S01.E09: We Don't Read the Comments

[radishcake]

While creating a mermaid tail for an upcoming photo shoot, Jazz comes across a death threat posted online. Jeanette re-examines whether or not the family has acted in Jazz's best interest over the past few years.Source: TLC

[Human]

I'm always curious how people deal with the nasty comments.  I had a travel blog way back when and the most controversial thing on it was perhaps when I'd admit that I didn't like a certain food in X country and while the hater/troll comments were few, they still really affected me.  I even have a hard time scrolling through comment sections throughout the internet.  I couldn't imagine have some sort of account where it was business as usual to have hundreds of hate and violent comments.  I wonder if Jazz really does avoid reading the comments most of the time, or at least when it's not being filmed.  

[VioletNevermind]

This episode illustrates precisely why I'm nervous about this show.  Jazz is only 14-years-old.  My daughter is about two weeks older than Jazz, so I'm deeply immersed in the thoughts, feelings, and inner workings of teenage girls at the moment.  Jazz actually reminds me of my daughter.  They're both talkative, insightful, funny, and quite mature for their age, but they're still teenage girls, with all of the insecurity and self-doubt that comes with that age.  I dislike the fact that Jazz is being exposed so much.  Haters and trolls on YouTube are one thing, but there are some really sick people out there who would have no hesitation in hurting a girl like Jazz.  That worries me very much.  The fact that Jazz will be attending high school with the very kids who will watch this show is also pretty unsettling.  I sincerely hope this show is a one-off and returns maybe once a year for updates. 

 

One more thing that continues to bug me: sometimes I wonder if this show is more for the viewing public's education or Jazz's mom. 

Edited August 13, 2015 by SuzyLee

[whoknowswho]

I read some of the comments, and needed some eye bleach. Most were quite nice, but some were pretty putrid. You have to be brave to even allow comments on youtube.

 

I like this show a lot, because I think this family is sweet, caring, and pretty damn together, all things considered. Jazz is delightful, funny, and I think she has wisdom far beyond her years. 

 

[Human]

 

One more thing that continues to bug me: sometimes I wonder if this show is more for the viewing public's education or Jazz's mom.

I always feel concern for child activists.  It's a catch-22.  Being an activist puts the child in danger but being an activist also potentially decreases the danger that children will face due to the awareness the child activist brings.  

 

Still, I do find myself easily believing Papa Jenner when he says that they want their experiences and knowledge to make it easier for others.  Part of that is because I've known of the Jennings family for years as they have always attended trans events and are just the sort of people who are naturally social justice warriors.  I don't know why the mom would be singled out in the comments here seeing as the entire family is involved.  

[Rigoletto22]

Is it not illegal to make a death threat online? I always thought it was.  Maybe I am wrong but I was surprised no one mentioned calling the police to track down the commenter who said "if not Ill kill her myself and make her die a horrid death".

[Human]

The law still hasn't caught up with the internet.  It's only been in the last couple of years that revenge porn has become criminalized, and that's only in less that half of the states and criminality is usually about copyright rather than anything else.  Gamergate was a somewhat high profile internet assault on several prominent women in the gaming community and as far as I know no one has been even arrested specifically for the doxxing, threats, and harassment these women faced.  From what I've understood, policing internet activity is difficult.  Laws haven't been amended to include online behavior, it's difficult and time consuming to track down individuals and police money isn't going towards cyber crimes, and then there's a problem with determining who has jurisdiction, which is more confused when the one making the comment might not even be in the same country as the person receiving the comment.  

 

I'm definitely not a lawyer so take all of that with a hefty dose of research.

[drivethroo]

I think the mom is more singled out than the other members of Jazz's family because the mom seems like she's seeking the limelight much more than the others.  She's too aware of the cameras.  The show is "I am Jazz," not "I am Jazz's Mom."

 

I would think many of the people in Jazz's town know she's transgender.  If they had those concerns that Jazz would be targeted in high school because of her transgender-ism they wouldn't have put her on TV since she was 5 years old.

 

It's my hope that by being open about her transgender-ism high school may be a little more safe for Jazz.  It's out there, it's not a secret to be exposed by Mean Girls and I think her brothers are also still in high school and could give her some protection.  By the time they're gone everyone should be used to Jazz & her transgender status.

[ItsHelloPattiagain]

 

It's my hope that by being open about her transgender-ism high school may be a little more safe for Jazz.  It's out there, it's not a secret to be exposed by Mean Girls and I think her brothers are also still in high school and could give her some protection.  By the time they're gone everyone should be used to Jazz & her transgender status.

My kids grew up years back with kids that went to the high school Jazz will go to and I've personally known kids that have gone there. The kids there can be are ruthless and if the Mean Girls are out in full force, it won't necessarily be them making fun of Jazz's transgender status. It might be her hair - her voice - her need to be accepted -the fact that she gets attention or was on a TV show -  or perhaps she's not wearing the appropriate "uniform" for them (not an actual uniform but the clothing associated with and accepted by the popular kids). Whoever is "different" will be picked on. 

[Human]

 

I think the mom is more singled out than the other members of Jazz's family because the mom seems like she's seeking the limelight much more than the others.  She's too aware of the cameras.  The show is "I am Jazz," not "I am Jazz's Mom."

I think this probably has more to do with production and editing, which I don't think the Jennings' are involved with beyond perhaps general input. I mean, that whole Mother's Day special was textbook TLC.  They have a special obsession with mothers and mother's day.  I think another issue is Mama Jennings is also simply around for the cameras more as she works in/from the home.  When everyone else is at school, activities, or work and the crew needs to get tape to pad out a storyline, Mother Jennings is kind of the only one to turn to.  Plus Greg has the misfortune of having a monotone voice which tv seems to love to ignore even when they have important things to say.  

 

Not to mention "I am Jazz" does mean that a large part of what makes her Jazz is her family.  We get this episode focused on Ari's bad singing, which I don't want to hear, but if their relationship is important in making Jazz, then it seems relevant.  If what Mom Jennings does as a mother makes her Jazz, then might as well show it.  It would feel weird if my show "I am Human" didn't include lots and lots of video time of several very important people in my life.  

Edited August 13, 2015 by Human

[Rigoletto22]

Thanks for the explanation. It sounds very complicated. I suppose if one recieved a direct email with a death threat it would be easier to prosecute. A random comment on youtube would be difficult. Still I would love to find this asshole and at least have the police scare the crap off of "it".

[Bastet]

I think the mom is more singled out than the other members of Jazz's family because the mom seems like she's seeking the limelight much more than the others.

 

I think she's simply more talkative than her husband.  And she, rather than her husband, being the one accompanying Jazz to various events seems to me a function simply of her being a stay-at-home mom.  I question anyone who opts to live their life on TV or online, but I can understand some of this particular family's reasoning for doing so.  And I do think it's a family decision, not just Jeanette.

[CousinAmy]

I was very concerned that when the family with the little girl came over, Jazz's parents told them about the death threats, was it worth it for her to be so open, etc. But there was a 5-year-old child on television! I would be scared silly to have my child on TV, after hearing that Jazz was getting death threats! Do they plan to make her a child activist, too?

 

I know people who think that Ruby Bridges' parents for wrong putting her through the gauntlet she faced when she started school. Parents are supposed to protect their children, but sometimes they have their own agenda. I really don't think a 5-year-old is capable of making the decision to be an activist. They can do things like try to protect a tree in a park, or even collect books for other kids in their neighborhood. But neither of those will make them a target for hate and possible violence. 

 

Did Jazz decide to be a trans activist at 5-years-old, or did her parents? (I'm asking because I've never heard of her before this show.) 

[CarolMK]

Just a guess here, but I'm certain a 5 year old isn't capable of making decisions for themselves like becoming a child activist. I had heard of Jazz years ago, maybe on the Oprah Winfrey show or another talk show. I assume it was the parents who either went to the press or they agreed to do interviews about Jazz. Similar to Shirley Temple becoming a movie star back in the 1930's, she was the youngest star at the time and was already at 5 years old, but I don't think Shirley decided entirely on her own she wanted to do this for a living at 5. Her parents must have had a big say in it. 

In my opinion, with any minor involved in a television show or movie, the parents have to be careful that their child is not being exploited. Was Shirley Temple exploited? I'd say yes, certainly, as she began dance lesson and auditions at the age or 3, according to my research. The Gosselin family ? again, yes, I think so, they appeared on camera with their private lives completely exposed starting at the age of 2. All those embarrassing moments like potty training and tantrums are forever out there on the internet for the world to see. What about Jazz? At her age, hopefully she is not being coerced into doing anything that she doesn't want to do. She does seem very mature, well spoken and thoughtful, but she is still only 14 years old. I hope that she doesn't regret going public in the years to come. 

Edited August 13, 2015 by CarolMK