MTV has given the green light for a new reality show starring a bisexual woman dubbed "the Madonna of MySpace."
"A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila" is another dating competition series but with a controversial twist. The competitors vying for internet sensation Tila Tequila, a 25-year-old entertainer whose real last name is Nguyen, are 16 straight men and 16 lesbians. The 32 “suitors” will live in Tila's house and compete to impress her as the competition narrows each week.
The bisexual dating show is a first for a network that doesn't specifically target the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) crowd. It's slated to premiere Oct. 9.
"The show is a roller-coaster ride of drama, conflict and emotion, busting stereotypes and challenging the norm," said MTV executive Tony DiSanto, according to Reuters.
MTV is one of the most watched networks by teens and its staggering levels sexual imagery, foul language and violence already have parents and evangelicals concerned.
Warning that a whole generation of young people will be lost to MTV culture, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, commented earlier this year that "the majority of the youth are biblically illiterate but well-informed about the latest MTV programs," even in countries where the majority of the population is Christian.
But the addition of a bisexual reality series has raised more concern that it might create confusion in the area of sex and relationships.
"Men and women are made in the image of God, and our masculinity and femininity reflect something of his wonder and glory. So it's no wonder the enemy attacks this area and works to create confusion, brokenness and lust," said Jeff Johnston, gender issues analyst for Focus on the Family, according to Citizen Link, a publication of the pro-family organization.
"It's sad that MTV is cooperating so readily with our adversary. Especially since they just learned that what makes young men and women happy is time with their families and with God, not sexual brokenness and confusion," added Johnston, alluding to a recent survey by The Associated Press and MTV that revealed spending time with family makes America's young people happiest.
The upcoming TV series centers around a woman who is said to be the most popular girl in the history of MySpace with some 2 million “friends” and counting. Tila Tequila built her celebrity status "from the ground up on MySpace," fan by fan, as Time magazine reported. With racy photos and videos, Tila merchandise and singles, Tequila says her online persona as a singer-model-actress-blogger is her profession.
"Tila Tequila made a name for herself by doing things her way, captivating legions of fans online, both men and women," said MTV executive Tony DiSanto, according to AP. "Now she is taking that attitude and sex appeal to her own TV series where she is looking for a mate ... by again, captivating a group of both men and women."
"A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila" comes months after ABC casted Rebecca Romijn as a transwoman on its popular television show Ugly Betty. The transgender character, Alex "Alexis" Meade, is said to be the first on prime-time network television.
Dr. Robert Gagnon, associate professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, has raised concerns that the media, after trying to normalize the gay lifestyle, is now trying to do the same with the transgender existence.
Comments
YAWN! As reality shows go, I'd rather have this than "The Swan" or "Dr. 90210" showing people carving up their bodies to achieve traditional beauty. And it's definitely preferable to "The Bachelor" becuase it's not like here they're trying to makje you believe that this is really a love that will last forever. And don't even get me started on the mere title, "Wife Swap".
A lot of viewers didn't even believe she was really bisexual.
Why thank you! Most people laugh when I say I'm a Buddhist. Such is life when your white, middle class, and not in the Middle East. Most just think it's a joke. That's why I don't mind Christians. The Buddha tells everyone to respect other's religions. We are all human and share the same desires for love and happiness. Whether you trust in God or the Buddha's teachings makes no difference. It's the love and kindness you show toward people everyday.
God is not sexual. He/She transcends gender, there fore transcending sexuality. But Buddhism promotes peace. It is a good religion.
When I first heard of the idea I thought it was stupid. But being the open minded devout Buddhist I am I accepted her search for love. It may be misguided trying to find it on national television and making people compete for her love and affection but it's still what she wants to do. John said MTV promoting sodomy? They have made out on the show. Some touching but no sex or anything. Just what young people always do. Why do we still live in a world where people still judge and hate others based on their sexual orientation? How does their sexual orientation affect you? If it's against your religion then they will get there's someday. Until then LEAVE THEM ALONE! They want happiness just like you and it's not something that they decided upon. It's something they were born with. We have more and more evidence every day that suggests it's not just decision its a hormone imbalance. And if that's true then they are children of God as well which means God loves them.
God is kinda bisexual, he loves Men AND Women.
The media basically perverts Christianity, so you bloggers, militant against Christianity, are becoming as racist as the alleged "homophobes." Christianity encourages love, not hate. Most of you are hypocrites. You bash the church, but you are worse. You are sceptical, cynical, and lets not forget, bigoted. You are racist, so you take it out on a target that won't retaliate against hatred. You mock Christianity, but you treat your fellow humans with extreme prejudice. The Church is not a scapegoat for people like you who are racist but refuse to admit it. You do not care about gays. You just want to vent your bigotry in a socially acceptable way. You disgust me.
look, you are both very militant. I have been a Catholic my whole life. Everyone sins. It is the human way. But the article has a point. We shouldn't incourage one of the seven deadly sins, and don't knock the bible, and you can't take opinions from South Park, although it is a good show.
MistaJin, i couldn't disagree with you more. The ones causing disunity and disharmony are the homophobes, like yourself, who unfortunately seem to the outside world to be the face of modern day christianity. You compare people to sockets and outlets, but the fact of the matter is that we are more than that. The people who live the lifestyle that you so wantonly insult create between themselves quite a spark, otherwise they wouldn't live that way!! What you're doing is saying there's no more to a person than their plumbing. Don't you see that with your post you not only de-value the gays and lesbians, as is your intent, but also the very people you claim to represent? Is this how Christians view the world? No. Not the ones who follow the law that Jesus laid down: Love thy neighbor as thyself. Remember what he was asked in response to this. Who, then, are our neighbors? Surely not the Romans, right? Surely not homosexuals? Not even the ones who are in our families and live in our neighborhoods, and are right now having their teeth shoved down their throats because people listen to those like you?
Being 13 years old, I watch MTV all the time and so should everyone else. MTV is at least something interesting then
a bible. MTV is much more preferable to the youth today.
"I bet God might be a little bi-curious himself!" -Butters Stotch from the best show ever "South Park"
Nice name. If I was your mommy, I'd wash your mouth out with soap. And if your grown up, must have been some great parenting to produce a charm like you.
amym14535: What is a "hypocrit"? "To make it short and sweet" , learn how to spell.
Some people live in a town where it is socially "acceptable" to be gay/bi/lesbian, whatever you wanna call it. The town I live in it is more "acceptable " to be a pediphile or theif. Being gay or straight isnt about sex. As a Christian the way I was brought up to love a person before even considering sex. And from what any other Christian I have talked to says, they were brought up the same way. I would rather love someone of the same sex, than to be miserable for the rest of my life. Aren't we supposed to be happy? Aren't we supposed to love one another, and not put people down for the way they are living their lives as long as we aren't hurting anyone. I have children and they haven't been "influenced" by my lifestyle at all. Here is a quote I found "People are dying in a war based on inaccurate facts. Our government is corrupt. Gas prices keep going up. Homes are being destroyed in natural disasters. Children are being abused by their families. The local pediphile may be a priest. Poverty still exists even though we are the RICHEST nation in the WORLD! And yet another Bush could still become our President! ALL THIS AND YOU'RE STILL GOING TO FOCUS ON MY SEXUALITY????
MTV promoting sodomy? Somehow that is no surprise.
lisaasd =) You've made my day. I agree 100% with what you posted on Oct.1, 1007. Bravo!!
P.S. Tila Tequila deserves love ((as does everyone)) ... love is love regardless of who it's between.
I'm very disappointed in every single person who calls themselves a "Christian", who JUDGE homosexuals, bisexuals ... or any other . Who are you to JUDGE anyone?? Honestly. God tells you to LOVE they neighbor. Ha!! I don't see ANY of you doing that. My Aunt is a lesbian, && has been as long as I can remember. I've been saved, && I openly admit that I've had my fair share of bisexual/bicurious thoughts. I've tried saying that it just isn't me ... but it's natural. EVERYONE has thoughts, you can't help it. You're born that way. So all you people claiming to be Christian, who are all out here pointing fingers ... just shut your mouth. You're not making anyone listen to you. You're just proving that you're not "Christian". Stop being a hypocrit && grow up.
Please bare with me while I put together all my posts, I just want to clarify my point in the smallest form I can.
Homosexuality is a choice. Yes, it was an abomination to God as written under the old covenant. The new testament teaches that the old covenant couldn’t save anyone. Homosexuality was among many many sins of all men and women which under the old covenant concluded that all of have fallen short. None was righteous, without the shed of blood of bulls and goats by the High priest. This had to take place every year.
Under the new covenant, we all have a welcome to FULL PARDON in putting our trust in the One sacrifice once for all. That of course being Jesus Christ crucified. Done and done. A new covenant is established now with man, that all sins are washed away and we are justified daily, never having to revisit our guilt. Now in this new covenant there is no more condemnation for them that are in Christ Jesus. That is the good news of the gospel.
In talking to this generation, I say to parents, train up your children so they won’t be lost and confused and that you won’t be judged by God in the end. Young men and women, come out and be separate from the pattern of the world and it’s lusts, put your trust in Jesus first and He will direct your path. Now, in speaking to them that are deep in sin. Jesus loves you. Hell was not created for man, but for the devil and his angels. Eternal Life is His reward for turning away from a life that ends only in Death. So in conclusion, it’s no great cost to give up our lusts in comparison to the glory ahead that will never end. Not through religion, but relationship with God through Jesus Christ given freely to all mankind. Come to Jesus as you, are and learn from Him. His Spirit will do the rest as you trust Him.