There were so many disturbing things about this program, but that one probably took the cake. That girl Cheyenne seemed upset after, but felt like she really had nothing to complain about- "I've had worse". How sad and sick.
The night is a very dark time for me.
I feel like their society is so caught up in marrying it's young women off (to have children), that they turn a blind eye to the sexual assault.
What's even worse is that I have a feeling that if a boy raped a girl, they would probably blame the girl. They'd say something about how she was walking alone and that she was probably "asking for it." Very sad.
I guess it must be- what is interesting is that they supposedly place so much emphasis on virginity and a good reputation, yet they turn a blind eye to this.
They probably would blame the girl, and that is sad.
The night is a very dark time for me.
I couldn't believe her friend just left her like that. Their traditions seem so bastardized, and out of place with the modern society that they've assimilated to, I wonder why they still hold on to them.
sharenmbv - I agree, the grab custom was a little unsettling. I have seen a lot of customs from other cultures (and have plenty of weird ones of my own) though and hope not to insult with questions but I am curious.
I get the whole grab/grope ya thing being an initiation at dating but the fact that he did not let her leave bothered me. Worse - when her friend left her behind!
Here you think you teach your kids the buddy system!
What I did (or did not understand} when the girls were talking - is it customary for the girls to pretend they are not interested so the grab turns a bit more aggressive? A type of chase and catch romance game of sorts? Playing coy for the boy?
I found it confusing. Same with allowing the girls to do the jerky belly dance moves and dress to flaunt yet - chaperoned dates and no sex 'til marriage? Are the girls on display from birth, to find a spouse or is it because their social setting is so rigid with the opposite sex their parents allow for a total let your hair down at home situation for the females?
I did like that the one young man said a little pull off to the side is better because after all, you are trying to get a kiss.
If the girls accept the grab and kiss - does this mean they are moving into a dating situation with the boy that initiates the grab?
Can they accept more than one grab?
Intriguing in the very least, worrisome at the very most.
The Groom , Swaney - do the parents of the bride plan the entire wedding? I was a little shocked he didn't know where the church was.
I really felt bad for the families when the gov't shut their park down - dozer and all.
Are the evictions a way for the UK to force the traveler into state assistance of some kind in hopes they will assimilate?
I have to admit, I was wondering that too- do they just pretend that they aren't interested? Is that a key part of it? It was kind of confirmed (for me at least) that it wasn't when Cheyenne seemed odd after it happened. She seemed like she was trying to be dismissive, but that it did bother her.
Her friend leaving bothered me too- we call that a "buddy [word that rhymes with trucker]".
I really have no idea about the grab, but would like more information as well. As it seems now, it is a socially accepted sexual assault.
Edit- I also find it confusing that they want these girls to remain chaste and virginal, yet they encourage sexually suggestive clothes and dancing. It seems very conflicting.
The night is a very dark time for me.
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Someone on TWoP suggested that this show is a mix of Toddlers and Tiaras, 17 Kids and Counting, Jersey Shore and Say Yes to the Dress. I think that is an accurate depiction.
The night is a very dark time for me.
@Gypsy_Violins
"Are the evictions a way for the UK to force the traveler into state assistance of some kind in hopes they will assimilate?"
Nope, it's just in the hope that they'll get off the land that they don't own. Sadly a number of "travellers"* seem to think that they have the right to set up their camp sites where ever they want - regardless of who owns the land. In my home town in the outer boroughs of London they parked in a sport field, used by the local football and rugby clubs, and destroyed it by the time that they left. They also set up a camp on a public green space at the corner of a road - now every council has to pay to put bollards around any open green space in London so that they can't get their caravans onto it.
There are lots of sites for travelers all around the UK, but it isn't always where they want to live. Unfortunately a combination of not enough legal sites combined with an arrogant assumption that they should be allowed to live where ever they want has caused this problem. Needless to say it also contributes to the general dislike and prejudice against travellers, which programmes like this only enflame.
I have a measure of sympathy for them, but I think that their community need to wake up and realise that times have changed and they can't live the way they used to. Just like everyone else has had to do...
* I use the term travellers ironically, as so many of the ones that cause problems seem to be very averse to actual travelling...
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"If the apocalypse comes, beep me."
I am very interested in the eviction issue, but the scope of the show obviously can't completely explain it. The episode that talked about Derry Farm indicated that the land was in fact owned by the Travellers so why the push to evict them? It went through court so was there a justifiable reason for the eviction or were they victims of racism like they claim?
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The evictions are on very good grounds - the camps are left unsanitary (as they admit they use the outside as a toilet) and pose a risk to the rest of the community.
shareI was shocked when this "ritual" was being talked about (and even more shocked when the guy was all over the girl, who was telling him to stop). It really made me wonder how many rapes are committed in this culture that goes unreported ...
It also annoyed me when they stated that a girl could not approach a boy ... WTH? Plus, they dressed like tramps. That was so odd being dressed like that, then stating they had to be chaperoned on dates until they were married. Wow!
While I'm griping about the disturbing things in the culture, I've got to add that seeing those little girls dressed like little prostitots and dancing in that sexually suggestive manner really bothered me. (That part reminded me of Toddlers & Tiaras, which I could go on forever griping about lol.)
It's so odd because as disturbed as I am about this culture, I'm fascinated by it, also ... It's like watching a train wreck ... you cannot help but watch! (I do have to admit some of the wedding gowns & bridesmaid dresses are beautiful lol.)
I'm an automatic steeple for depressed and lonely people ~ Blue October
I had a hard time telling the difference between the Toddlers & Tiaras ads and this show.. They are like tall skanky versions of the toddlers.
The night is a very dark time for me.
I had a hard time telling the difference between the Toddlers & Tiaras ads and this show.. They are like tall skanky versions of the toddlers.so true!
The "ritual" is disturbing to say the least. I know that in other countries/cultures it isn't uncommon for a man to try and grab a woman (nightlife/club scenario), or sneak a lil' kiss BUT... it IS uncommon for these societies to EXPECT the woman to take it with her head bowed. I've been in bars/clubs and have seen a girl get groped, and lemme tell ya, that a$$hole barely walked out in one piece.
That poor Cheyenne girl looked so vulnerable and frightened! And the "I've had worse" comment... seriously WTF????!!!
I think it's incredibly sad that they treat their women like second class citizens. What's even worse is that these women don't know of other choices or hell, maybe don't WANT other choices (which would be worse)....
I don't understand that weird paradox either of the women not being allowed to approach the men for a conversation... yet... you are allowed to entice men with that huge Texas pageant queen hair, overdone make-up, and Shakira video looking outfits??? You're allowed to want these men to "grab" you in a very aggressive manner??? But a simple "Hello Mister, you look nice today" is unacceptable???? Uh... NO. I don't understand how approaching a guy you're interested in by TALKING to them is less acceptable than looking bed-ready in front of a guy you're interested in...
Look, I can be a big sucker for tradition sometimes but not when it infringes on another person's basic human rights.
As far as the dresses... I'm a sucker for big gaudy sh!t (whether it's dresses, shoes, purses, jewelry) so I ate that up!!!!
And your "prostitot" comment!!!!!!! Seriously, I thought Chris Hansen was about to barge into my living room!
Happy Hour... Now there's a misnomer.
I don't understand that weird paradox either of the women not being allowed to approach the men for a conversation... yet... you are allowed to entice men with that huge Texas pageant queen hair, overdone make-up, and Shakira video looking outfits??? You're allowed to want these men to "grab" you in a very aggressive manner??? But a simple "Hello Mister, you look nice today" is unacceptable???? Uh... NO. I don't understand how approaching a guy you're interested in by TALKING to them is less acceptable than looking bed-ready in front of a guy you're interested in...
As far as the dresses... I'm a sucker for big gaudy sh!t (whether it's dresses, shoes, purses, jewelry) so I ate that up!!!!
The third episode I watched the Groom was Grabbing his bride when they were together outside and she said "stop you're hurting me", she was a very reluctant bride, cant remember her name but she had a job and was leaving her home (a real one) and parents to live in a caravan. I got the impression she was pressured to bet married or be "left on the shelf"
shareI noticed that, too, arealnagharpy (love your screen name btw). Towards the end she was being interviewed and stated that girls should not marry young. She also stated that girls should make sure they got all there "fun" out of their system before they married. I got a real "unhappy being married" vibe from her. She probably was pressured by everyone around her to marry while she was still young and could "find a man." Really sad.
I'm an automatic steeple for depressed and lonely people ~ Blue October
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I would be so uncomfortable as a cameraman to sit there and film an obviously uncomfortable girl in essence being assaulted.
Where do they draw the line? Where do they stop passively observing in hopes of good television to stepping in and helping the girl?