Question of the Day~To Whom do we Place the Blame?
Dec 22nd, 2008 by BohemianMoon
I will never applaud censorship no matter how ugly, controversial, vicious or downright mean a media article/reporting may be. It is that little constitutional thing called, you know, Freedom of Speech, and in this case it is coupled with that little thing called, you know, Freedom of the Press. I may not agree with what is being related, but there never will be a day wherein I would advocate censorship in any form or manner.
The following link is to a NY Post Blog “Pop Wrap” entry from NY Post Blogger Jarett Wieselman regarding who he feels are the top 10 useless characters on TV. It contains a less than kind (and certainly insensitive) description of one of Jon and Kate Gosselin’s oldest children.
It is interesting to note that this writer is snarking on TV Characters.
(One more time)
Characters.
A character on TV or film is an actor that portrays a person that is not real. Writers write what this actor is to say, and the writers as well as the director and the actor themselves, create a personification of the written word (script).
In four words, the personification created is: Not a real person.
Not so in “reality” TV.
While there are characters made in “reality” TV via the producers, writers and the editors, the fodder they use are the qualities (good or bad) of the person themselves. Those qualities are oftentimes highlighted to emphasize and create a caricature of that person.
Hey, it sells.
Over the course of time I have been viewing Jon and Kate Plus Eight, I have seen their children become not characters, but caricatures of themselves, and more often than not, unfairly. One child in particular that I have written about is the clear brunt of the producer, writer and editor’s spin. This drama making, however, is also backed up by this innocent child’s own parents, through their words and actions, repeatedly on the show.
Hey, it sells.
It sells, yes, but at what price?
The child in question is a mere 8 years old. She is a real person, not an actor. This is not character acting a script, this is her living her LIFE.
While I question both the sensitivity and integrity of this NY Post blogger, to not only attack this child, but perceive her as a character in a show - an actor- and group her as such, I have seen worse on blogs/forums from not only non-supporters of the show but from self proclaimed fans alike. She is talked about a great deal and rarely in positive terms. More disturbing, however, has been what I have heard her called by her own parents on the show as they highlight this child’s ever growing frustrations and subsequent emotional meltdowns.
I read the thread that accompanies this blogger’s article and I am struck by the animosity towards the writer and the media in general. While this blogger is not winning any popularity contests with this entry, he has a right to write what he has, even if it is about a child and even if it is about a real living, breathing human being and not words on a page brought to life.
So who is to blame if not the messenger?
I will tell you.
The parents.
Bottom line, that is all she wrote.
They have sold this child’s privacy, dignity and childhood to the highest corporate bidder.
And again I ask you. At what price?
And again I ask you.
Who is to blame?
http://blogs.nypost.com/popwrap/archives/2008/12/pop_wraps_top_1_1.html#more
Bohemian Moon, you have said it. Thank you. Today, I have read the banter back and forth regarding this issue, and have just finished blogging my own thoughts on the subject.
I was struck that anyone would absolve Jon and Kate of their responsibility in this matter. They are the ones who have subjected their children to the public eye, and they are the ones who have allowed for a wonderful child to be so badly characterized.
#1 GingerRose~
You hit that nail on the head. I am gobsmacked that people are blaming this blogger/the media and not the parents.
It truly is mind boggling.
Hi Moon,
While I totally agree that Jon and Kate are responsible for how Mady is being portrayed, I have to say that I disagree with regards to the blogger getting off scott free due to freedom of speech. Some things are just unacceptable, and a grown man writing about an 8 year old girl who is being forced to entertain the world and support her loser parents, should be one of them! These kids are suffering enough and being name called and abused by their own parents enough to last a life time, they should be off limits to crack pot writers who have nothing better to do than shred a child. Freedom of speech/press or not. Just because you CAN say anything you want about anyone/anything you want, does not mean that you should, especially when kids are involved and your intention is to be hurtfull and demeaning. But that is just my opinion
Now if he wanted to replace little Mady with Jon and Kate, and talk of how they exploit/abuse/neglect/use their kids to support their lazy arses, I would support that 100% they are adults who are making poor choices for themselves and their kids and are choosing to be public figures…..I call fair game!
#3 Kristie~
As I stated in my entry, I certainly feel that this blogger was insensitive and I questioned his integrity. It was certainly a poor choice, IMO.
However, as I stated in my entry as well, I will defend his right to pen articles/entries that are within his “paper’s” guidelines and within the scope of his employ of same.
Clearly, I am no fan of censorship.
That being said, again, who is to blame?
I don’t think it is the blogger. I have read worse on other blogs/forums, and certainly NOT only from non-supporters. Regardless, if there were no “reality” series, there would be no fodder.
The blame lies directly on Jon and Kate Gosselin and their greed, IMO.
Is this another “wonderful memory” that can be in this child’s psyche for the rest of her life???
Good going, Kate!
Bravo on the parenting!
Isn’t it interesting, though, that he considers Mady a “character.” It is almost like this show has become something like “The Hills” where the line between reality and scripted program has been blurred. I don’t know where I stand on whether it was right or wrong to say the things that the writer said, but I do find it interesting that he referred to her as a character. I enjoy your site Moon!
I think we all need to remember that this was the NY Post. The newspaper famous for the headline “Headless Body in Topless Bar”. It’s really just a step above the supermarket rags. It thrives on controversy and sensationalism.
Mady and her siblings are now tv personalities subject to bad reviews and baseless gossip like any other actor in the public eye. This will continue to happen as long as her parents keep shoving their kids into the limelight. Funny how all the J&K fawns (I prefer that term to sheeple) don’t make a fuss when there’s a positive article about the G’s. Kids should not be living their life under a microscope.
Holy crap!
I just left my unsolicited 2 cents over there! The dumbass of a writer missed the boat big time.
He should have listed Kate as #1, but #10 would have sufficed in my book.
Obviously a fan and ardent follower of the program as he seems to know better than to incur the wrath of the Kate.
She’d either hit him or demean him in public….or both!
Bohemian Moon,
I also think the parents are to blame. There are a lot of blogs, videos on youtube, myspace comments that are insensitive to the children, when the parents are to blame for putting them in this position in the first place.
I’ve emailed a copy of the blog, along with my thoughts to Paul Petersen, to see what his perspective is on this subject, and will let you know if I hear back from him, it usually takes a few days.
Take Care and Happy Holidays,
Lynnie
First off–This guy’s statements are vile–
I debated(argued) this yesterday untilI wanted to scream–
The only responsibility here lays squarely on the heads of this poor child’s so called parents—
They put her out there–She has been scapegoated by the KONS-
I questioned time & again when pleas were being made to contact the NY POST–What about the parent’s–Contact the parents—
The KONS don’t have a leg to stand on, As soon as the media discovers all they need to do is quote the parents, this child is doomed–
IMO- calling any more attention to this blogger’s words will bring about this girl being drug thru the mud–She will be fair game–
This is the kind of stuff that sells–It will be plastered on covers of magazines, every nasty thing Kate has said about this child–
Kate has held herself out to be a saint walking on the earth–A major mag will out her–In the process, Mady is trashed–
Remember, the KONS have 7 more kids when they are finished with trashing this one–
One blogger wrote yesterday she see’s boarding school in the twins future–Sounds believable to me—
The idiot fans support the KONS–Outraged at the blogger–I’m don’t think I’m tough enough to debate this further with them-Mostly I want to scream, cuss & knock the shit out of their stupid heads–
—lol–My mother always said, using profanity lets all know how stupid you may be—Well Mama, today count me among the dumbest of the dumb–God bless your sole–
I agree that the blame lies directly on J&K, although they (J&K) will most likely blame society if their children have long term emotional damage from this show (if society is to blame for the allowance of fertility treatments that made them have sextuplets - then it wouldn’t be a far cry from blaming society for emotional issues).
Irregardless of how people feel about Kate personally, I find it amazing that her supporters think it’s perfectly all right to expose these children’s personal moments on tv. It makes me think that they (the Kate supporters) enjoy living vicariously through this family so much that they will turn a blind eye to the obvious exploitation of these children.
I have to say, that is bad, but I agree, it is the parents who should carry the blame on this one. How many times have we heard Kate say ‘If filming becomes harmfull in anyway, we will quit’. OK Kate, here it is. If Mady googles her name she will see it. J&K don’t care what these kids see, as long as they are making money.
I think Mady manifests exactly what is happening to these kids for all the world to see. All the kids are twitching, whining, crying, licking other kids’ toys (gross), and displaying all sorts of characteristics of truly bad parenting. It is just more obvious with Mady because she is that girl who is open and wears her emotions so close to the surface. The children overreact and melt down because Kate overreacts and melts down on a daily basis and to the extreme. They, the children, don’t know any other way to handle stress or even just daily life.
In my view, Kate Gosselin is one of the worst mothers ever. She is a self-centered, controlling sociopath. She can not keep friends because of her inability to work and play well with others. She is unkind to her children and obnoxious to her husband beyond belief.
She uses her religion as a shield and quotes Bible verses as if she wrote them, all the time showing herself to be a hypocrite to the very words she speaks and the Christian beliefs. How dare she tell her children to speak kindly and be a friend when I have rarely seen her speak kindly to anyone, including her kids, and certainly have only seen her use, abuse and discard her friends.
The author has the right family and Mady is their scapegoat. But we all know the truth.
What that blogger wrote is no different or worse than other items I have seen written about Mady. I feel for that child. She has some issues and instead of pulling out of the show, giving them their normal life back, and having some couseling to work on it, the parents continue on.
The blame lies completely on Jon and Kate. No one is making them do the show. No one is making them exploit their children. They are doing it all on their own.
I agree that the blame lies squarely on the parents for this, and for all the future scrutiny that the kids will have to go through. If you place your kids on a reality TV show to reap all the material benefits, you are also placing them in a horrible position as reality TV characters for all the world to pick on. That said, I wish that the NY Post writer would have chosen to channel his disgust and venom toward the true villians, Jon and Kate, instead of one of the kids.
The author prefaced his comments stating that Mady is a controversial choice…perhaps her inclusion in the blog was a method he employed to get tongues wagging and more hits on the site meter.
I agree that the ultimate blame lies with her parents but it is undeniably cruel to essentially call a child the best form of birth control and broadcast it to anyone with Internet. As if the kid doesn’t have enough problems
Maybe this is a blessing in disguise. Maybe because what the author did is so abhorrent this whole J&K circus will finally fall under main stream news scrutiny. After all if the author had attacked the real culprits, J&K, it would have just been another hate article that the fans could say oh he’s just jealous, but going after the child will get the fans AND the non fans attention and maybe, just maybe someone will finally put a stop to this nonsense and save those children’s future.
***In my view, Kate Gosselin is one of the worst mothers ever. She is a self-centered, controlling sociopath. She can not keep friends because of her inability to work and play well with others. She is unkind to her children and obnoxious to her husband beyond belief.***
I COMPLETELY share your view!
The sheeple are blind and after too much time on IMBD sat night I’ve decided that it’s their problem. Let them follow and be disappointed in the end. It’s not my job to tell them and if they want to worship — good for them.
The more I think about the whole thing, it is really no diferent than what Kate herself has already said about Mady. Kate has said numerous times that Mady is a problem child, called her a brat, said she would end up in a detention center, said she was mean and ugly. No wonder Mady acts the way she does.
Just wondering, what is IMBD?
can i point out something? on a recent podcast or interview (who can keep track?) jon talked about the girls “googling” things. so that time has already come. what person in their right mind, knowing all the sites about their family, would let those kids anywhere near google? that’s insane! that poor kid will find these things very soon and it breaks my heart for her. i hope those two jackasses realize this before it’s too late, if it isn’t already…
IMDB is the Internet Movie Data Base. They have discussion groups and the J&K+8 one gets pretty hot.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1124348/board/threads/
I hope Kate’s feelings about Mady aren’t a “self-fulfilling prophecy”
I think it was IMDb (internet Movie Database)… http://www.imdb.com/
I agree with those who say the blame goes squarely to the parents. They allowed the show and they have allowed the show to continue even while knowing how the child was portrayed. Further, they are the ones who have not only allowed the behavior to continue but in many cases have shown they also possess the same behavior so they are demonstrating it for the child to follow. Do I fault the author of the piece? Yes, in that he allegedly was writing about characters and I think he should have stuck to that and saved himself and the child all the grief.
Looks like I have a little bit of a different opinion than others. While I do agree that the parents are ultimately responsibility for decisions that affect their children, I don’t believe that that gives people carte blanche to say whatever they want to under the banner of “free speech.” Words are powerful and the words to an 8 year old girl that she is useless can traumatize and have long-term consequences. Is the writer responsible for the situation? No, the parents are. Is the writer responsible for his actions and, let’s say, failure to recognize the big picture and the potential impact of his words on a little girl? Yes. Mady’s parents are not to blame for the writer’s immaturity. Really, the writer should show some judgment and exercise some social responsibility in my opinion. Just because we can legally do something doesn’t mean that it is the right thing to do.
I’m just going to exercise my freedom of speech to say that I agree with the posters who said that his article is one of the 10 most useless things about the NY Post. If I was his editor I guess I would go ahead and publish the article if he refused to reconsider including a child (no I don’t believe in censorship), but I would be keeping an eye out for better writers who show more wit and maturity than this writer does.
As a parent of twins girls, one was a “spirted” girl, i feel pity for mady…I do not care how use you are to having camera’s film you, you are not going to parent the same way….you know what happens to kids at the certain ages that they are bratty, they grow up and are not brats any more… this kid will always be viewed as a brat, either on the dvd’s or on the internet…do not blame the bloggers who post, the blame goes only and directly at her parents that put her in that postion……if they were not being followed with a camera crew, maybe jon would not grab the kids like i have seen him do, and take them to the side never releasing his grip on them… he might just do what all us other parents do, yell at the kid and tell them to knock it off…..no one is peering thru this families windows looking in.. they put themselves out there, in my state ,ny, they are on in repeats sometimes 4x a day….A mother who on national tv says her daughters behavior is mean and ugly, and the dad just nods , is just setting up their kid to be embrassed…and this poor kid has to go to school the next day and face her peers…..no laws for these reality tv kids, it is too late for them anyway…actUally a professional child therapist said that madie is the healthier of the twins, she lets out her anger, cara, as kate has said keeps it in…..when she google;s her name, as kids do at that age, she won’t be crying to us…..i would love to hear kate;s mom’s opinion of her daughter….
I think including Mady on this list is horrible, despicable, unfair, borderline dangerous…. I could go on and on. No doubt will little Mady come across writings like this one day - probably sooner rather than later. She did not ask for this attention — her parents did. Rather than protecting her and her best interests they are playing up her behavoir to the point where that is all anyone sees, hence the inclusion on the list. Children all have good days and bad days, highs and lows, it is clear that the producers have ID’d Mady’s “role” on the show and now she will live in that shadow. But shame on this blogger for including her in a list of TV characters/paid actors.
Let this be a wakeup call for everyone to read, study and discuss ways we can help this child and siblings. Their socalled followers must be awakened and voices heard - obviously kon is oblivious to anything but their show and life. Paul Petersen, please step in.
These kids have their whole lives ahead of them. Let’s pray.
Thanks for the link
It’s one thing to read this online article and close it out and go on our way and live our lives, but Mady has to LIVE this. And to me, it is much worse to go to school everyday and be laughed at, talked at behind her back and mocked by her peers. Even if she is in a public place like a mall with her parents, you don’t think she’s going to hear things by fans that will make her sad and feel bad about herself? She is going to have to live what her parents have created for her for the rest of her life. I don’t think, even if the show gets cancelled or goes off the air (oh we can only hope) that her bad image that this show has created will go away. I always hear child stars talk about how people relate and remember them as the child star they potrayed & once was, not the adults they are now. Unfortunatley, Mady is potraying her image, this IS Mady. People will always see her as the brat, whiner, rebel child. There is nothing good in it for these kids staying on this show. For these parents to not see that is just truly heartbreaking.
The blame is fully on her parents. No doubt. The writer is looking for publicity, he admits Mady is a controversial inclusion. Putting all that aside, Mady needs some help and Jon and Kate aren’t getting it for her. That makes them bad parents. And a bit evil too. A TV show and money are much more important than helping their kid, who’s bad behavior makes for good TV. Yeah, articles like this might force them to deal with the child eventually.
Oh, he obviously isn’t a regular viewer of the 8 or he would have known Mady isn’t the only one with the “mark of the beast.” She’s just the one Kate sacrificed for ratings.
How sad. Unfortunately, the “fans” will never, ever blame Jon and Kate on all of this. They blame the writer. While I don’t LIKE that a child is included in the list, I don’t agree with censoring. As for the bit about Mady being able to Google and see everything that’s said about her….yes, that’s true, but all she really has to do is watch the DVD’s of the show and there are her parents, the ones who should love and encourage her no matter what, saying it all. That’s what the “fans” don’t understand. It never would have been out there for Mady to read, if her mother and father hadn’t put it out there for the world to see.
lori said: “…Cara, as Kate has said, keeps it in…when she googles her name, as kids do at that age, she won’t be crying to us…”
Clinical Depression has been defined as ANGER TURNED INWARD.
Left untreated, Depression is fatal.
In Defense of Maddy Gosselin
I have heard many descriptions of Maddy, none of them flattering. Why is that and is it fair?
I don’t believe these descriptions are fair. Is the child troubled? Obviously!
Maddy Gosselin has the wonderful privilege of every melt down, every tantrum, every mistake (well not every but plenty of them) documented not only on television, but on DVD, in a book, and in magazines and blogs. Lucky lucky little girl. She has a mother that could seemingly care less about her, a father who obviously favors her twin. She gets to go to school and hear the taunts and whispers. We don’t have confirmation that this happens but we know how kids are. They can be cruel. It’s also been mentioned that Maddy and Cara are now “Googling” great just what they need is to see Maddy smeared across the internet like some kind of 8 year old super villan.
Instead of her parents taking the time to make sure that she gets help, they are focusing on their money makers the tups. Of course she’s resentful. These six little people as much as she may love them are responsible for the loss of her childhood in her mind. We all know that it’s her parents fault but kids minds don’t always come to the most logical conclusion, they work in more of a cause and effect type way.
Tups are born – Camera crews come – mom and dad become complete basket cases – things in school get bad.
In the eyes of a kid that’s the natural progression of things.
Not to mention the fact that just about everyone who she has loved and who has shown true and unconditional love for her has been cut out of her life, has been walked upon by her parents in their pursuit of their “lifestyle”. Maddy is just another casualty of “the family business.”
Another thing is that kids are like little sponges, they soak up what they see around them, they absorb their parents personalities and foibles. Maddy unfortunately has absorbed way too much Kate. She needs some good female role models and some counseling.
Every time I see Maddy I think “poor misunderstood, mistreated, little thing.” She’s crying out for help and for change and no one in the situation to change things is listening.
In Defense of Maddy Gosselin
I have heard many descriptions of Maddy, none of them flattering. Why is that and is it fair?
I don’t believe these descriptions are fair. Is the child troubled? Obviously!
Maddy Gosselin has the wonderful privilege of every melt down, every tantrum, every mistake (well not every but plenty of them) documented not only on television, but on DVD, in a book, and in magazines and blogs. Lucky lucky little girl. She has a mother that could seemingly care less about her, a father who obviously favors her twin. She gets to go to school and hear the taunts and whispers. We don’t have confirmation that this happens but we know how kids are. They can be cruel. It’s also been mentioned that Maddy and Cara are now “Googling” great just what they need is to see Maddy smeared across the internet like some kind of 8 year old super villan.
Instead of her parents taking the time to make sure that she gets help, they are focusing on their money makers the tups. Of course she’s resentful. These six little people as much as she may love them are responsible for the loss of her childhood in her mind. We all know that it’s her parents fault but kids minds don’t always come to the most logical conclusion, they work in more of a cause and effect type way.
Tups are born – Camera crews come – mom and dad become complete basket cases – things in school get bad.
In the eyes of a kid that’s the natural progression of things.
Not to mention the fact that just about everyone who she has loved and who has shown true and unconditional love for her has been cut out of her life, has been walked upon by her parents in their pursuit of their “lifestyle”. Maddy is just another casualty of “the family business.”
Another thing is that kids are like little sponges, they soak up what they see around them, they absorb their parents personalities and foibles. Maddy unfortunately has absorbed way too much Kate. She needs some good female role models and some counseling.
Every time I see Maddy I think “poor misunderstood, mistreated, little thing.” She’s crying out for help and for change and no one in the situation to change things is listening.
Amber,
I agree with you 100% on Mady! I would adopt that little girl in a heart beat and my daughter and I would give her more love and affection than she would know what to do with! I would adopt all 8 as a matter of fact. In the right environment and with the right parenting all 8 would be sweet loving little kids I am sure, and yes they would still have tantrums at times, NOBODY IS PERFECT, but they would all be loved regardless!
While I am shocked, horrified, appalled, and dismayed by what I saw and read in that online article, all I can say is that the blame rests solely with the parents - Jon and Kate Gosselin. Kate Gosselin is a vile, evil sociopathic shrew. It is clear she is a sociopath because she has no empathy, no compassion, lies and confabulates from moment to moment, has cut out and/or been cut out of family’s and friends’ lives due to her own evil behavior. How can anyone in their right mind not clearly see that she is a terrible mother? She does not protect her children - the instinct isn’t even there. These kids are merely commodities to be used for her own ends. This recent post about MAdy is a classic example of this - she does not care about protecting them and I’m sure she is not at all upset about this post (along with the million and one others floating online). Kate is allowing her kids to be put at major risk for predators, pedophiles, as well as deep psychological trauma that may affect them for years. Mady’s future is not looking bright based on this post alone. And now I am going to say it: why isn’t someone calling CPS there in Pennsylvania? Sure, those kids are fed, clothed, and live in a $1.3 million home, but they are NOT protected from their sick and disturbed parents who allow them to be exposed to all kinds of online abuse and predators. And who knows what goes on in that home that we do not see? As for the father, Jon Gosselin - he is not Kate’s husband - he is simply a business partner in their highly lucrative exploitation scam. When will this end? Will a tragedy have to take place to stop it?
IMO–A trragedy wouldn’t even cause Kate to miss a step, It would probably only serve to ramp things up–She would be right back to the beginning–Playing the sympathy card—
It’s been several months since we’ve heard from Jodie, Julie and clan. What are the holiday traditions?? What info is leaking out re the new house, kids accomodations etc.? Each one have their own bed and bath?? Maybe Jon does too!!! Any locals have stories to tell - they must get out in public sometimes!!!
Happy Holidays All!!!
I’m sure Jon has his own room, Louise. Kate has been referring to what was once (a long time ago) their room, as “my room.” She says it all the time. Based on the couch interviews alone, I think they are only business partners. They cannot go their separate ways because of the enormous gravy train they have going. Jon, for as dim-witted and shiftless as he is, has figured out that he married a sociopath. Not that he knows what “sociopath” means, but he knows Kate is a bitch and that he was duped. He’s so weak-willed, I don’t think he will ever stand up to her, get out of that “marriage” and, most importantly, do the right thing by his kids! Also, because that estate is on 26 acres and surrounded by a security fence, Kate has successfully fully isolated all of them. It may take a while for things to start leaking out on what goes on in the Konpund.
TO: #11pomegranatetears
RE: your comment: “Irregardless of how…”
There is no such word as ‘irregardless’
#41 Jon and Kate Fan~
Au Contraire!
ir·re·gard·less
Pronunciation: \?ir-i-?gärd-l?s\
Function: adverb
Etymology: probably blend of irrespective and regardless
Date: circa 1912
nonstandard : regardless
usage Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927. The most frequently repeated remark about it is that “there is no such word.” There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance.
(Google is your friend!)
#42 BohemianMoon–
LMAO! I quess you told her!
#42 Moon-
I can’t stop laughing!!! You let her have IT:-)
Good one, Moon! If KON’s PR people have to post comments correcting perceived vocabulary irregularities, you know things are deteriorating rapidly with their damage control efforts. They are everywhere now on blogs and their lameness has become increasingly more amusing.
Wow, Jon and Kate Fan - you better go check your “moral turptitude”!
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/wernersville-pa
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/elizabethtown-pa/T7P6Q6M99II0C2SM2
These are links to the local topix sites.
So far there is nothing about KON on the Wernersville link, but there is on the Elizabethtown one. One sheeple named Stacy is quite rabid. And scary.
I believe Kon will consider any unfortunate or tragic circumstances the children might find themselves in during the years to come just collateral damage in their (Kon) desire to gather together any fruits of other’s labor they can. Their reward will definitely be here on earth and not in heaven even though they claim to be devout Christians.
Nothing will ever be their fault and they will say they could never foresee anything they’ve done or said to lead to anything bad that happens. Others didn’t understand; they didn’t know how to help them.
An abuser always, always isolates his or her victims. Katie Irene has now effectively isolated hers from family, friends, and anyone who could conceivably be trusted enough for one of her victims to disclose truths to. She has made very sure that they know no other lives than the one they lead — even Jon to some extent — and I think he is a victim here, as well. There is real evil in Katie Gosselin and the more she is seen by the public, the more she is photographed and heard, the more evident it becomes.
What can be done to help these children? I have no idea. Her plan has made her wealthy and since she does not seem to possess a conscience, I can see no reason why she won’t continue until her scam is completely played out.
#48 Virginia-
I agree although I would like to add that the G parental units will in fact lay blame if and when there is fall out from the years of choosing public display over any attempt to give the children some semblance of normalcy.
They will, no doubt, blame the anti-sheeple. How exactly they will ’spin’ it, I can’t say. But they will in no way, never ever, take any responsibility for their actions.
I can hear them now:
“We did the best we could”.
Which is total BS. They did the best they could to make their own lives easier.
And anyone with kids knows that it isn’t about you once kids come along. The focus shifts. And rightfully so. Unfortunately, especially with Kate, the focus remains on her. Her wants, her needs, her future.
A person doesn’t need to be a therapist to know that the blame will fall squarely on Kate’s shoulders and by osmosis and because he lacked the cajones to stand up for his children, Jon.
#49 Lisa~
EXACTLY!
Virginia, and Lisa-Well put my friends!
Years ago there a joke made the rounds - she has a beautiful figure and face, then she opened her mouth and ruined it.
That family has to realize their days are numbered and afraid it will.
With the move - they probably feel they are all set - then all they have to be concerned with is their everyday lives.
Wonder what lessons they are learning from Gary Coleman,
Paris Hilton, Brittany, and Lindsey Lohan????
Keep up the great work - Happy New Year folks!!!
The self esteem issues that are being generated in this 8 yr old child are devasting and can have fatal results.
If you have ever lost a child or family to suicide you know what I mean.
Sometimes you can do everything in your power to save them but nothing gets thru.
I sincerely hope that this is not the end result for Mady or any of the other children.
I just hope that the parents decide to take this dog and pony show off the road and give these kids a chance.
Can someone clue me in as to what Kon means?
louise~
In a recent interview of Kate (which I am going to blog on today) she actually states that the filming is “healthy”.
She is f-ing looneytunes!
Marcelle~
According to a recent interview with the “Queen”, they have no plans on stopping; their children’s mental health is not high on their priority list.
#54 Marcelle
Jon +Kate= Kon.
Kate has even said that she is not worried about the kids future. My God, Talk about someone who really is in it for herself!! That should be the first thing she should be concerned with.
Thanks for all the info here about this subject. I found your site while doing an internet search for “reality tv gosselin roloff earnings” because I started wondering what these people are making (Gosselins, Roloffs, Dog Chapman, etc.). I don’t watch any of them regularly but especially not “JK+8″ mostly because something about their energy bothers me. NOW I KNOW WHY. Unfortunately, I think alot of the viewing public are clueless. What got me curious was when I started noticing all this free stuff they were getting (clothes, trips, etc.) The parents don’t seem to work so I figured the reality gig must really be paying off. I had no idea to what extent these parents are capitalizing on their situation. WOW!
Even though I sometimes like to watch “Dog the Bounty Hunter” I’ve noticed how they seem to have acquired a bigger, fancier home with a gated entry in HI and some big mansion-like place in CO. Dog seems to have acquired a bunch of hangers-on, i.e. family members who have all of a sudden decided to get into the family business since he went on air and got rich and famous. It’s easy to see it happening but I wonder what it seems like from their vantage point.
#57 Blythe~
Welcome to Musings!
THere is a tab at the top of my blog home page for “Jon and Kate Plus Eight”. There is a lot of information on this family and the gross exploitation of their children that Jon and Kate seem to relish so.
?
I don’t watch “Dog the Bounty Hunter”, but from what you have stated, at least he and his wife still talk and commune with their extended family. More than can be said for Jon and Kate Greedslin. They have booted all of their family to the curb. Some prior to the train wreck of a show starting, and some after, and all due to their greed.
Nice, eh
I have 13 neices and nephews, 3 children and one grandchild. I have coached hundreds of children and have never seen a child pull such tantrums. Can we blame her? No, we can’t. She is a product of her environment. Her mother displays these melt downs on a daily basis over such trivial things as a messy table during pumpkin carving. let us also remember that this child is forced to be in front of a camera to help support her family.
#59 Lisa~
I agree. One of the other issues that all of the children are subjected to is inconsistent (or no ) discipline. It is a shame. Children live what they are taught. That is the key word, taught.
No one is teaching these kids proper behavior and what is and what is not acceptable. Why? Because it takes a hell of a lot of effort.
Mady is the scapegoat of the family. Both Jon and Kate have said extremely cruel and demeaning things both intentional and unintentional. As an example, Jon and Kate were arguing over who is more like Cara. “I am no I am” which can be interpreted that Mady is the bad daughter and Cara is the good daughter. Jon once commented on Mady’s looks. These cut right to the heart.
My advice. Stop the exploitation of the children. Children and Youth should be called. I notice that all allys of Kate and Jon have disappeared. The truth is hard to swallow. Kate go back to work. John go back to work. Kids enjoy your childhood.
Blythe- I cant say I blame Dog Chapman or his family for buying gated homes, in their field of work, they would want to make sure their kids are safe and sound considering who they take down for their day job! Being a bounty hunter would be a blast (except its illegal here in Canada) but you would certainly need to beef up security for your family. The nice thing about the Chapmans, when you see their kids on camera (not that often) they are having fun, loved, cared for, played with, hugged and kissed, and are only on camera occassionally to show the softer family side of the damily, the kids are not the main attraction exploited to support mom and dad! I havent watched that show for ages, since it went off air, but I certainly think they do great things on their show, unlike the greedslins!! You make a great point though, reality shows make big bucks!
You all have too much time on your hands…its no wonder all this crap is on the internet. Some of you mentioned that Maddy will eventually find out what’s been written about her from googling…its no wonder… you are all to blame for your dispicable comments on an 8 yr. old. Now…who needs to grow up? And who needs help? All of you.
Adrianna~
You all have too much time on your hands…its no wonder all this crap is on the internet. Some of you mentioned that Maddy will eventually find out what’s been written about her from googling…its no wonder… you are all to blame for your dispicable comments on an 8 yr. old. Now…who needs to grow up? And who needs help? All of you
Excuse me? There are NO derogatory comments about the Gosselin children at my site. There have never been and never WILL be because I do not allow them.
Please place a link here to where on my site has one less than desirable word regarding ANY of the children has been published.
You CAN’T because there aren’t any.
Now if you want to read some really horrible comments about the children, go to any fan site around. There is plenty.
I have to agree with Adrianna. Just the fact that people are commenting about the parents (Jon and Kate) when really its no one’s business… makes all this information accessible to the kids. Eventually they are bound to find it…they are getting older. I mean…really its unfortunate that people have to ‘gossip’ about things that don’t concern them.
Lisa~
I have to agree with Adrianna. Just the fact that people are commenting about the parents (Jon and Kate) when really its no one’s business… makes all this information accessible to the kids. Eventually they are bound to find it…they are getting older. I mean…really its unfortunate that people have to ‘gossip’ about things that don’t concern them.
And your foregoing quote begs the question, then why are YOU?