The Duggars: In the Media and TLC

[Adiba]

In all seriousness, doesn't this also describe Catholics consulting a priest?

 

Meet the Nones:

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/05/13/a-closer-look-at-americas-rapidly-growing-religious-nones/

Well, I could see making that comparison, except for a couple of points. First, in the US, RC priests must be educated-- usually first in college then in a seminary -- earning a master of divinity or related degree. Takes about eight years total. Much of the course curriculum includes psychology, sociology, philosophy, and the study of other religions ( with the focus on catholicism, of course). Ben is 20 and relatively uneducated. As for Gothard, I have no idea what his deal is.

Second, people frequently go to therapists or counselors regarding issues that the professional has not experienced-- family therapists who are not married and have no children, addiction specialists who never had an addiction, etc.

IMO, catholic priests are no less qualified to counsel married couples ( within the scope of how their issues are handled from a religious perspective) than an unmarried secular therapist counseling a married couple.

[Darknight]

Well, I could see making that comparison, except for a couple of points. First, in the US, RC priests must be educated-- usually first in college then in a seminary -- earning a master of divinity or related degree. Takes about eight years total. Much of the course curriculum includes psychology, sociology, philosophy, and the study of other religions ( with the focus on catholicism, of course). Ben is 20 and relatively uneducated. As for Gothard, I have no idea what his deal is.

Second, people frequently go to therapists or counselors regarding issues that the professional has not experienced-- family therapists who are not married and have no children, addiction specialists who never had an addiction, etc.

IMO, catholic priests are no less qualified to counsel married couples ( within the scope of how their issues are handled from a religious perspective) than an unmarried secular therapist counseling a married couple.

A therapist actually knows about issues that arises in marriages. They study for years and under go a license exam to get licensed. They're also unbiased and generally don't take sides when dealing with a married couple.

[frenchtoast]

Let's bring this back to mentions of the Duggars in the Media. Thanks!

[questionfear]

Just got a headline alert on my phone from AP News-the Duggars are officially cancelled.

[galax-arena]

Yep, just saw it on Buzzfeed!

 

Here's the AP report.

Edited July 16, 2015 by galax-arena

[NextIteration]

Happy Snoopy Dance!

[Flowers]

This is great news! Should have been much earlier though...this will be even more stress for Anna at this crazy time!

[tobysmom]

Official Statement from TLC

 

http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/19-kids-and-counting/an-official-statement-from-tlc/

[NextIteration]

I'm glad that they FINALLY did it, but I wonder what made them do it today. Nothing eventful has happened. I wonder if something else is about to come out.

 

Perhaps the final nail in the coffin was Obama addressing the Cosby situation.

[kokapetl]

I can't say I'm happy about this. Lots of innocent people will suffer as a result, but I guess it's more important that Josh and Jimchelle DO suffer.

Edited July 16, 2015 by Kokapetl

[galax-arena]

Lots of innocent people will suffer as a result, but I guess it's more important that Josh and Jimchelle suffer.

Innocent people would have continued to suffer had the Duggars continued, too, though. Remember that the 19 Kids platform was what allowed people like Josh and Jimchelle to spew their bigotry and stump for anti-LGBTQ legislation. The LGBTQ population of Fayetteville in particular were also victims. 

 

Not to mention, continuing the show after the sexual abuse allegations were made public would have been socially irresponsible and told us that sexual abuse wasn't something to be taken seriously, which would have hurt other victims out there. 

 

The other Duggar kids aren't the only people that should be taken into consideration here when it comes to determining whether innocent people will suffer. 

Edited July 16, 2015 by galax-arena

[Spencer Hastings]

I can't say I'm happy about this. Lots of innocent people will suffer as a result, but I guess it's more important that Josh and Jimchelle DO suffer.

Agreed. While one could argue that the kids will get a normal, camera-free childhood, I would counter and say that I fear they'll go back to being raised like the oldest kids were. I think the cameras and being more worldly protected those younger kids more than we could ever know.

I think that they're supremely screwed up and yes, Josh and his parents should suffer. But I worry about the kids, who already appear stunted.

Edit: I like the documentary idea and that Jill and Jessa will be featured. I sincerely hope they get something out of it.

Edited July 16, 2015 by Spencer Hastings

[parisprincess]

I'm glad TLC is going to air a show about child sexual abuse because that is more the type of show that should be on The Learning Channel, rather than crappy shows like 19KAC and Gypsy Sisters.  These kind of shows are good for snarking on, but the fact that they actually have fans who look up to them is disturbing.  Thank you, TLC, for finally doing the right thing.

[junemeatcleaver]

But who will suffer?  It's up to Jim Bob and Michelle to financially support the youngest children and it should be up to the grown children to support themselves.  As for the crew, they'll be given work on other TLC shows. 

 

TLC made the right decision, I don't see how they could continue with the show after Jim Bob and Michelle's Fox News interview.

[JoanArc]

My phone just gave me an alert saying TLC officially canceled 19kac!

 

http://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/tlc-cancels-19-kids-counting-amid-duggar-family-scandal-n393156

 

Yup, it's over!

Edited July 16, 2015 by JoanArc

[kokapetl]

Innocent people would have continued to suffer had the Duggars continued, too, though. Remember that the 19 Kids platform was what allowed people like Josh and Jimchelle to spew their bigotry and stump for anti-LGBTQ legislation.

From what I could see, Duggar politics was mostly inept involvement in the flailing last gasps of conservative issues. And as odious as it was, encouraging like minded people to vote was democratic. I can't say that hoping they wouldn't vote is in the spirit of democracy.

The 16 kids at home are who I'm worried about.

[allonsyalice]

and from the duggar blog

 

thank god it's over, to be quite honest.

[Skittl1321]

Canceled: http://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/tlc-cancels-19-kids-counting-amid-duggar-family-scandal-n393156?cid=sm_fb

 

My god it took them long enough.

[parisprincess]

I think the cameras and being more worldly protected those younger kids more than we could ever know.

 

All the Duggar kids will be fine.  Yeah, they have been and will continue to be raised with JB and Michelle's beliefs, but that would happen anyway.  They're not going to be beat, go hungry or be neglected because the cameras are gone.  The littles still have Jana, Jinger and Joy to take care of them.

[Bella]

They'll try to resurface on YouTube or something. The money won't be good, but they're also addicted to the attention.

[kokapetl]

But who will suffer? It's up to Jim Bob and Michelle to financially support the youngest children and it should be up to the grown children to support themselves.

I really hope Jimchelle have arranged things so the trust belongs to all the family members. The kids will really need it.

[3 is enough]

 

While one could argue that the kids will get a normal, camera-free childhood, I would counter and say that I fear they'll go back to being raised like the oldest kids were. I think the cameras and being more worldly protected those younger kids more than we could ever know.

I agree with this 100%.  I was already concerned that the younger kids were slipping through the cracks as far as education was concerned, but at least the constant presence of the cameras and crew acted as a buffer.  

 

I assume JB and Michelle are furious about the loss of income. I just hope the Howlers and Lost Girls don't suffer the consequences of that anger.

[JoanArc]

A little voice in my head says 19kac is cancelled because Jill & Jessa: Women On The Loose is generating enough good footage or a spin-off. I hope I'm wrong.

[b2H]

Glad I didn't hang by the neck waiting for this.

 

Maybe, as a nation, we are finally going to address these behaviors - I agree above that Obama's statement re: rape yesterday, may've been a catalyst.

[NextIteration]

I think it's done.

 

Go listen to what Obama said yesterday.

 

I know that Jill and Jessa are victims but there is too close of an association.

[humbleopinion]

Here's the Time article about the you-took-your-sweet-time TLC announcement

http://time.com/3960774/19-kids-and-counting-canceled-duggar/

[kokapetl]

A little voice in my head says 19kac is cancelled because Jill & Jessa: Women On The Loose is generating enough good footage or a spin-off. I hope I'm wrong.

I hope you're right. Jill and Jessa (and the other non Josh kids) need that money.

[Spencer Hastings]

The littles still have Jana, Jinger and Joy to take care of them.

Until Jana, Jinger, and Joy get married. Even still, in a patriarchal household, JB still has final say over them. They won't be able to protect them from everything.

[galax-arena]

A little voice in my head says 19kac is cancelled because Jill & Jessa: Women On The Loose is generating enough good footage or a spin-off. I hope I'm wrong.

Well, it looks like the abuse documentary will feature Jill and Jessa, at least. Which I guess makes sense, but if they're going to peddle the same bullshit that they did in the Fox interviews...

[Cherrio]

Of course I am glad the show was axed, but I got an instant bad feeling reading the release.

 

I guess I will have to wait until the special is aired, but I just don't think Jill and Jessa could ever be honest about anything.  If that is the case, then the special for me would be a fail.   TLC is not known for honesty and caring at all about the well being of children.

 

Also, what was NOT said is telling, as in I think they will definitely have other Duggar shows in the future. In fact if I was forced to bet at this moment, they are filming and have been filming all along.

[Wildcard]

 

I agree with this 100%.  I was already concerned that the younger kids were slipping through the cracks as far as education was concerned, but at least the constant presence of the cameras and crew acted as a buffer.

 

But wasn't this going to happen at some point anyway? The cameras and crew were not going to be there forever, and some generation of the Duggars would have to grow without the show.

[Flowers]

Thinking though that just because 19k is cancelled doesn't mean there won't be a spinoff unfortunately. If so, those sponsors will need to be hammered with opposition.

Edited July 16, 2015 by Flowers

[Cherrio]

I really hope Jimchelle have arranged things so the trust belongs to all the family members. The kids will really need it.

Those kids will never see a penny.......ever.

[galax-arena]

Also, what was NOT said is telling, as in I think they will definitely have other Duggar shows in the future. In fact if I was forced to bet at this moment, they are filming and have been filming all along.

Sort of like how TLC "cancelled" Little People, Big World, but then kept coming out with special after special. 

[kokapetl]

I think it's done.

Go listen to what Obama said yesterday.

I know that Jill and Jessa are victims but there is too close of an association.

Are they tainted goods, or is the importance of the perpetrators suffering more important than the victims welfare? I think either are poor messages to send to people molested by family members.

[Readalot]

Yea! I wonder what FINALLY triggered TLC to do this. It's sad that this wasn't their response within 72 hours in May (again looking at the Honey Boo Boo situation). Bravo for Obama's strong words if that was the final straw. I too think the the married girls have a show (I almost wrote sitcom) in the works.

[msblossom]

I'm glad this chapter is finally coming to a close. I agree that the Duggars will desperately look for other networks or mediums to blast their religious and family values. I hope TLC puts the speculation of a Jessa and Ben spinoff to bed as well.

So long, Duggars.

[Maizie131]

I may be way off base, but one of my initial reactions was that possibly TLC was waiting for the "ratings" results of the past 2 nights' new shows:  "My Giant Life" and "I am Jazz" to see if they had to even worry about bringing the Duggars back in any form.  Duggar cancellation the day after "I am Jazz" airs?  After all, it's all about the money for TLC, right? 

 

I actually watched both those programs & still not sure I'll continue due to heartbreaking content of both. (I know...Dept. of Redundancy Dept., but you know what I mean!)

Edited July 16, 2015 by Maizie131

[NextIteration]

Are they tainted goods, or is the importance of the perpetrators suffering more important than the victims welfare? I think either are poor messages to send to people molested by family members.

 

Nope.

 

But they perpetuate a lifestyle of patriarchy that is a problem.

[tobysmom]

I hope you're right. Jill and Jessa (and the other non Josh kids) need that money.

I'm sorry but really - they can work!  The only thing that is stopping them is their parents.  As other's have said, their life was going to be what it is no matter what.

 

Jill and Jessa are in their 20's, grown women; they shouldn't have to depend on daddy.

[Cherrio]

I hope you're right. Jill and Jessa (and the other non Josh kids) need that money.

What they really need is to find out how the real world works, which is to actually work.    I don't think a majority of America wants to support a bunch of hate mongers who have never worked a honest day in their lives.

Their con worked longer than most, but its in the toilet now where it should be, along with big mouth Tidy Bowl Bin.

[lottiedottie]

Thinking though that just because 19k is cancelled doesn't mean there won't be a spinoff unfortunately. If so, those sponsors will need to be hammered with opposition.

I'm of the mind that there will definitely be a series of VSEs in the future or some sort of spinoff. Sometime in 2016, I bet!

[kathe5133]

Yes!  That is good news!  I'm very happy to hear.

[Pete Martell]

From what I could see, Duggar politics was mostly inept involvement in the flailing last gasps of conservative issues. And as odious as it was, encouraging like minded people to vote was democratic. I can't say that hoping they wouldn't vote is in the spirit of democracy.

 

It wasn't just encouraging people to vote. It was spewing ugly, bigoted bile that had a negative, chilling effect on local policy. 

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/18/michelle-duggar-anti-discrimination-proposal_n_5689840.html

 

As for the Duggars, I imagine they will get tons of speaking gigs and money rolling in from those who see them as martyrs and victims of the Hollywood liberal agenda. And I'm sure TLC will still exploit them in some way. TLC is good at that.

[galax-arena]

What they really need is to find out how the real world works, which is to actually work.    I don't think a majority of America wants to support a bunch of hate mongers who have never worked a honest day in their lives.

Yeah, I mean, I'm not really into !!bootstraps!! mentality, but no one is entitled to a television show and fame. The Duggars in particular used their platform for odious purposes and I'm glad it's been yanked away from them. I wish it hadn't taken child sexual abuse for TLC to pull the plug, of course. 

 

Actually, I might not mind a Jill/Derick spin-off - if we had to have one - because they at least seem like relatively okay people who aren't as interested in using their fame to say a bunch of bullshit. Jessa and Ben are assholes though. I find their instagram rants amusing and actually don't want them to stop there, but I'd hate for them to get a TV show. 

 

 

From what I could see, Duggar politics was mostly inept involvement in the flailing last gasps of conservative issues.

Michelle was directly involved in helping an anti-discrimination ordinance be repealed. Marriage equality isn't the be all, end all of LGBT issues. We might be slowly and inexorably marching towards greater equal rights, but we are far from there, and I'm tired of people acting like I need to suck it up just because "we'll get there eventually." Yeah, we will, and in the meantime, how many more people will be hurt? This isn't just some hypothetical theory or thought exercise, there are real people's lives at stake. (As an aside, this is why I want to shake everyone who said that we just needed to let the states decide on marriage equality. The rights of the minority should never be held at the whims/tyranny of the majority.) 

 

And y'know what, I'm okay with discouraging people from fearmongering and lying to get transphobic/homophobic assholes out to the polls. It's not like I want them to be legally disenfranchised from voting... that's their style, not mine.

Edited July 16, 2015 by galax-arena

[kokapetl]

Nope.

But they perpetuate a lifestyle of patriarchy that is a problem.

Ben never wore the pants in his relationship with Jessa, she's older and the husband's boss's daughter. His employment is at the discretion of her family. Derick, I dunno, he's a weird one.

[zoomama]

it's interesting to me about this planned documentary that will include jill and jessa. are they going to send cameras out to the mission field to film jill's part? or mayb e her part is alreadey done. who knows, but i suppose i will watch the documentary anyway.

[Mindymoo]

I'm sorry but really - they can work!  The only thing that is stopping them is their parents.  As other's have said, their life was going to be what it is no matter what.

 

Jill and Jessa are in their 20's, grown women; they shouldn't have to depend on daddy.

Exactly. Get a job and, I know this may be hard for them giving their Gothardism brainwashing and all, but only have enough kids as you can comfortably afford on you and your husband's salary. Most young women don't have reality TV shows and do just fine.

[kokapetl]

What they really need is to find out how the real world works, which is to actually work.

I haven't heard great things about being uneducated yokels in America.

[NextIteration]

Ben never wore the pants in his relationship with Jessa, she's older and the husband's boss's daughter. His employment is at the discretion of her family. Derick, I dunno, he's a weird one.

 

We'll just have to agree to disagree.