A sensible approach is needed when discussing reality TV and the #MeToo movement, said a Kingston headteacher in response to claims that Love Island is not doing much for feminism.
Stephen Lehec, headmaster of Kingston Grammar School, attended the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference’s (HMC) annual autumn conference with Jane Lunnon, the Wimbledon High School head.
At the talk Mrs Lunnon delivered her opinions on the popular reality show and its implications for feminism and the #MeToo movement, which divided opinion on social media.
Mr Lehec said: “I disagree that young people should be forced to make a choice between entertainment and reality.
“You can enjoy Love Island and still be campaigners, people are sensible enough to know the difference between things like documentaries and reality TV.
“We should be careful not to be snobbish about young culture.”
Mr Lehec’s take on the subject stems from his own experiences watching the show with his teenage daughter and he said that the show provided an opportunity to bond and discuss the issues that the popular show inevitably brings up.
He went on to explain that people are still going to continue to watch Love Island and that older generations should not pass judgement without having ever watched it but instead should try to understand it more.
Although not disagreeing with Mrs Lunnon’s statements, Mr Lehec said it is about choice, including when it comes to young women wearing make-up.
He said back in the 1950s heavily made up women like Marilyn Monroe were considered beautiful without being criticised and that should continue to be the case.
His comments follow Mrs Lunnon’s powerful opinions on how she believes shows like Love Island undermine feminism and send a message to “conform and look beautiful otherwise you are not worthy of being loved,” which she says is unbelievably dangerous.
Mrs Lunnon expressed her serious concerns about the effect social media and reality shows have on body image and self-worth.
The headteacher of Wimbledon High thinks that if we want the #MeToo movement to progress, girls should not celebrate trivial reality TV culture.
Feature image from ITV2 YouTube.
