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On the Road in America

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Jerome Gary, Lara Abou Saifan, Mohamed Abou-Ghazal, Where to watch: Sundance Channel)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Road trip seeks out tolerance and understanding.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series attempts to improve U.S. understanding of Arabs and their understanding of the United States. It introduces a range of feelings and perceptions about both cultures. The four cast members are Muslim Arabs; three are male. The production staff is Caucasian and is comprised of both men and women.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Includes discussions about terrorism in the Middle East and United States. Conversations often revolve around 9/11, Hezbollah, the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. News footage of the Israeli bombing of Beirut is often visible.

  • Sex:

    Some images of women in bikinis sunbathing.

  • Language:

    Words like "bitch" and "s--t" are audible; terms like "mother f----r" are bleeped.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Visible alcohol consumption (wine, mixed drinks) during mealtimes; people are occasionally seen smoking cigarettes and cigars.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About On the Road in America

Parents need to know that this reality series -- which follows four young Muslim Arabs as they drive across the United States in hopes of learning more about America and allowing Americans to learn more about Arabs -- includes frequent discussions about terrorism, stereotypes, and America's perception of the Middle East. The cast often shares very strong feelings about America and Americans. Expect some salty language (the occasional "s--t" goes unbleeped) and a bit of drinking. Overall, the show's goal is to foster tolerance and understanding and is a thought-provoking choice for teens and up.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the media typically portrays the Middle East. Do you think media coverage of events in the Middle East since 9/11 has helped or hurt Americans' perceptions of people from that part of the world? Do you think the American media portrays the region differently than other countries do? If so, why? Families can also discuss reality television. Does showing how the production staff goes about casting and producing the series make it seem more real? Would you be willing to star in a reality show in another country? Why or why not?
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