Jon and Kate Plus 8: The ones we love to hate
Posted
September 29, 2008 at
6:00 pm by
Jessica
Well, it’s been almost a year since I wrote my first critical post on Jon and Kate Gosselin. Of course I had no idea what I was getting into. Never could I have imagined that a reality TV show would be met with such ardent opinions, with Kate Gosselin turning out to be quite a polarizing figure. The very mention of Kate Gosselin to those who have caught the show conjures up resentment on one side and admiration, and even sympathy (dare I say “pity”), on the other.
I have mentally divided the “pro” Kate crowd and the “anti” Kate crowd and even though I don’t watch the show on a regular basis (I lost a lot of interest after the first few seasons), I do happen to catch it once in a while. I was never a super-fan, but found some redeeming values in Jon and Kate and can now admit after catching a few reruns that I really can’t stand Kate Gosselin. There, I said it. Now, lest I be associated with the obsessive-stalking-loathing-Kate camp, I wouldn’t waste anymore bandwidth on the subject matter than this post is taking up. Subscribing to the KIA philosophy (Kate is an a-hole), is priority number 16,232, after plucking a stray eyelash out of my eyelid. And even though I have come to terms with the disgust for this woman, I’m not as prepared to run with the KIA crowd. In no way do I want it to be part of my identity. First of all, I have many internet friends who happen to like her, and I have been known to reach across party lines to embrace those with differing opinions [Ed. note: You're such a maverick]. Second of all, I kinda like having my very own villain. Even if it doesn’t make a lot of sense, I kept on watching the reruns while cursing at the television. In fact, the more angry I got, the more I stayed glued.
So, either Kate Gosselin is an a-hole and doesn’t care, or she’s an a-hole who knows how to keep viewers entranced or enraged. After all, Howard Stern gained his popularity by listeners that hated him more so than from listeners that loved him. Something tells me that she isn’t that smart though.
Or is she?
Here are some questions that arose while I sorted laundry and watched with my stink eyes squarely transfixed on two people who have really worked the system. While I’m all for capitalism and getting as much out of your 15 minutes as possible, it’s just human nature to be resentful towards those who seem to be successfully working the system and I have to wonder, in all of Kate’s “organic glory”, why did she rush the IVF IUI and why did her doctor allow it after only a few months of trying and did her insurance pay for it before the standard waiting protocol was met? In all their “riches”, what have the Gosselins ever given back to society? Have they ever had any episodes focus on charitable giving or community outreach?
Now, I don’t have time to make a career out of my unfavorable opinion of Jon and Kate Gosselin, nor do I have time to create entire blogs dedicated to the schadenfreude I might enjoy if Jon and Kate suddenly… get foreclosed upon or find out their kid’s muffin mix was really being imported from China. Unlike some of KIA peeps, I’ll make no pretense about watching for the sake of the children. See, I’m not that easily amused or smitten by children just because they’re children, and the Gosselin rug-(b)rats are no exception. Half the time, I think they’re annoying, but they’re kids, and kids are annoying, so I can’t necessarily hold that against them as unique. Problem is, they’re destined to be even more annoying because their parents are annoying. That’s how it works. Mom’s selfish and indulging, so are their offspring. And I can’t escape the feeling, once the camera’s are turned off that there isn’t a special belt or wooden spoon that gets up close and personal with those kids. It’s hard to imagine that the kids take away from Kate without some ramifications.
The kids may be (sorta) cute now, but just wait until they get older. It wouldn’t surprise me if they went the way of Danny Bonaduce or Dana Plato after all the glitter fades. I will be the first one in line to buy that People magazine too because I’m not above it, but I won’t hold my breath waiting for their downfall. One day, it will just happen and so long as it’s not a totally tragic ending, like someone getting plastered on the front of a school bus, I will chuckle and I won’t feel bad for it because quite frankly, annoying people deserve as much. Why should Kate be above my pshaw anyway? After all, only interesting people make it onto my list. Kate should be honored.
Tags: discovery, gosselins, jon and kate plus eight, Jon-and-Kate-plus-8, multiples, reality-tv, septuplets, TLC |
380 Responses to “Jon and Kate Plus 8: The ones we love to hate”
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61. Patty said:
October 9, 2008 @ 7:08 pm
60. mully said:
October 9, 2008 @ 5:49 pm
I havent seen it Patty, but I did happen to see the show earlier this week you mentioned from Minnesota where she was giving “tips” on how to save money in the upcoming Christmas season.
Kate seems to be making herself available alot lately.
Makes you wonder when she finds the time to parent all those kids AND to make monkey munch AND to bitch at her husband AND to buy organic food etc etc etc
Hey, Mully!
Don’t forget to add a 75-minute workout to Kate’s busy day!
62. mully said:
October 9, 2008 @ 8:02 pm
Oh gosh! Youre right!
And I completely forgot (smacks self on forehead) about the hour and fifteen minute workout on her treadmill every morning!
63. Zoe said:
October 10, 2008 @ 2:03 am
Well, the fact that they eat organic food is all the proof you need that these people are loaded. I’m a health food eater (not necessarily by choice, but rather medical reasons) and live on an organic diet. I can tell you, it’s EXPENSIVE. Literally costs 3-4 times as much as non-organic, so if these people are eating organic daily, imagine what those bills look like. Think about it. In any event, I think parents encouraging their families to go organic is setting a great example. But it ain’t cheap, let me tell you.
64. Stacey Maureen said:
October 10, 2008 @ 7:30 am
It just seems to me that now Jon and Kate do a lot of stuff to promote a certain “image” of their family. A lot of what they do are contradicitons. If she was such a clean freak, there is no way she would leave pee to freeze in the van potties or leave it all over the house! I don’t think she had a lot growing up–she made mention of certain things in different episodes. So she is trying to give her kids everything but also give herself everything. I think she wants viewers to think her family is upper class. That is not the impression I get. She is pretty much a poser as far as I am concerned.
65. mully said:
October 10, 2008 @ 8:18 am
I couldnt agree more with you Stacey. I have always felt that Kate didnt come from a family where there was alot of extras. Now before any of you jump down my throat about saying that, all I meant is that she exhibits characteristics of someone trying to escape her past.
The very fact that it doesnt seem to bother her one iota that she has no ties with her immediate family, says alot. I think Kate acts fairly low class and class is something you either have or you dont have and usually its something you grow up with.
She does alot to try and make the public THINK shes a classy lady with an even classier husband and lifestyle. I guess if I were making the kind of bucks shes making, I would too. But true class isnt bought…its an attitude, a certain way of conducting yourself and Kate definitely doesnt have that.
As far as the organic crap goes. Shes about as organic as I am. When it suits her and the camera is rolling, shes organic. Which is pretty much the way I see Kate on most things.
66. Nana said:
October 11, 2008 @ 3:02 am
Jon & Kate are con artist who have milked the system, church & friends for all they could and when that ran out they sent in tapes and found a production company willing to make money off the backs of their children. They don’t deserve to be parents and these children are being exploited by their own parents. They need a good lawyer to represent the children and file suit against TLC and the parents. Hey wait this could be another reality show….”The Gousselin 8 in court against KATE”.
67. Stacey Maureen said:
October 15, 2008 @ 8:42 am
Does anyone know why the kids are going to preschool over an hour away from the house? Did they mention why it is so far? Are they living that far in the boonies or did the kids get free tuition to this school? My bet is that the school is free and that is why they are carting these kids there everyday. Ridiculous! Why stress yourselves even more? How selfish are these 2 parents anyway???
68. Ephesians 2:10 said:
October 15, 2008 @ 8:49 am
J&K want the tups to have the same preschool teacher as Mady & Cara and they’re willing to make sacrifices to get them there. The preschool is near their old home. IIRC it’s associated with the church they attend, which is an hour away.
69. Stacey Maureen said:
October 15, 2008 @ 8:52 am
Ok-than they are going to have a mighty long commute if they move to Carolina! Maybe they can get someone to donate a plane and they can fly the kids there everyday.
70. Ephesians 2:10 said:
October 15, 2008 @ 8:56 am
Since their house is being built it probably won’t be ready until summer. They’ll be 5 in May and ready for kindgergarten in the fall so maybe they’ll start K in NC. This seems to be a one school-year session.
71. Mature said:
October 17, 2008 @ 12:35 am
Grow up! I’d like to see you raise 8 children under the age of 8…
72. Stacey Maureen said:
October 17, 2008 @ 8:07 am
I’m sure Jon and Kate aren’t the ONLY ONES raising 8 kids under the age of 8! But you don’t see these other people on TV, pimping out their family to make a buck. And I am sure the DAD of these families has a real job–not just shuttle busing the kids to preschool and hour away and sitting at home looking forward to naptime so he can check his email!! How is keeping this show on TV good for the family? Kate has admitted that it is hard for the twins–they get teased at school. Come on–when you were 8 yrs old would you want your parents on TV discussing what a bad kid you were and how difficult of a child you are? I can only imagine what will happen if this show stays on the air for a few more years. Will Kare be disclosing when the girls get their first period? Hmmm, that would be an interesting show! I am sure the kids at school would LOVE to know when that happens. How sad for these kids that don’t have a choice in the matter–if they want to be taped or not. It just shows that parents DON’T know best–and these 2 parents have proved it over and over again.
73. mully said:
October 17, 2008 @ 8:09 am
LOL..and YOUR name is Mature?
74. Lynn said:
October 17, 2008 @ 3:21 pm
After watching a couple of seasons of J&K Plus 8, I am now a member of the “KIA” group. I stopped watching because I could not watch Kate treat her husband like a dog anymore, and him just sit there and take it.
*Edited by Site Owner for blatant spam
75. lisad said:
October 18, 2008 @ 5:40 am
just a note not sure if it was mentioned b4,
but kate was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries , which her gp would of referred her on to a fertility doctor even if she had only been trying to fall pregnant a few months.
when i was diagnosed i was referred that day and it was only 6 weeks after i went off my pill.
76. debbie said:
October 19, 2008 @ 9:38 am
I love John and Kate plus 8..I don t have children,so I enjoy every minute of watching THE FAMILY and soooo happy I have no kid responsibilities…More power to them if they can get a tv show to fund them and tell this Paul dude to get a life and leave John and Kate alone and worry about who is going to run our country,NOT if the Gosselin kids are being exploited..Doubt they are
77. mully said:
October 19, 2008 @ 11:13 am
You are certainly entitled to your opinion, Debbie..but to say that the Gosselin children arent being exploited is the same as saying humans dont need water to survive.
These children are most certainly being exploited. They are 4 years old for gods sake! Open your eyes! How can children of that age, with their entire lives at this point being subjected to cameras and crewmen in their home filming every move they make, NOT be exploitive?
They have no say, no choice in this and sooner or later, as evidenced by both Mady and Cara’s behaviors, the tups will also begin to realize how grossly abnormal this fishbowl they live in, really is.
You can like Jon and Kate all you wish, but dont be fooled into thinking that this is for the good of those children. This show is for the good of the parents and their bank balances. Pure and simple.
To assume anything else is to be wearing blinders.
78. Ems mom said:
October 20, 2008 @ 1:02 pm
You are absolutely right that this show has NOTHING to do with what is good for these kids. These are 2 of the biggest gimmies I have ever seen. And it is laughable that there are still people who buy their “act”. She is self-absorbed, dishonest and mean. He, in my opinion, is just as bad. He is also very childish. It annoys me on so many levels that there are people like this raising kids.What annoys me more is that really, as long as the gravy train keeps rolling, they could care less what people think. The lame attempts at “damage control” are a joke. Of course, just my opinion.
79. tabitha said:
October 20, 2008 @ 3:37 pm
I think that jon and kate are great but nobodys perfect. Unless you think you are cause no one is. Kate give 110% JOn gives 140%. They are great parents. If you cant say anything nice dont say anything at all Thank and I am that biggest fan so booyah
80. Stacey Maureen said:
October 20, 2008 @ 3:45 pm
Oh, I didn’t realize that this blog was ONLY for people who had nice things to say about Jon and Kate!! I like to read everyone’s opinion about this show–good and bad. I can’t stand these people that come to this blog and say “if you don’t like them, don’t write anything mean, etc”. First of all, how old are these people? Or do they just have a very simple mentality?
I think Jon and Kate are HORRIBLE parents b/c they allow their children to be exploited on TV and collect a paycheck off of their backs!! The reason Mady is so out of control is probably b/c she can’t stand the TV cameras in the house! What 8 year old wants to be taped all the time? I don’t care if it is only a few times a week that the camera crew is there taping. That is a few times too many! Let these kids grow up in a normal household–not one with cameramen, scripts, etc. It really is a disgrace.
And I feel bad for Aunt Jodi. Looks like that side of the family is totally cut out of their lives. Do other people think this is normal? Not to speak to your parents, sisters, brothers, etc? That says something about Jon and Kate–obviously people close to them don’t thnk they are doing the right thing by these kids. When is this show going to end?!?!!?!?
81. Em's mom said:
October 20, 2008 @ 4:39 pm
Unfortunately, no matter when it ends..and it will, the damage to their children is done. I could care less about Jon and Kate, just as they could care less about anyone but themselves. And thats about as nice as I can get about THEM.
82. Terri said:
October 21, 2008 @ 7:29 am
You people just don’t get it. And,maybe that’s because you don’t believe in the Lord. (if you do, please read what I am going to say with an open mind and step back and think about this..They were chosen by God to receive sextuplets. This show and all that comes with it (the freebies from the sponsors) are all a part of this deal from the Lord. That’s how he is providing this family of ten to operate.
Are there a lot of extras that you and I do not have? In the words of Sarah Palin,”you betchya!”. But, we weren’t the ones chosen to raise multiple sets of babies. Everyone is given a path of life and you make of it on your own. Jon & Kate were given this opportunity through the Lord. Who would’ve thought reality shows would be popular, or help out people in need? Well, here’s a reason for them. J&K realized that when the guy from TLC contacted them. All the pieces came together.
Perhaps you’re perceiving Kate’s actions as greedy because you are jeaulous? Sponsors are hopping on this hot tv show like flies on dogcrap on a hot day. Why not? It’s great for their businesses. If I were Kate, I’d make sure I received all that was promised to TLC to feed or clothe the kids. It’s a part of the deal. If you have a problem with the freebies, you actually have the problem with TLC, not the Gosselins. And, there’s no way TLC is going to turn away sponsors.
So, everybody…Get OVER IT!! J&K are doing the best they can and they know they are traveling the path of the Lord.
83. Terri said:
October 21, 2008 @ 7:34 am
Oh…I forgot to add….remember that we don’t see EVERYTHING on each show. The Gosselins are at the mercy of TLS editors and producers. So, a lot of stuff is on the editing floor.
84. Ems mom said:
October 21, 2008 @ 7:39 am
Sorry, but greed? A sin. There is grateful, there is deserving. There is greed. They chose greed.
85. Terri said:
October 21, 2008 @ 7:40 am
uh…TLC editors. typo
86. Terri said:
October 21, 2008 @ 7:45 am
Em’s Mom…open your mind. They chose what God gave them. They chose to accept all that is with this show…and that is the good (all the stuff) and all the bad (people like you and others who don’t understand and do think they are greedy). Where do you see the greed?
J&K give back by donating clothes the kids outwear, they bring they support (use their publicity) for St. Jude’s Cancer research and another pediatric children’s hospital that escapes my mind right now. They do it because they can, that’s a direct result of the show. They’re helping people and giving back.
87. stacey maureen said:
October 21, 2008 @ 7:47 am
Why do these Bible Thumpers think that Jon and Kate are traveling the path of the Lord???? They are on a path–it is called the gravy train and the tups are the conductors!!
Medical science gave these two people their babies! Now they are greedy and feel entitled and they are doing everything in their power to “provide” for them. Didn’t you know that if you take a 3 year old skiing in Utah, this would be considered neglect??? Give me a break. These 2 could have provided for their kids w/o broadcasting every last poop on TV. Now they are so far gone, there is no turning back. Kate can see what these kids can do for HER, so she is exploiting them. Jon too–he see’s that he never has to work a real job again!
88. Ems mom said:
October 21, 2008 @ 7:56 am
With all due respect…they chose where they are and they continue to choose “stuff” over family. Really, maybe they need to remind each other that “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away”. They are greedy and put their wants over what is best for their kids. Otherwise, they would call it a “wrap” and go about the business of raising their kids like the rest of us. Again, with all due respect, please do not make the mistake of thinking these 2 are giving back. Every now and then they make a half-hearted show of “good will”.
89. Ana said:
October 23, 2008 @ 11:38 am
I see Kate when she acts, how she talks to her husband, kids, and sorry, but I don´t see God anywhere near her.
90. d said:
October 23, 2008 @ 1:04 pm
Grow up. People do far worse to thier children .Really.