Duggars not bad people, but their actions may have unintended consequences
Dec 14th, 2009 | By Zach | Category: Blogs, Featured Articles, Opinionsby Zach Becker
I wrote an article on the Duggar family, stars of TLC’s 18 Kids and Counting, and felt I needed to follow up after comments indicated a misunderstanding of my thoughts.
For one, the original article was not intended as an indictment on the Duggars, but rather ABC.com for bringing in environmentalism as an argument against having a large family. I thought the authors strayed far from the topic at hand (the birth of the Duggar’s 19th child) and inserted their own tilted perspective onto this so-called news article. 
Actually, it is kind of scary to think that with the EPA’s declaration of carbon dioxide as a pollutant (don’t tell that to plants), some might try to use this as a justification to institute population controls like we see in China. Obviously, that is the general idea the author’s of that article were taking when they discussed “carbon legacies” when citing the tons of carbon dioxide those children will emit in their lifetime. Very scary, indeed, but this is a topic for another day.
Getting back to the Duggar’s, though, after watching several episodes of the show, they seem like good people; perhaps a bit odd, but then again they do have 19 children (and live in Arkansas). Of course, we all know how “real” reality television is (see divorce of Gosselin, Jon, and Gosselin, Kate).
That said, while I think they originally had good intentions when they started this huge family, I think at some point they quit worrying about what was good for the children and started worrying about how they could get more viewers (and thus more money and fame). The more children they produce, the more popular they become.
According to a Dallas Morning News Article, the Duggars were first noticed by the national media in 2003 when an AP photographer snapped their picture as the parents lugged their 14 children on their way to the voting polls. The picture ran on the cover of the New York Times.
In 2004, the Duggars starred in a USA channel documentary (child count at that point was 14 with the 15th on the way). They appeared in numerous documentaries as they cranked out two more babies before landing their own reality program 17 Kids and Counting in 2008 (changed to 18 Kids and Counting for season 2 and sure to be 19 Kids and Counting soon).
Since gaining media popularity, the Duggar’s moved up to a 7,000 square feet house. All of the appliances were provided by TLC and other sponsors. They appear to live frugally (at least when the cameras are rolling), but despite claims of success in real estate, it is doubtful they would enjoy the same standard of living had fame not supplemented their income. I also find it interesting that they seem to spurn watching television, yet parade their children in front of the cameras daily.
I do not think the Duggars are inherently bad people; quite the contrary. However, they did seize an opportunity for fame and fortune and continue to crank out child after child to feed the media beast. They can claim to be extolling the virtues of large families, but perhaps they should take a look at what their actions are doing to their own children. Beyond the traditional challenges of living in a huge family, their children are also being put behind a camera for a national audience to sit and gawk at. Only a fool would say that this will not have unintended consequences at some point.
Reality television has enhanced the lives of the Duggars by providing a comfortable standard of living. However, it has also spurred the perhaps harmful expansion of their family size and put the lives of 19 children under a spotlight which could prove psychologically damaging.
I don’t know if I agree that they have had additional kids just for the sake of fame. It doesn’t appear that they are having kids any faster than they did before they were in front of cameras. I do hope that they stop and think of their other children after this scare, they need their mother. I find them slightly odd too but they seem to be such likable folks!
I think you are quite wrong on this. The Duggars had 15 children before they had any type of media attention. I seriously doubt they continued to have kids just because of a TV show. They said from the beginning that they would choose to have kids as long as God blessed them with kids. I know a lot of people like this and I honestly agree with them. They believe that each child is a gift from the Lord and they happily accept each gift (child) as they come. They are financially more responsibe than probably 99% of Americans with no debt including their house. They seem happy and their children seem very well cared for so who are we to say that they should not have more kids. Could you really look at little Jordyn and tell her that she should not be here? I double it. God is the one who created these children so it is up to Him to decide how many they have.
You’re a moron.
Seriously? They had 14 kids already, by your own admission. They had the first 14 because, in their words, they “let God decide the size of their family.” They were already building the 7000 square foot house, themselves, DEBT FREE, when TLC met the family. TLC bought them a piano and sent them an interior decorator.
TLC has pursued them because the first special (just a one time thing) they did on the Duggars was the highest rated show in TLC history. That’s how the series started. Their standard of living was probably higher than yours (are you debt free?), and unlike you, they don’t seem cynical and jaded about other people’s money. They are not about the money. Take your own ill-conceived thoughts and money-motives and own them yourself. Don’t assume that people think like you do.
I think you need to do a little more research: The Duggars have a zillion children because they subscribe to the Quiverfull Movement, which is basically about repopulating the US with white, Christian ‘soldiers’. It’s all wrapped up in ‘children are blessings’ nonsense, but essentially it’s about having as many babies as possible so that Christianity remains dominant.
Frankly, it’s this philosophy that disturbs me far more than the environmental damage done by holding out families of this size as morally superior. Not to mention that the Duggars are creationists – and teaching your children that evolution is a myth is basically child abuse if you ask me.
The article has a good point, the Duggar’s don’t allow their kids to watch much TV…and they are ON TV…seems odd. They seem like OK people, big families are fun but as with anything there is a time to end the fun…like after five kids! I think they would have kept popping out kids regardless of the show, but they definitely would have been struggling if the show wasn’t there. The kids are well cared for now…but there is no way to see if they had the same care if the show was’t around.
I think the scriptures say be fruitful and replenish the Earth not be fruitful and OVER POPULATE the Earth! I am just waiting for some of the kids to grow up and get their own shows showing them listening to Rock and reading Kafka and Nietzche…it’s bound to happen!!
I agree it seems almost obsessive the desire to keep having children.
Now at 42 complications have arisen and the child is born premature. Not such a surprise, pregnancy gets riskier as a mother gets older.
With that in mind many people are thinking in terms of when does having more children become less about the health and welfare of the children and a huge loving family, and more about having a obsessive desire to add to the clan.
And more children might actually start turning people off to watching the show. It could go from waiting for the wonderful arrival and more about what could go wrong this time, kind of freak show..LIke the gosselin’s show became.
I agree with comments 1-3 totally! The Duggars were in the process of looking/building there “now” home when TLC did the first documentaries on the family. To comment #4, sounds like you have some unresolved issues yourself. The things we know least about, scare us the most. People say that the Duggars are not your average family. Well, before this world became so liberal and went to the “if it feels good, do it” mentality, families like these were the norm. When the families like this began to deteriorate, so did the morals and values that this country was founded on (54 of the 56 original signers of the D of I were Christians). And vise-versa: when morals and values deteriorate, so did these big families. People became more selfish and less dependent on God for instruction in life. Parents are supposed to be the head of the house, not the kids or the government. And people always supported there president, no matter whether they agreed or not. People stuck together. Don’t believe me, look at the crime rate now a days, most of these people don’t even know who God is or what family values are. Don’t call them weird, if America would get back to the way it was 50 years ago, maybe this country wouldn’t be in the shape it is in. Just look at the facts…
I cannot believe the ignorance of this article. The author is a true douchebag with zero understanding of the Family or the show. There are far too many people writing stupid articles on things they have far too little knowledge to be commenting on.
1) The Duggars had 14 kids and were building their current house BEFORE
I don’t think they are going to stop having kids. Their faith in being Quiverful (sp?) means they won’t use birth control.
@Kelly – You invite me to look at the facts?
Here’s a fact: There’s a direct correlation between legalized abortions and a drop in the crime rate: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Impact_of_Legalized_Abortion_on_Crime
Here’s another fact: The earth is not 6000 years old, and the Duggars teaching their zillions of kids that it is is just plain child abuse. They’re leaving society dumber than they found it.
Here’s another fact: If “America got back to the way it was 50 years ago”, as you suggest, the Duggars’ latest Christian soldier probably wouldn’t be alive right now.
There is nothing inherently ‘virtuous’ about having babies. It’s a biological imperative, and it’s interesting to note that the smarter we get, the fewer babies have, the fewer women and children die as a result of childbirth, and the better we educate the kids we do have. Your comment – spelling and grammar issues included – is a good example of what happens when we decide that believing in an invisible fairy (i.e. ‘Jesus’) is more important than living in the real world.
I cannot believe the ignorance of this article. The author is a true douchebag with zero understanding of the Family or the show. There are far too many people writing stupid articles on things they have far too little knowledge to be commenting on.
1) The Duggars were expecting their 15th kid and were building their current house BEFORE TLC came knocking. So you assertion that they are doing it for fame is as rediculous as this article. Do you think they said “hey I was planing on starting on the pill now that we have 15 but lets have a few more for tv”??
2) They have stated many, many times that they do the show in order to be a blessing to other people. Not watching a ton of television doesn’t make them hypocrites, it makes them responsible parents.
3) They never decided to have 19 kids, they decided NOT to use birth control. The majority of the world does likewise. They don’t control how many kids they get, they just decide to place it in God’s hands. Many, many women in this country make the same decision but their baby machines stop after 5 or so. The woman is 40 some years old and fertile as Virginia soil. Good for her.
4) You are a total douchebag for insinuating people from Arkansas and/or Christians who believe in family are odd.
5) Everything I have seen says they are far, far more dedicated parents than 99.9% of the population. I’m sure social services pays frequent visits to the house. They are articulate, well mannered and cultured people unlike the vast majority of the country today. They should be commended.
Janice, Jennifer, and kd are quite correct in their comments. I am from Arkansas and take offense to you stating that it’s because they are for there as the reason they have so many children. They were caring for all the children they had before TLC came along. Also one other reason they have so many children is because they miscarried their first child. Besides it is not anyone’s business to say or not say how many children they have. That should be between the them and GOD!!! I feel it is a blessing for the nation to see such a GOD centered family instead of all the other mess on television!! Go Duggars keep spreading the gospel through your show!! May GOD continue to bless the Duggars!!!!
@sgw555, you must have wasted your last brain cells with that white shit. What you reference is a wikipedia posting on what they call a “controversial paper” results published by some radical abortion nuts. One having a criminal record reading like an Obama Czar and the other now a recluse.
The crime rate in this country was FAR lower in 1960 and back than now. Violent crime peaked in in 1991 and has since declined to the average levels of the 70′s(The results of drug addicted liberal hippies with far too few brain cells)
Try using the brain before typing things you are opinionated, yet ignorant on.
I love the Duggars! I think they are an interesting couple and they have amazing children, must be because they have done a wonderful job of raising them. They are different but it seems that their lifestyle works for them. So whatever. I just hope that if they do decide to have more children that Michelle will be healthy and so will the next baby or babies. I don’t understand why people get so bent out of shape over things like this? It has nothing to do with any of us and is entertaining to watch how these people make their lives work. I have learned a lot! It’s not as if we have to take care of these kids so who cares? To each their own that’s kind of what this country and America is all about isn’t it? Why should you all be entitled to your negative opinions and these people aren’t entitled to make decisions for their family without someone having something to say about it? Kind of weird don’t you think?
@SGW555…just so you know, God is not a “fairy” or an illusion. One day you will know it, I just hope it’s not too late.
That is crazy about it being child abuse to teach your children about creationism. It is what we believe as chrisitians– that God created the heavens and the earth. And the Lord Jesus Christ is not some invisible “fairy”. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God! In the Bible it tells us in John 1:1-4, “In the beginning [before all time] was the Word ([a]Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God [b]Himself.(A) 2He was present originally with God. 3All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. 4In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men.” To teach our children the Word of God is the truth, and we are commanded by God to teach our children the truth.
I admire the Duggars and the way they handle their family finances. I enjoy their show because it is refreshing to see a family like the Duggars instead of the crap we are offered. The author of this article needs to wake up. I cannot imagine Michelle and Jim Bob telling each other, “lets have more kids to keep TLC or other media outlets paying us..” What a load of manure!
The Duggars are a big, loving, old fashioned family. More families should be like them in love, togetherness, adventure, and fun.
Shame on you Zach.
I completely disagree that they are having more children b/c of the fame. They’re obviously religious ppl that have their own beliefs and convictions and I don’t think any of that has changed due to their tv show. I admire them for staying real.
That is enough with all these kids… The older kids look after the younger ones anyways..what kind of life do they have..I agree you can be fruitful but dont overpopulate.. enough is enough tie your tubes..
Real freedom confounds the minds of those who are wise in their own eyes. It appears that you are poor, wretched, and blind. You would love the freedom they have in Christ, but envy has eaten you up. TV can make anyone seem to be what they are not, but peace is something you can’t fake. It seems they had peace and joy before TV and they have peace and joy now. Why would someone on the outside looking in be so concerned with the welfare of their lives in such a negative capacity when you have not been appointed as their Nanny, maid, financial provider, pastor, friend, etc. What a witness they are! They will encourage the wise and confound the foolish. May you find the same Savior they have and experience a little joy yourself. After all, God so loved the world, (that would include you), that He gave His only son that whosoever believe in Him shall not perish. You are perishing my friend.
It’s one thing to have kids and to love your kids but the duggars have kids and then let their older kids take care of the younger ones. I believe every kid needs love and affection and most importantly attention from their parents and these kids dont get that. That is just not right and if anything is child abuse, that is. I feel soo bad for those younger kids who barely know who their parents are. I think they need to stop being so selfish and stop having kids…..
Zach,
My understanding is that you are a college student at the beginning of your writing career… if that is what you eventually go towards. I am encouraged that you would be interested in the Duggard Family. I commend you for this.
I do think your writing is more about your biases than the facts of the Duggards. They would have chosen the same path of life (having more kids) whether or not the media ever came across their story. As to them having extras (housing and appliances) as you state, because of being featured in the media, is not inconsistent with their view of the media. They do use media, just very differently than most people – not absorbing much of the one sided views expressed in most TV shows, movies and programing. They have sought to use their story, as it is now being shared nation-wide, to encourage others, even challenge others to rethink our lifestyle choices. My wife and I have actually decided to continue having children (after three biological and one through adoption), and are expecting # 5, because of the Duggards and other families we have met who have larger families. (BTW, if you study the lives of the 76 signers of the Declaration of Independence most of them had larger than avg. families – at least in comparison with todays standards).
To other commenters… I would encourage you to not be so harsh. Some of your words are very unlike the spirit of the Duggards and do your view more harm than good.
eric
Stacey, how can you possibly know that the younger kids don’t know their parents and aren’t shown love? You forget that they spend much more time together than most families, who see each other for a few hours a day at most. So much of the criticism directed at the Duggars is based on speculation, including the OP’s nonsense assertion that their family size is the result of fame.
Okay, anyone who thinks this family is doing anything remotely constituting “abuse” needs to be invited to join reality. Just because you disagree with their views does not make them wrong…and does not mean that they need to change their views. What is it with all of the Christian-haters? This is the United States of America, people! For the idiots who deem the Duggars “abusive”…I invite you to spend a day in a pediatric ER and see REAL abuse. It’s tiring to see NAT’s…NON ACCIDENTAL TRAUMAS…kids whose parents beat the crap out of them for NO REASON. And how about the parents who pimp out their little children and sell them into sexual slavery? If you had to see REAL abuse then you’d learn to appreciate parents like these who view kids as the wonderful gifts that they are…no matter your differences in philosophy. To use the word “abuse” in this setting is not only ridiculous, but it detracts from REAL abuse when you ignorantly place this into the same category. The Duggars love their kids, they provide for their needs, they watch over them and protect them and try to give them what they believe to be good guidance to grow into responsible adults. I wish the rest of the parents in America would wake up and do the same. You may feel that their views are “misguided”, but the use of the word “abuse” in this setting is purely idiotic.
I will not have children, in part, because irresponsible people such as the Duggars have so many. Our planet simply cannot sustain the growing population of increasingly greedy and resource-hungry humans. Having child after child without regard for the Common Good is, in itself, immoral in my opinion. I truly wish more people would realize this and stop selfishly having child after child for what I see as purely their own self interest.
Eileen, I do believe not having a child because of there being too many is something you will deeply regret at some point in your life.
Jim Bobo Duggar continues to grow his kingdom. This family is very strange. The kids have no life of their own. They just function as nanny’s and babysitters for their siblings. They don’t go to college, don’t get to pursue outside interests or activities, don’t have part time jobs, don’t have any friends their own age. Michelle doesn’t seem to interact with any of the kids — only the baby that she is feeding at the time. And, for those who think they are so wonderful because they are debt free – keep in mind they make a lot of $$$ off the TV show and also claim their home as a church so they don’t have to pay taxes. Nice gig, hugh.
Olive,
You have misquoted the Scriptures. You state that the Bible says “I think the scriptures say be fruitful and replenish the Earth not be fruitful and OVER POPULATE the Earth!” What is actually said by God to humanity is this: “Be fruitful and multiply and FILL the earth and subdue it.” The earth is by no means FULL. The entire population of the United States could all fit in the state of Texas with each person having one acre of land to live on. God created the earth to be filled. I think if everyone would check into it, enough food and resources are already available for each person on earth to have enough to live on. The reason why we have starving people and lack on the earth is due primarily to the fact that greed, politics, and war have prevented food, clothing, and other necessities of life from getting to people in need. If we look at this from a Biblical perspective, there is lack because of sin (rebellion, turning away from the ways of God).
The Duggars see the world from a Biblical perspective and they are choosing to raise their children to honor God, respect life, and respect other people. I am thankful that their story is public. It shows us that there is another way to live – an apparently good way to live. The kids are healthy. They are learning that they are to take care of each other. They run and romp and play and kid around like all other children. Jim Bob and Michelle don’t have debt. They do not depend on the government to provide for them. I commend them for their lifestyle and I’m praying for them during this time in their lives.
I would rather have some debt and at least know my kids are wearing decent clothes and shoes, and get to go to college. The girls could all use some new clothes and shoes. They always have on flip flops and unflattering ugly clothing. They need a good hair cut and style, too. Let them be girls, for heaven’s sake. Poor Michelle could really use some new clothes, that’s for sure. They are taking care of each other at the expense of their individuality. Kids are not meant to be nanny’s and babysitters while their parents make babies day and night.
RE DALE:
The only culture these kids get is through the trips they take that are provided by TLC. I am not saying they are not articulate or intellegent, just that they deserve a childhood full of friends, activities and the chance to develop their individuality. The oldest son Josh basically runs a used car lot and doesn’t seem to have developed much business skills. Not to say that this is bad, but what job skills does he have or choices? He is already a father — most people his age are in college and learning skills for their future. Kids are NOT meant to be nannies and baby sitters, and not all people are meant to be parents. That should be their choice, not mandated by dominering parents who are too busy making more babies to do the job themselves. Get real — They live a life of reality TV so they can make lots of $$.
BTW , sentences end with periods. It is incorrect grammer to end a sentence with “at”. Correct grammer: …that’s where they ideally learn their own parenting skills.
Carle i agree with everything you just said…
What is most impresive is that people nowadays live the lives they want to live, make their choices, decide what ‘s best for them under their right of choice nad freedom; but not being happy with that they still want o have funny opinions about other people’s lives.
Seriously, if Duggar’s family example is not for you,just don’t follow it . It might be uselful to other you know.
This discussion is probably far from ending , but if everyone would understand this principle we would have comments praising their lifestyle choices,and others simplying stating that what they do it is not actually to everyone.
What I find most interesting about this family is not the fact that they have so many children; but that Michelle has been healthly succesful in conceiving so many children, in a time when a lot women have problem conceiving.
Another point is that over the years all her children have impressively proven to be very healthy and strong and moreover most of them beyond their ordinary education have habilities that are not share by the average child in their age. Instead of being let out wandering about, they are doing a great job in educating their kids.
Even people who dislike their lifestyle, have to accept that they have done a wonderful job. Some people don’t manage their only child.
You know, I agree with Zach. What’s disgusting to me is the fact that he wrote an opinion, and then got vilified for it because 90% of the people reading the article can’t seem to do what he’s doing (which would be thinking for ones’ self). It’s a freakin’ OP-ED piece people, learn to take an opinion as that: AN OPINION!
There is no justifiable, logically thought out reason for having a family this size, and if you can think of one that doesn’t fall under the “God had a plan for us to have this many kids” cop-out, then be my guest to explain it to me.
Families used to be this size out of necessity, not out of wanton desires to be reckless and excessive.
@Dale Snyder: If things were back the way they were “50 years ago”, we’d be lynching blacks, mexicans, gays, and jews in the streets courtesy of the KKK and jingoist, racist bigots like yourself. Of course, it’s likely that four of five of these kids would already be dead because of a lack of adequate health care, and the family would probably be completely broke due to a lack of revenue coming in from their massively successful reality show (yes, yes, I’ve heard the “They built their house before TLC” mantra, but they only did that because they’re illegally declaring it as a “church” to avoid taxation by the IRS).
[...] garnering a slew of comments on my recent blog post about the Duggars, I thought I’d take the time to respond to a few of these people. Janice says: …It [...]
Theres no reason for hostility Everyone is entitled to their opinions. What matters now is health of the baby. The poor thing didnt ask for this. I’ll say this again what if someone like Britney spears or Andrea Yates decdied to continue having children? I could imagine all the criticsm. Have any of you heard of Vycky Garrison? She left this movement after her oldest daughter attempted suicide. Yes there is a dark side to QF, and ultra conservative Christian, if you could call it that. There comes a time to think about the health of the mother and well being of other children. I notice most who defend them are young or live like them. I use to think I wanted a bnig family but age taught me better.
Stop attacking those with one child or two. Are they less of a christian or aperson? . I come from a two child home and we turned out fine. That is very judgemental and childish. Misbehavior happens in all size familes regardless of religion. It seems that way because there are more families with one or two kids. If you research their religion many Fundamentalist kids behave out of fear. It’s unrealistic to think 18 kids never misbehave. You can live a Christian life without living like the 1800′s. And I hardly think abortion is bringing down crime rates.
Eileen, I do believe not having a child because of there being too many is something you will deeply regret at some point in your life. Who says you must regret not having children. there are those who regret having kids. Many people decide not to have children and are happy with the decision. It is called child free by choice. Google it. Of course the Duggars act like no other choices exist. Religous zealots will be surprised to know you can be happy without children or maybe 1 or even without a spouse. Saying all familes with 1-3 kids misbehave is ridculous. Many also run amuk trying to escape strict parents. This has yet to be seen with the Duggars.
And who says you cant believe both evolution and creation? This is why Im a strong advocate of keeping church and state seprated. I grew up in church too and never heard you shall not beleive in evolution I wonder if those who keep defending them have ever watched the show or read up on their beleifs.
One more thing, before my blood pressure goes up Watching some tv also doesnt hurt you Cutting kids completely off from culture is ridicoulus There areplenty of documentaries on the History Channel, National Geography and Scy Fy. They didnt know who Dolly Parton or babe Ruth was. You can take anything too far including reproducing. . You can block channels out you dont want them to see. The young adults in the house should have more choice in these matters.
To those who continue having babies because of the Duggars or otherwise please think before acting It is not one size fits all. There are lots of things to think about before bringning oodles of children in the world. Many QUiverfull familes live inear or on poverty and live on Ramen noodles. This is so unfair to the children. What works for the Duggars does not work for everyone. What worked 300 years ago does not necessarily work now. Stop using it as an excuse. Now my bp is up.
I do not agree. The Duggars’ beliefs were in tack before they became public icons. They believe in having as many children as the Lord will bless them with. That belief was already there. I feel that it is wrong to assume they are expanding their family for no more than fame and fortune. Yes, they have benefited from the show they have with TLC. I think that is great for them. They are a loving family and show many great values to the general public that likes to watch them. They are a minority group in this country to have that many children. Yes, their are other families that have many children also, but that doesn’t mean that the rest of the county will follow suit because of what they are witnessing on TLC with the Duggars. I do believe they live as frugally as possible. They built their 7000 sq ft home on their own with some outside help. They could have just hired contractors to do it all, but they didn’t. Yes, they purchase some new items for their children, but they mostly hand good things down. Being a mother of 4 children and a step mother to 1, I can honestly say that it is hard, but it is rewarding at the same time. Our children are very well behaived and have learned to appreciate one another and what they have. We hand down from child to child and we don’t buy many things new except for birthdays and Christmas. To judge the Duggars for their life style and beliefs is just wrong in my opinion.
I would Like to Point out that the Duggars were Financially stable BEFORE they had their first Child. They waited 5 years after getting Married before begining their family so that they could Live debt free and be able to give their Children everything they could ever need. Anyone who says that they are using the media to gain wealth onviously hasn’t done their research. And the money they do recieve from TLC has gone towards helping the community and people less fortunate than themselves. They Support an orphanage in El Salvador, donate regularly to children’s Hospitals, and volunteer at many charity functions through out the country.
While I agree that the Children would benefit by more socialization outside their religous circle, I have to disagree with the people who say that the kids aren’t allowed outside activities. They Play Hockey in a local club, they do have friends outside of the family, and they love to play musical instruments. None of the children are forced to do anything they don’t wish to, and the children are rgularly consulted on activities they would like to try.
And to the person who says that Michelle never interacts with the older Children, are you blind? She may constantly have the younger children clinging to her (as is the case with ANY mother with young children), but she is always huggingand interacting with ALL of her Children.
You should not publish biased articles, and the way you execute certain claims as if they are fact make you a very weak writer. You should input quotes from the Duggars, themselves, that validate your claims; however, you would find that their words or actions would contradict most of them. The “Duggar Show” has become a national sensation, and we could only assume that with this brings the potential of the negative reality show associations. But, as all shows, you must consider it apart from trend, and research what they’re really about. The Duggars are Conservative Baptists—like other faiths, they believe that children are a gift from God, and however many one has is up to Him. Faith, not money, is their ambition for this show. If they share the passion of witnessing to others, what better outlet do they have than a show that broadcasts to millions?
If you are interested in writing a follow up article about them, I encourage you to visit their own personal website where you would learn a lot about them personally. On their website, things get personal and their faith is revealed, but they do not force their faith upon the reader. They have many different outreach areas for parents, from recipes to budgeting. They are an admirable family. They don’t seem to be affected by any additional income or fame, and the children seem incredibly well-balanced, behaved, and eloquent for their age. Their parents invest all of the time, love, energy, and wisdom they have into these kids. Every show highlights the next activity they are involved in. Each activity in its own way teaches the kids something, or involves a way of reaching out to the community. How could you argue that this isn’t a wonderful example for the nation to follow??
As much money as TLC is making on the family, I believe that they should contribute in areas that a large family needs. I feel compelled to mention that their beautiful house was built by themselves BEFORE 17 Kids and Counting began. Progress on the house was completed as the money came in. They have no debt. That is a rarity that is important to highlight.
I am in no way a super fan of any show, but as a fellow-writer, I was a little bummed that even as a college-rant-not-real-newspaper that this wasn’t more researched. This is a public place to shine your work, and if you want to flare your passions here, credibility will make your claims worth reading.
I feel the Duggars ministry and testimony about Christian ideals is the reason for agreeing to a TV show. I don’t feel they “parade” their children in any way other than to do good. They don’t let them watch TV just like I am very selective for myself since a great deal of it is immoral filth and therefore disturbing to me. As for their carbon footprint, I feel the earth can heal itself as God intended. IMHO the more children these people and others like them have and their families grow, the better for our world in general; they espouse and live the life our Lord and Saviour desires and I admire them greatly. Would that we all could be so Godly and loving to mankind! Amen.
You know, there is just something really, and I mean really odd about Jim Bob. The way he is always glaring at Michelle…it’s like he’s telling her “we’re going again tonight!” Makes my skin crawl.
Lizz, I watch the show all the time and have never seen Jim Bob glare at Michelle. I actually think he is really funny in a dorky kind of way. We need more people like him.
Oh my, so much judgement here! I am a creationist and proud of it. You go Duggars!!! They set wonderful values for their children. This article is way off base! Jim Bob and Michelle are doing their best in this the world. My mother came from a family of 18, their were 16 children. I have 7 siblings. I have 5 children. What a blessing! Honestly, I don’t want that many children, but more power to those who do and handle them the way the Duggars do. Those children have manners and respect. I do not see much of that in this world anymore. I think their show could be a teaching lesson for this world on what to do in a family. They are great role models. I do not agree 100 percent with them but then I can’t really think of anyone that I do. It’s amazing how well they are with their finances, and I’m sure they do nothing for ratings! They are very well grounded. Their faith sets such wonderful examples for us. Little Josie will make them grow even stronger as a family. With God on their side leading and guiding them all things are possible. I will probably never meet them on this earth, but I’m sure I will in heaven. Keep up the great work Duggars, and as for articles like this one, doesn’t matter because people will believe what they want.
I don’t know why people deem them as odd, they live differently than mainstream society and that may seem odd. But they extol virtues and idealogies that the rest of the world might glean good things from. They do things together, they spend time with their kids instead of putting them in front of a computer or tv, – large families are not the norm but they take care of them. Unlike octomom who had her kids not knowing how she would care for them and with no husband. While it may appear they are in front of the camera they are not. Jon and Kate would have worked if Jon, had not grown tired of being a dad. He had completely different values and he was probably not desirous of being a total hands on parent unlike Mr. Duggar who embraces that. Parenting is hard if both parents are not “in” to it and the kids can sense that. The Gosselin kids are good kids and they were not exploited. I applaud them for not destroying their embryos. The Duggars are doing a good job and they would do so, whether, they were on the show or not. Parents exploit their kids in far worse ways than these two families do. Kids are exploited when they are dresses in clothes that are sexy or meant for an older child, when they ‘make” them play sports when perhaps the child does not want to. What about parents who encourage their girls to compete in beauty pageants. That is major expoitation. There are worse ways to exploit kids. People judge other people because people’s choices are not the same as theirs – so it must be wrong. Big families are not for everyone. I adopted three children and that is enough for me. But I know me and to have added more, even though, I love kids – my husband did not feel that strongly and so we stopped at three.
I agree that dressing kids sexy is wrong. However dressing them like Laura Ingalls is also wrong. We are not in the 19th century.
As for the Duggars. Live and let live I say. But I also say that for their children. Whom they are making parents when they are not even married. And what happens now? Josie#19 is going to have serious health issues for at least 2 years if not forever if she does survive and doctors are all over the Internet saying that it would be dangerous for Michelle to have any more children. Is she going to Martyr herself as her religion dictates and die to keep on having more?
The Duggars do no set wonderful values for their children. None of them have many choices. I feel for the kids. Heck they cant even go on real dates or mingle with those who dont share their beliefs. The parents pick the religion not kids.Thats why they seem strange to people. No one is judging but is simply making observations. Have any of you seen the show who keep defending them? Jim Bob called watching his kids when Michele was gone babysitting. Poor little Jennifer has been cranky on several episodes. They turned their noses at danicing in the Ethopian restuarant. I see them no different from the Gosselins as they place their family on TV and receive perks.
It is fine to be creationist, dont watch tv ,and against dancing if it suits you but dont go forcing it on others. I get so tired of so and so came from a family of 12 ,etc That was years ago likely and dont necessarily work now.Ok I repeatingmyself again. Bigger families arent necessatily more moral or Christian. I f you read history many early presidents and leaders never married or had one or two kids Everything looks easy on TV including raising gobs of kids.
Christianity is a bunch of rules to them. Rules are fine and needed but you can go overboard and make kids rebel just llike no rules causes misbehavior. To me it means accepting others whether you like their way of life or not, and not twisting the Bible to say what you want..
Millions of American kids are cared for by hired help for 9+ hours a day. If we’re okay with that, why the concern over younger children being cared for in their own home by older siblings?
“However, they did seize an opportunity for fame and fortune and continue to crank out child after child to feed the media beast. They can claim to be extolling the virtues of large families, but perhaps they should take a look at what their actions are doing to their own children. Beyond the traditional challenges of living in a huge family, their children are also being put behind a camera for a national audience to sit and gawk at. Only a fool would say that this will not have unintended consequences at some point.”
I don’t know if they exactly did it for fame and fortune. While I’m sure they welcome the extra income, they’re most likely doing it so that there can be wholesome television out there (there is quite a lack of it) and so they can use the show to spread their faith and values. To them, the show ISN’T about them, but about what they can do with it to bring glory to the Lord and share His love. And if you have any doubt of this, look at the Gosselins. Now THERE’S a family that was doing it all for themselves. Do the Duggars honestly come across as behaving the same way and having the same motivations?
And as you said, they hardly ever watch TV or movies, so they clearly don’t have the celebrity-crazed gene that many Americans do, so they probably don’t desire that level of notoriety either. And since the children aren’t as aware of how television can bring some people fame and fortune, they probably don’t even realize what a deal it is to some people to even be on TV.
Question: what is up with all the female family members wearing those long skirts and long hair? Even their son’s wife looks like a clone of them. Anyone know?
I read lots of comments this evening after watching the Duggar’s show this afternoon with a friend. I had seen it once before and while listing to the mothers comments, I noticed her eyes bolting out in several directions over and over which I found rather odd to be so unsettled with the camera’s on. To me it was a RED FLAG. The house was spotless, even in the corners/baseboards of the floors though we’ve not seen Momma so much as sweep one on the show. The father was a politician now real estate salesman so that could count for some of the money they have. Looks like the bigger girls do most of the cooking/baking, and when children go outside to play they tend to get SOME dirt on them,esp. living on a farm. WHERE’S THE DIRT??? TLC will do anything to go out and find the weirdest of families and then shove them out in our faces. 19 kids, well if that is not biz-arrrrrrr I’ll go out and eat one of those razorbacks..lol
First of all I am behind the Duggars 100 percent. FOr someone to say that Jesus is a fairy really needs to look around. You (fairy sayer) state that evolution is the way we all got here. Well if you can answer my question or if anyone can then I will believe in evolution. Evolution says that everything evolved into what it is today, that one form of animal evolved into another and that is why those animals are extinct today. Then evolution goes on to say that monkeys evolved into humans. How can evolutionist talk out of both sides of their mouths stating man came from monjeys and monkeys still be here if everything else evolved from an animal that is now extinct? Man has been documenting these things for years and I have yet to see a monkey turn into a man. The Bible does not contradict itself even with all the different authors. Evolution is full of contradictions. Just stop and think about it.
Duggars I am behind you and I enjoy your show. Your family values are to be praised and applauded. No one has the right to judge and I truly appreciate your family not judging others. May you continue to raise your children in a God fearing family and I pray for the lost one out there. When they stand before God and he asks them why they did not believe when he sent many to tell them about him, they will not have an answer. I thank God for his mercy and his son Jesus.
Thank you for letting me have my say on this matter .