this one (unless they were watching from the porch or something). They can't possibly watch their kids all the time. The best they can do is try and teach them right from wrong, but ultimately the child is responsible for their own actions...especially at 13. If a 5 yo did this then yeah, maybe the parent should have been there.

In my day, Jackass was called That's Incredible. In fact it seemed that 70's TV was filled with stunt spectaculars what with Evil Knieval and all. I'm sure some of us even tried to jump our bikes really far and had to go to the emergency room, but I don't remember a public outcry. What are we supposed to do? Curtail all dangerous activities lest they be observed by some dumbass? What about circuses, and auto racing and airshows? What about Lieberman's own Judaism? What if some kid attended a bris and then went out and tried performing one! The horror!
posted by ritualdevice at 4:03 PM on January 30, 2001

Just don't watch South Park, bigger, longer and uncut. Kenny did the same, kids play with fire so it seems.
The only way to truly prevent kids from blowing themselves up is to take the fire away from the kids... but the question is *how*.
posted by Frieza at 7:30 AM on February 3, 2001

Does it seem like it's more American kids than anyone else? How come German kids aren't blowing their heads off accidentally? How come young Canadians seem to make it to the age of maturity without 3rd degree burns?

Someone tell me why American children are not only believed to be the stupidest kids on earth but actually seem to be living up to that promise?
posted by amanda at 10:46 AM on February 3, 2001

People keep saying "there were warnings" and they talked about safety for 10 minutes beforehand... but who says this little kid tuned in at that time? He may have seen none of the warnings.
posted by muppetboy at 6:39 PM on February 9, 2001

Kid's a dumbass. and yeah, the guys that do the stunts are either trained professionals or just idiots and I'm opting for the idiot part.
Anyway, those guys are safe about what they do. Especially dealing with fire. That girl was a total idiot for trying shit like that. Oh yeah, and let the idiots of the world take her course of action.....can of gasoline and strike a match!.
posted by Bren at 8:14 PM on February 12, 2001

The only way to truly prevent kids from blowing themselves up is to take the fire away from the kids... but the question is *how*.

This is the same mistake the anti-gun nuts make.

No, the only way to *truly* prevent kids from blowing themselves up is to *show them what fire does: take them to the aftermath of a housefire, if one happens to present itself.

Light a campfire somewhere safe, and have them draw a picture of it... and then burn the picture.

You don't want kids playing with guns? Make sure they have proper respect for guns -- once they outgrow merely being scared by them.

You have to *TEACH* kids this stuff; they won't get it out of the air. How do you learn? By losing. Big or small, it *doesn't* stick unless it hurts. It just doesn't. Really.
posted by baylink at 2:28 PM on February 13, 2001

More reading about Jackass ---
Taco Bell worker injured when boy tries "Jackass" stunt.
Critic: MTV knew viewers would try "Jackass" stunts.
posted by crunchland at 6:41 AM on February 15, 2001