Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Life under a magnifying glass...

As if having twins and then sextuplets isn't attention drawing enough, how about having your best and worst qualities made into a reality show for all the world to see and analyze?

I can't imagine. Can.Not. Imagine what having 8 children would be like, let alone the 2 multiple sets that the Gosselins have. Nor can I imagine dealing with my own issues (we all have them!) in front of a television crew. Yes, Kate is controlling, OCD and rude to Jon at times, but I can also see her patience with the kids, her love for her husband and her desperate attempt to make her household run the way she sees fit.

Can you imagine having your 7 year old throwing a fit over something minor (ahem. I don't need to imagine that one) but then also having millions of people ranting over what a "brat" your child is and how one child is "better" than the other? I think it would break my heart to see my babies torn apart like that! The Internets can be vicious and cruel. Many people don't know how to utilize the saying "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" when it's on the internet. Somehow, having the computer screen as a buffer makes all of the nasty comments "ok."

I'm just putting this out there to say that it doesn't. The computer doesn't give you immunity from being a cruel person. If you wouldn't walk up to someone in person and say something, then keep it to yourself! You may say that they "asked" for this by agreeing to a reality show, but that is a mistake that many people make. Can any of us honestly know what we'd do if put into that same situation? I know that I am against selective reduction for myself. I would have done the same if presented with the possibility of 6 babies. I don't know that I would have chosen to do a television show, but that's mainly because I'm a fairly private person. And also, a slob. (i.e. my floor is not only NOT mopped 3 times a day, but not even 3 times a month. Also, I walk in hotels barefoot. Yes. It's true. And I'm still alive to tell the tale...)

I happen to love this show. I also love any show that gives me a look into lifestyles and families that are extremely different from my own. It gives me a perspective on how vastly unique we all are. I don't have to agree with every opinion in every family to understand that they are all ENTITLED to live the way they want! Why is it so hard for some people to realize this?

I happened upon a mass quantity of negative comments on various message boards regarding this family. I felt I had to say something, anything to state that while you don't agree with someone else's choices, there is no need to be cruel. There is no need to criticize to the point of a frenzied argument. Let's try and remember that there are always several sides to every story, every "reality" show is heavily edited, and that this is a FAMILY. They deserve to live the way they want! Jon and Kate and their beautiful children have my support.

And also? Their privacy.

10 comments:

Phoenix said...

Here, here sister. I am completley with you on this one.

Seriously, I love that show. No one would come out perfect if their lives were taped all the time. Plus, the chew shows what they want too. OCD, maybe...but with 8 kids that little, I might become that way too. But it's obvious she adores her husband and kids.

Also, those kids are adorable. I've loved getting to see them grow up.

Unknown said...

I agree.

I love this show...and I have seen MYSELF in Kate. Sadly. I have thought, man, maybe hubby should start filming me (not in the way he would like) so that I can watch my own behaviors. I think I would cringe just as I do when I see her (at times).

Anyway, BLESS HER HEART she is doing the best she can and I only have two children that drive me insane, i would be in a straight jacket if I had as many as them.

Did I just make any sense? lol. Did I have a point? Did I make a point?

kudos

Unknown said...

Go you! I haven't seen their show, but I did see them on The Today Show once. Kudos to anyone with a large family. It takes special people, for sure . . .

Beck said...

I've seen many, many articles interviewing people who have been on various reality programs, and they've all said that these things are heavily scripted and edited - so I don't think much of the actual reality of the family is being captured. Whatever I think about the family, I would hesitate to post it online because they are REAL people. This is a REAL family, however unwise appearing on the show may be.

andria said...

I tivo this show and love it. I am truly amazed out how well she keeps her house and her sanity with all those kids. AND the kids are sweet and polite and do not need Super Nanny. THey are kids, kids pout, and spill, and cry. That's what they do.

Yeah, she sometimes gives it to Jon but what's so good about that show is that it just shows that a couple can be frustrated etc. and still LOVE each other and not need to divorce because they were yelled at one day. THe are two people just making it through the day. I like them.

Adam likes it to. He calls it the baby show and we put it on when we rock at night.

Kristi said...

I love this show! LOVE it. And I have followed the Gosselins since they had two specials on their family on TLC a few years back (before the series). Not only do I love it, but my husband does as well, and we've collectively decided that I am Kate (minus the OCD...and also the patience) and he is Jon.

While I haven't seen any message boards that discuss the show, it saddens me to read here that people are picking apart this family. Jon and Kate have always seemed so "real" to me (or as real as reality tv stars can be) and their kids are adorable, not to mention very well behaved, all things considering.

That said, being any kind of public figure does open you up to all kinds of criticism, so hopefully they've learned not to let it get to them.

Mighty Morphin' Mama said...

I totally have to check that show out. And I agree with the sentiments even though I haven't seen it. People should not judge and definitely don't need to spout all over the internet showing their ignorance.

Mom24 said...

I abolutely LOVE this show, definitely see myself in Kate, and DH in John. I'm reminded of what I learned in high school...if you can't compete, you criticize. People just have to judge and tear down to feel better about themselves. Pathetic.

Raising Maddie and Bob said...

I am totally addicted to this show. Kate gives me hope that I can be more organized. My goodness I only have 2 kids and am unable to mop my floor 3x a day.

Lisa

carrie said...

I am ADDICTED to John and Kate Plus 8! They make my job seem sooo much easier!

Did you see the Disneyland episode? Can you even imagine . . .

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