Every Friday my syndicated column appears in a bunch of newspapers in southeastern Ontario and Saskatchewan. This week’s column is about the circuses of distraction we seek–like Honey Boo Boo–and their impact on our culture .
Frequent readers of this column will know that I am not a fan of contemporary culture. Every critique I have written to date, though, pales in comparison to this:
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo proves that we are witnessing The End of the World as We Know It.
Perhaps the Mayans were onto something.
For those of you not familiar with this monstrosity, Honey Boo Boo Child is the nickname of six-year-old Alana Thompson, a rather rotund contestant made famous by the show Toddlers and Tiaras. Her favourite slogan is “a dollar makes me holler”, which made me want to gag. Her mother dresses up her offspring in over-the-top outfits, teaches her to talk and act like a tramp, and fosters this freakish persona for all to see. I have not seen the show (we don’t subscribe to cable), but I’ve watched enough YouTube clips that my brain’s constant refrain is now “make it stop”.
The cultural appeal of Honey Boo Boo is similar to that of a train wreck: it’s so awful that you just can’t look away.
And this is not, of course, a new phenomenon. In the past we had circuses with bearded ladies or elephant men. Centuries ago families would embark on a nice Sunday outing to watch the latest hanging. We have always enjoyed watching freaks. It makes us feel better about ourselves.
And pretty much everyone is better than Miss Alana’s mother, who feeds her child a mixture of Red Bull and Mountain Dew (her “go go juice”) to boost Honey Boo Boo’s energy during pageants. Few of us would ever parent that badly. And so the show has wide appeal. In fact, more people watched Here Comes Honey Boo Boo than watched the Republican National Convention in the United States. The people who will be determining the next leader of the free world aren’t bothering to listen to the candidates; they’re watching a family that gives rednecks a bad name.
I do not believe that everybody should watch all political debates or conventions; that truly is a personal choice. At the same time, though, our world is facing major problems. The Middle East is in an uproar again; Europe is disintegrating; China is flexing its muscles. Perhaps it is hardly surprising that we should choose instead to watch reality TV shows, where we can immerse ourselves in this alternate reality, and ignore the even scarier one that is encroaching upon us.
Nevertheless, this is a huge cultural blunder. Back in Roman days the senators and leaders provided “bread and circuses” to distract the masses. They produced dramatic yet gory extravaganzas so the people would be appeased and would have something to think about and talk about rather than how corrupt and inept the government was. And it worked.
The difference today is that it is not our leaders putting on circuses to distract us. We are doing it to ourselves willingly.
After millennia of people fighting for freedom, we are choosing instead to ignore the real issues and gloat about obese redneck freak shows. I know I frequently border on snobbery, and so perhaps I am putting too grim a spin on it. But I can’t help feeling that a free people must deserve to be free. And a free people must be vigilant about staying that way. I don’t think a society immersed in Honey Boo Boo, or the Kardashians, or the latest sex tape qualifies. And so I worry about what cultural phenomenon comes next.
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Sheila Wray Gregoire has been married for 29 years and happily married for 24! She loves traveling around North America with her hubby in their RV, giving her signature "Girl Talk" about sex and marriage. And she's written 7 books. About sex and marriage. See a theme here? Plus she knits. Even in line at the grocery store.
Well said! Though when it comes to watching secular news–about as fun as going to the dentist–Mark Twain noted that: “If you don’t read the newspaper, you are uninformed; if you do read the newspaper, you are misinformed.”
These days, it’s the truth that the media is NOT telling us and conveniently ignoring that bothers me the most.
P.S. (one more quote): “A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.” — President Dwight D. Eisenhower
So good, too!
Greg–LOVE that quote! But then, that’s why I read blogs, not newspapers. 🙂 And I think I’m pretty well informed.
You are so right, Sheila. We call it the dumbing down of America and it is so true. People just want to be taken care of by a big, bloated government while forgetting the values that made our country great, hard work. We are definitely on the Titanic…
Sheila, I totally agree! We do not have cable either and the only shows that we watch are on PBS. I have heard enough about the popular shows on Facebook to keep me from wanting to watch them even if I had access.
Our culture has gone downhill, and it seems to be rolling faster and faster!
I don’t think you’re bordering on snobbery at all. I think you’re 100% correct. We don’t have cable either and I don’t miss it. Cable channels are just airing more and more “reality” shows where people treat each other with contempt and disrespect and generally act like idiots. That is not reality. There is no “reality” in reality television. Even the competition shows are not real. Producers specifically cast “roles” in the contestants, and then they pick who they want to win and produce the show to portray that person favorably. It’s a machine. A money-making media machine.
Though I agree with the majority of what you said, this part didn’t set right with me: “And pretty much everyone is better than Miss Alana’s mother.” – It isn’t our place to judge her & God still loves her. Why not pray for the family instead of talking bad about them? I don’t agree with 99.9% of what they do, but it still isn’t my place to judge / speak badly about them. Just thought I’d share 🙂
I guess I’d just say Jessica that just because I make those comments doesn’t mean that I’m not also praying. And I think that this is the sort of thing where we definitely DO have to draw a line in the sand. We can’t just sit back and say nothing because we don’t want to judge. This woman is raising her child to act like a stripper. She is raising her child to think that all that matters is money and fame. And she is raising her child to be very unhealthy.
But she’s also doing it in the public eye, which means that she is inviting people to talk about her (that’s why she got the show). And I also think that given how horrible our society is becoming with parenting, some things just need to be said. Dressing your child up like a tramp when she is 6 is simply not acceptable. It isn’t. It is wrong. It is horrible parenting. And we all need to be saying that loud and clear! If we don’t, then she gets positive attention from what she’s done, which is exactly the wrong message that we want to share!
In this article, you are implying that this mom and her daughter are freaks. That is the wrong thing to do. If you want any change for this family, calling them freaks is not going to make them want to be like you. I have watched Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and one thing is obvious from the start. These parents love their kids and all of them enjoy doing things together as a family. Though they may have some things wrong like beauty pageants and rude social behavior and poor eating habits, they have some things right. Like good work ethic and spending time together as a family and trying something new and different and not caring what other people think. These kids are well loved and have great self esteem. There does not seem to be any marital issues, the kids listen to their parents, they work together as a family, they seem financially responsible, and they are having fun together as a family. By the way, this mom and her daughter would probably just accept you for who you are, invite you to their home, and provide a feast and some entertainment you will never forget. They would “love on you” because you are their quest.
I am with Carolyn on this one. While I don’t agree with a lot of what the family does, and they have made some mistakes, the tone of this article just doesn’t sit right with me. They do seem to care a great deal about each other and are not asking for handouts. I don’t think they should have a show, and I think as a whole TLC should be shut down. But that being said I don’t think they are all that is wrong with today’s youth.
As for the news aspect. I had to stop watching the majority of the news. I keep myself informed, but for the most part most news stations are so biased one way or another and bad news sells, so that is what they broadcast. I found myself paranoid and depressed when I watched a lot of news. I also get so fed up listening to all the mudslinging and arguing of the debates that I don’t really bother, you don’t actually learn much about the candidates by watching.
Great comments Carolyn! From what I have seen of this show, your comments are spot on! They do seem to be a very loving family and isn’t that the most important thing we as parents can bring to our children? I doubt I would agree 100% with anyone on all family/marriage/parenting decisions, which is what is so wonderful about each of being unique individuals.
I don’t watch much reality TV…I find it a little ridiculous most of the time, but I can find the humor and entertainment value in these shows for some people. While I did watch parts of each of the conventions, I watch the news every day, and I try to read a paper or check MSN or CNN, etc everyday, I also enjoy a comedy or drama when I have time to watch television and it isn’t tuned to Disney, NickJR., or ESPN. Life can be simple and enjoyed at times.
I have a little trouble with comments condeming modern society, contemporary culture, modern conviences, and proclaim we are headed to hell in a handbasket, but then use computers, the internet, You Tube (all parts of contemporary culture) and use modern TV and movies and books as a reference, indicating you have seen/read the information. Isn’t that a bit of a oxymoron? Condemn modern culture whilest consuming it???
Thank you for sharing your perspective Carolyn! You completely changed my view point on this situation! Your comment comes across in a very Christ-like manner, something I am definitely striving for…thank you for pointing out the good and wholesome stuff in a program that is usually in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
I used to write a lot of articles just like this one. Then, I realized, I really am not called to judge other people’s lives. I’m called to live my own the way I feel God leading me to. Maybe this applies here – I have never seen this program (we don’t have TV either) but I get the idea. It’s shockism. It’s what the media does. And yes, we are “entertaining ourselves to death” as Neil Postman once said. But, I just think there needs to be a heap of grace when it comes to speaking about how others choose to live. We are called to focus within… maybe that’s the feeling some of these other commenters are feeling as well. Just my humble thought… thanks.
I am sick of people saying “Judge not lest ye be judge”. This is missing the point of Matthew 7. People love quoting verse one but never go any further. Jesus was not saying not to judge, He was saying check your own life first before you correct someone else. Jesus corrected sin and wrong doing when he saw it. We can look later in Matt. 7:9 and Jesus talks about how a normal father would act with his children. Parents are responsible for their kids. Honey Boo Boo’s mother is not making the best choices for her daughter. Someone needs to step in and help her better raise her daughter. This world needs more godly older parents and grandparents that are willing to mentor our younger generation on how to raise to godly kids in an ungodly world (I am the younger generation). We need to stop buying into the world and base what we think and how we raise our kids on the Bible. This is our only source of truth.
Sure, but the whole idea is that we never measure up. We’re never “ok”. So, then, the inward reflection continues on and on and on. What you’re saying about some one else “stepping in” is totally a matter of opinion. You believe the bible is the standard for ‘good’ parenting. Many do not agree. If we as Christians are allowed to condemn and suggest someone “step in” then why not other religious and non-religions suggesting some one come in a ‘save’ our kids from our ridiculous teachings? That’s dangerous water… The bible is really clear on the topic of judging others. Not just this verse but many, many, many verses where we are asked to love primarily. that is the highest goal.
To each, his own. I’m not a fan of the show (yes, I’ve watched) but I don’t think it’s a huge deal. Honey Boo Boo has come to “stand for” so much more to lots of people.
Your comment about China “flexing its muscles” is unclear to me. Is a powerful China a horrible thing for this world? I think maybe that vague statement sounds much harsher than you mean it to?
No, I think what China is doing threatening Japan right now is definitely dangerous. And I do think that it needs to be considered seriously!
I finally bit the bullet yesterday and watched some of Honey Boo Boo on Youtube. And I was just shocked. I had seen some memes, so I knew that they were a little over-the-top, but I seriously could not believe that they fed her energy drink!
Very well said. My heart breaks for that child as the long term effects on her life are so sad to think about…. That being said, it is a very sad state of affairs when people watch the show enough to have it gain air time. Even worse is the fact TV network executives would put it on the air, but then money is more important than morals at their level…another sad, sad statement. Love Eisenhower’s quote and the reality of that quote is being seeing multiple times over in today’s society. We are the proverbial frog in the pot of water and the water is slowly getting closer to the boiling point….praise God for parents who stand against the tide!!!!
I guess I’m in the minority here. Yes, I think the show is ridiculous and I can say that because I have actually watched an episode or two. However, I think a lot of people are underestimating the Coupon Queen. While she may come off as ignorant, listen closely to her grammar. Every now and then she slips up and uses big words. And she uses them appropriately. To the point that it makes me think that the dumb hillbilly act may be just that – an act. And have you paid attention to how HAPPY their family is? She has taught her kids to genuinely love each other and it shows! The teenagers aren’t holed up in their rooms sulking somewhere. They are involved! They work their tails off to give presents to needy kids. Isn’t that what its all about? No, I don’t condone what she feeds her kids or the language that they use, but at least she feeds them and most importantly, she spends time with them and teaches them that they are special. As far as I’m concerned, she’s doing better than MOST parents I know.
Sadly, I live in the south, and this is more prevalent than I’d prefer. I’ve seen babies with Dr. Pepper in their bottles and 4 year old girls wearing “booty” shorts and doing the most vulgar dances, because that’s what their Mom’s let them wear and they see the behaviour on television. I watched about 5 minutes of the show, just to see what the hype is about. I couldn’t watch more. It was repugnant to me.
I do have cable, and there are some “reality” shows that I enjoy, “Iron Chef” and “Swamp People” being among the few that I watch when I can. Otherwise, most of my TV show watching is on Netflix. I love that program. I haven’t tried Hulu Plus yet. I heard it was REALLY good for seasons.
“SADLY, I live in the south”? Move
I am not a huge fan of the show or anything, but I have watched it on occasion. I agree that it is a train wreck, but they seem happy. Feeding your child Red Bull is wrong, yes, but that is definitely not the worst thing that a parent can do (and by the way, all those pageant parents feed their kids that and also sugar cubes and pixie sticks). Dressing her as a stripper (your words, not mine)…thousands and thousands of parents do those pageants all the time and dress their kids in even worse outfits than Honey Boo Boo and those are also on TV.
Marisa, why does your “heart break for that child”? Just because she is not being raised as you deem fit? “The long term effects on her life”, will be that she was loved and supported in everything she did. That family may not have a pot to piss in, but they are HAPPY…very strange, but happy.
Also, I would like to say that I am a very informed person, but I would much rather watch Honey Boo Boo (or any other mindless show that gives you a break from everyday worries for just a bit), than watch politicians talk out of their butts! It’s all lies (no matter which side you are on) and no matter what shows are on TV, this country is sinking like a brick!
Thanks for your comment, Vanessa!
I guess what I’d say, if I could speak for the point Marisa was making, is that happiness is not really the measure of a good life to me. It’s really whether you do right or do wrong, and yes, I do think there is such a thing (as does Marisa). I know that’s not a popular opinion, but I definitely think it is WRONG to dress a child like a stripper (or Daisy Duke, or whatever). Even if she appears happy. Because in the long run this is the wrong message.
Lots of people do things to make them “happy” which in the end increase the misery in the world. People leave marriages so they can be “happier”, never mind the wreck they leave behind with the kids. They work harder and harder and cheat and steal to make more money, and hurt people in the process. Happy really shouldn’t be our measure. When you’re looking just at happiness, you’re looking at the world through very selfish glasses. It’s not about what I’m doing to make the world a better place; it’s about what the world can do for me.
And I also believe that those who are concerned with doing what is right will, in the long run, be truly more joyful and more at peace. Like I said, I know that’s not a popular position. But I do think it’s true.
I completely disagree with you. I believe that happiness is what it is all about. Unhappy people usually do wrong things and do not even try to make the world a better place. How many happy people do you think are in our jails and prisons? Happy people are the one’s who are the most giving and caring.
Are you a parent? Dressing that child up in that one inappropriate outfit was wrong. The mother made a mistake. Have you ever made a mistake? I consider myself a very good Mom, but I make horrible mistakes daily. I have two teenage boys and it is very hard to always make the right choice with disciplining/raising them. The Honey Boo Boo Mom has two or three teenage daughters and they are always dressed appropriately, work, and they help others. They are a bit on the crass side, but I consider that a small character flaw, which everyone has a few.
Also, if a person is happy, they are not the one’s who are divorcing and leaving behind their families. The one’s who are leaving so they can be “happier” are the one’s who are miserable in the first place. Wanting happiness and striving for happiness is not selfish. True happy people are the one’s who are non judgmental and are trying to make a difference in the world. People who I know, who put happiness up high on their list of priorities, are the people who are volunteering at shelters, keeping an eye on their elderly neighbors, collecting Christmas presents for different organizations, and whatever else they can do.
I am extremely concerned with doing what is right and I do not really think that is a unpopular position for most people, believe it or not.
I am raising my boys to do what makes them happy. So far, their start of their journey to become happy adults is going great. They both love to do things for others and are all around good kids…and they are HAPPY.
I’ve actually written quite a bit about how happiness should never be the point in life–that happiness can’t be something that you aim for, but that it’s instead a by-product of something else that’s more important. You can find that post here.
Let’s just agree to disagree. I usually don’t reply on people’s blogs and I just came across your blog today, but your whole post just bothered me. You just seemed very judgmental and “hoity-toity” to me and it rubbed me the wrong way. It’s all good. You believe your way and I will believe mine. 🙂
You’re right, Sheila. We’re not called to be happy, but holy. Seeking solely to fulfill our own desires is selfish and usually ends in disappointment and hurt. Seeking to do God’s will and following His leading is the only way to have true joy.
I hesitate to point out the splinter in your eye when I know there’s a big ol’ log in my own, but I think the fact that you mock a 6-year-old’s weight…twice…publicly…in this post really diminishes your (ultimately valid) argument and hurts your witness.
I know what you’re saying, Amelia. Perhaps that was the wrong choice. But I do feel that she shouldn’t be so PROUD of the fact that her children are overweight. Being overweight as a child is not a good thing, and parents should be trying to prevent it. Yet one of her older daughter’s names is “Chubs”. That seems just wrong I think. But I do agree that I went too far on bringing up the obesity issue!
Many well made points expressed in possibly a poor choice of words.
I can understand your anger at the values that this TV ‘family’ seems to have and your frustration in the lack of interest many people show in what is truly going on in the real world – which will, for the most part, determine our futures on this planet…and those who are not following world news will be left scratching their heads in the end.
I just feel that the name calling and judgement are unnecessary and out of place for a Christian blog and that the point of your article would have been just as easy to understand and absorb without it.
Okay, here’s the bottom line for me: Putting a 6-year-old in a sexualized beauty pageant is ALWAYS wrong. Even if your family is happy. Even if your family laughs a lot. Even if you seem happy. It just isn’t right. And I won’t compromise on that :).
I’m heading away from the computer now, so the rest of you can have fun in the comments! I appreciate the back and forth here!
I live in the south as well. I can’t stand the mere idea of the show and have NO DESIRE to watch it at all. I personally feel it is a waste of time. Unfortunately, many people can relate to this show. I’ve seen some very poor parenting in my surrounding areas. I definitely seen it in our local schools (hence why I home school our kids.)
I’m reading a book about parenting teens for review, and I can’t help but agree with the author. It’s becoming a more dangerous world out there for our kids. With each passing year it continues to get worse. When will we who believe in God and honest morals be able to take back over?? Is it really going to take God coming back for us to be able to make a difference??
Thank you, Sheila for the post. I too am concerned at what our world is coming to. For those who focused too much on Sheila’s words or whether or not she was being to judgemental, I think you miss the overall point she was trying to make. We all have our issues, the logs in our eyes if you will, and we are all imperfect human beings. Sheila could have used practically any television show, reality or not, to make her point.
As a still learning and still growing Christian of only 3 years, I don’t watch this type of garbage anymore because this show and others like it do nothing to inspire, uplift, or more importantly, give glory to God and Jesus. As a Christian, I can pray for these people while at the same time pray for myself because of the logs in my own eye. The problem is many in our society do not know God or Jesus, nor of what the Bible says and turn to these types of shows, which just exasperate the issue. Parading children around and objectifying them is wrong.
Oh, Vanessa, I so disagree with your post on happiness. One of the problems in our society is the notion that happiness is something easily obtained – the proverbial pursuit of happiness. Check out this awesome video that really puts “happiness” into a whole new light: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5JaXoy_5Ic. This video was included as a part of a message series on happiness at my church. If the link doesn’t work, just search for “Smiling Addiction” video. To put some context with it, listen to the message series at: http://www.hopeinjesus.org/site/audiodownloads.asp?sec_id=180000759 and look for the Happiness Addiction series (both audio and video are available). Sheila, I think you’ll find this interesting (and relevant) as well. The pursuit of happiness leads us to emptiness. Happiness is found in the status of holiness, which we have in Christ.
Child exploitation is never an option… ever.
I dislike toddlers and tiara’s ,,,who in their right ‘sane’ mind would do that to a baby and call it entertainment?? sick parents, and sick audiences who condone the behavior and say it is OK.
We must put a stop to this type of behavior. It is child abuse and wrong.
Child abuse on stange and encouraged?
I dislike it all greatly.
It exploits the little ones.
Who are these adults who think this is OK all in the name of the mighty dollar in their bank> really?? is it worth it to sell out your child for the sake of entertainment?
so wrong.
HI Sheila
I’m sorry you are getting so much flack over this article. I think one of the things that has drawn me to your blog and your books is that you are not afraid to say it like it is and you don’t compromise.
Christianity needs more people like you. IMHO compromise is at the root of most of the problems in the modern church. Yeshua did not call us to be nice. He did not call us to walk around with our eyes closed just making sure that our own lives are OK. He called us to be different. To come out of the world and to make a difference by the things that we do and say.
It won’t always be popular to speak against the trend. People want to ignore the horrific downhill slide of modern society because they are scared of where it will lead. Your blog is a small reminder that we need to diligently guard our hearts and minds and challenge the powers of darkness daily.
Thank you for all your hard work.
I don’t personally watch this show, I don’t like what I’ve heard, so I choose not to watch it because I think that it would not personally benefit my life. This is the same reason I do not watch the freak show lie fest that is the mainstream news and politics of both sides…..personal choice, though, we all have it.
Foreign policy is very propagandized, be very careful what you believe…and always remember that our mission was to reach the world being an example of the love of our Jesus so that others might believe, he didn’t put any safety regulations on the other side for this.
thank YOU! It’s so refreshing to read something from someone who actually thinks!!! I completely agree. It’s interesting to me how little people know about the presidential candidates aside from their advertising. I like your statement where you said a people needs to deserve to be free. There will always be lazy and just plain indifferent people, but as a majority, our country has become apathetic. Surviving on the latest entertaining scandal!
http://www.munchtalk.net/
We need more christians to stand up and boldly speak the truth. There is so much political correctness going around I think people do not recognize the truth. Umm…..seems like an issue I just read about in the book of Acts this week. THANK YOU FOR BOLDLY TELLING THE TRUTH!
I don’t watch tv, period. I tend to avoid television news and politics especially. Anything any politician says is a load of crap simply intended to pander to the extremists. Everything politicians and political commentators say is a talking point, and they have been using the same exact talking points from the very beginning. It’s entirely sad and ridiculous. It doesn’t matter who gets elected – we’re being flushed down the toilet regardless. Look at the history of the world, the history of the ancient world all the way to the history of the modern world – the real history, not the idealized history that we’re force-fed from childhood. Politicians are always the same. People are always the same. For the entire recorded history of mankind, the masses have willingly and eagerly flocked to be distracted from real issues by unwholesome entertainment, whether freak shows or violence or sex. There was never any golden age of purity. There was never any “back in the day, when the world was a better place.” The world has always been corrupt, and it always will be. Politicians have always lied and been power-hungry and corrupt, and they always will. The lustful, violent, gluttonous excesses of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The torrid history of the Catholic Church. The oppression of religious governments, the oppression of secular governments. The Rococo period, marked by STDs. Unthinkable cruelty based on a difference in nationality, ethnicity or beliefs. You think pornography is a relatively new thing? Think again – the first recorded porn was discovered in the ruins of Pompeii. Unrealistic standards of beauty have existed from the beginning of time. And the history of the U.S.A. is horribly tainted by atrocities, from the very beginning. This is a sinful, depraved world we live in – it has been since the fall of man, and nothing will change that.
There are many bad people doing a myriad of horrible things in this world, and if there’s something we can do to make things right, we should do it. But as far as the politicians in this country – forget it. One is not better than the other. All of the fanatical ideas on both sides are massively flawed – and did I mention extremist? – and no sane person who can cross party lines will ever have a chance of being elected.
It should be no great shock that untold numbers of people eagerly watch disgusting reality shows. People have been doing that since the beginning of time – only now, it’s on a television, whereas before it was something you attended “in real life.” Now it’s fat little girls dressing like sluts. “Back in the day,” it was innocent people being torn to shreds by starved lions in front of a cheering, bloodthirsty crowd.
I’ve watched a few episodes of this show. I agree with you Sheila. Putting a 7yr old in a bikini is wrong. Promoting teenage promiscuity is wrong seeing as how her eldest daughter is now a mom. None of the girls have the same father. Not one. And the mom isn’t even married to the father of Alana. It’s not promoting good family values whatsoever. I don’t care how ‘happy’ they appear to be on their TV show. I just pray that their 15minutes is up soon! Because to me, their show is worse than watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians!
I think your comments about Honey-booboo crossed the line. You must remember she is a child, and your comments are very hurtful. That mother in no way is raising her child to be a stripper! Yes she is in pageants but that is in no way promoting being a stripper. If you watched the show you would see June ( the mother) is an extreme couponer and is very tight with her money. She in no way is raising her kids to be money loving people. If you want to pick on somebody try the Kardashians or the Jersey Shore crew!!
I’m sorry, Amanda, but she is dressing her daughter like Daisy Duke and she is training her daughter to say “a dollar makes me holler”, which is a stripper phrase in my neck of the woods. I am not sure how else you interpret dressing a 6-year-old in sexually provocative outfits.
I am not saying that the mother does not have other redeeming qualities; but the fact that we cannot draw the line at not dressing a child up in “sexy wear” when they are 6 really scares me. Is nothing sacred anymore?
I totally agree with you.
But, to be fair, I have to comment that I did watch one episode (I think the first one), and although Alana is the same age as my son, her reading and math skills seemed to be well above his – this was evident when they were shopping for groceries and she was figuring out how much savings there would be, etc. My son is bright and good at math, and he would not be able to do that. I just noticed that and thought, “Well, someone has taught her something!” 🙂
Otherwise, the show and the premise are disgusting. “A dollar makes me holler,” is overtly sexual. Little girls need to look and act like little girls. It scares me to think about all of these little girls either: A) getting pregnant way too young, or B) growing up and expecting to be treated with this posh princess attitude that many of their parents are treating them with now. It makes me shudder to think of my boys looking for their wives among the Toddler & Tiara generation.
“… happiness is not really the measure of a good life to me. ” Absolutely.
Thank you for standing up and saying what needs to be said. I can’t stand much of what is on television, which is why we don’t have one. As a teacher, I have seen the effects of today’s media on our youth, and it isn’t good.
Better to risk sounding “snotty” than to fiddle while Rome burns…