MTV "Jackass"

[Jim M.]

TORRINGTON, Conn. (AP) -- A 13-year-old boy was hospitalized with second- and third-degree burns after mimicking an MTV personality who set himself on fire during a stunt show.

Jason Lind was severely burned Friday night when he and a friend poured gasoline on his feet and legs and lit him on fire while imitating a stunt on MTV's high-rated show ``Jackass,'' police said. The fire grew out of control and burned the boy's legs and hands before it was extinguished, officials said.

Jason remained hospitalized Monday in critical condition in the burn unit of Shriner's Hospital for Children in Boston.

``Jackass'' features an array of pranks and stunts. In Friday's episode, show creator Johnny Knoxville donned a fire-resistant suit hung with steaks. He then laid across a makeshift barbecue while his cast mates shot lighter fluid onto the grill to fan the flames.

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Too bad there's no way to get the original "Jackass" and grill him over a slow open flame.

[BBoucheyFD]

I'm sorry but but its not the fault of a TV show. At 13 years old i never would have lit myself on fire nor have i EVER know anyone who would. I think this is a serious lack of parenting and common sense.

[Nick SBFD 6]

Well, for anyone who watches JACKASS, the skull and crossbones WARNING message before each episode and after each commercial should be pleanty of warning for the general public. It is stupid entertainment. I enjoy it! However this is a tragic story and my best wishes to the young boy and his family.

[NCRSQ751]

I have to agree. Although I think the show is pathetic - a 13 year old should know enough to not set themself on fire. The guy on the show was wearing a flame retardent suit - a detail missing in the re-enactment.

This is purely a case of not knowing right from wrong. Kids aren't born knowing what is right and wrong or what to believe and not. Parents teach them those skills. If anything was missing in this equation it was that kind of common sense.

[Engine58]

Yes, This is not MTV nor the creator of the shows fault because they have multiple warnings throughout the show before they do such acts..and I mean COMMON SENSE!! You gotta have something wrong with you when you are 13 to spray lighter fluid on yourself and set yourself on fire..I mean COME ON!!

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Andrew
South Amboy, New Jersey
EMS Cadet in NJ
"EMTS DON'T DIE THEY JUST STABILIZE"

[BBoucheyFD]

Ok i found the COMPLETE article.

"TORRINGTON, Conn. (AP) -- A 13-year-old boy was hospitalized with second- and third-degree burns after mimicking an MTV personality who set himself on fire during a stunt show.

Jason Lind was severely burned Friday night when he and a friend poured gasoline on his feet and legs and lit him on fire while imitating a stunt on MTV's high-rated show ``Jackass,'' police said. The fire grew out of control and burned the boy's legs and hands before it was extinguished, officials said.

Jason remained hospitalized Monday in critical condition in the burn unit of Shriner's Hospital for Children in Boston.

Lind's 14-year-old friend was arrested Saturday and charged with reckless endangerment. Police would not identify the suspect because he is a juvenile. Another teen who looked on was not charged.

``Jackass'' features an array of pranks and stunts. In Friday's episode, show creator Johnny Knoxville donned a fire-resistant suit hung with steaks. He then laid across a makeshift barbecue while his cast mates shot lighter fluid onto the grill to fan the flames.

One of the teens said Jason volunteered to re-enact the stunt, which took place in one boy's back yard."

Notice two key points here:
1. "One of the teens said Jason volunteered to re-enact the stunt, which took place in one boy's back yard."

2."when he and a friend poured gasoline on his feet and legs and lit him on fire" "Lind's 14-year-old friend was arrested Saturday and charged with reckless endangerment"

He volunteerd to light himself on fire and his friend helped him. Between the two of them neither of thought this was a bad idea.

WOW

[robbie]

im with the rest of you guys the 13yr. should have known better i dont think its mtv's fault.

[Quint1Medic]

Two words:

"natural selection."

[ENGINE18-3]

Haha Quint!
I am in agreement with everyone else here it is not the TV shows fault or MTVs fault. They show ample amount of warnings on that show of "don't try this at home these people are professionals". So this kid now knows to heed warnings and he is a little to old to be given the defense of "he doesn't know right from wrong".

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The statements above are my own opinions

FF Greg Grudzinski
Oaklyn Fire Dept.
Station 18-3

[Poin]

Maybe we need to focus on the parents part in all of this also. While I have no trouble in watching the reruns until the new season starts, I would think for a minute to allow my kids to watch the show. I don't think my kids would ever try to duplicate what they saw (and I'm sure the boys parents would have felt the same way, but kids will be kids.) I won't allow my children to watch things I don't feel are appropriate for their age. They can't watch MOST MTV shows; they contain way too much sex, they can't watch WWF/WCW wrestling; again, too much sex. Parents have to take an active part in raising their kids, not letting the TV do it for them.

I do hope the boy makes a full and speedy recovery but I also hope he has learned that not everything you see on TV is real or should be imitated. THAT'S WHY THEY PUT THE DISCLAIMERS ON EVERYTHING NOWADAYS!!!!!

[Chief Taylor]

I aggree that this is really a parenting issue, I have a 14 year old and a 17 year old. I talk to them all the time about shows and stunts like jackass.

It is amazing that last night at the fire station, we talked about hoping that no one would try and copy those burn stunts, just the next morning it happened.

I have to say I was lucky growing up, I played with dangerous things like fire and performed many idiot stunts as a kid like they do on jackass.

Hope fully there will be no more injuries to any more kids out there.

[Chief Taylor]

I aggree that this is really a parenting issue, I have a 14 year old and a 17 year old. I talk to them all the time about shows and stunts like jackass.

It is amazing that last night at the fire station, we talked about hoping that no one would try and copy those burn stunts, just the next morning it happened.

I have to say I was lucky growing up, I played with dangerous things like fire and performed many idiot stunts as a kid like they do on jackass.

Hope fully there will be no more injuries to any more kids out there.

[BucksEng91]

This is just another example of how far our victimization culture has come. Now lighting yourself on fire is somehow not your fault.

I would laugh if this weren't so tragic. I don't blame MTV or the show, which I enjoy in a twisted way. I blame stupidity and very possibly bad parenting. 13 year olds should probably not be watching the show. And parents of 13 year olds need to ensure that, not MTV.

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J. Black

The opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and may not reflect those of any organization with which I am associated.

[Kyle Wickman]

If TV is blamed, that is the saddest excuse in the world. If they sue and win, I am going to do the stupidest thing I can find on TV get hurt and sue too.

[CHIEF500]

I agree with most of the posts here. A 13 yr old should have the common sense and understanding not to try these rediculous stunts. A parenting issue? Definately, they need to know right from wrong.

What's next the WWF being sued by these back yard wrestling idiots. Now there's coma's waiting to happen. If MTV is at fault for putting Jackass who do you blame for the WWF.