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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91. d said:
October 23, 2008 @ 1:08 pm
They are great people…They are real no fake show boats….There is real love in this family..
92. mully said:
October 23, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
LOL! I couldnt have said it better myself..I am soooo sick to death of the Bible thumper mentality and for all the reasons and many more, mentioned NUMEROUS times on all of the J/K blogs.
God helps those who help themselves…so far I havent seen Jon and Kate doing too much to help themselves unless its to say YES YES YES! to designer clothing and hair transplants and trips to Disneyland and trips to Utah and tummy tucks and I could go on ad nauseum, but I wont because Im sick to death of people making this somehow a GODLY thing they have done!
So far Ive only seen them say NO to freebies offered by God fearing Church members who offered them (Hmmm..God working thru them here)items to use from the love in their hearts and oh! dont forget theyve said NO! to family members who, no doubt, love and care for those 8 children, but since those family members simply dont fit into Kate’s idea of how they should behave or act, they are no longer welcome in Kates God fearing, God loving heart.
Get real that this show and Kate and Jon is all about God’s choices.
93. Lillyann said:
October 23, 2008 @ 1:42 pm
stacey, why would that be considered neglect?
94. Valerie said:
October 23, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
Terri
Sorry I have to disagree. J&K are GREEDY!!!! There is no other word for it. They don’t donate hand me downs. They sell them in yard sales. They give to St. Jude’s?? - Well, so do I, and St Jude’s doesn’t need them for publicity. I have been giving to them for many, many years. I think that the Danny and Marlo Thomas name is more than enough.
You keep referring to God. Well, God gave everyone free will and the choice to do what is right. I wonder if God is happy with them right now for the choices they are making????? They are not struggling any more. What they are receiving now is above and beyond and don’t tell me that they are continuing so that they can give back. Alot of drug dealers and criminals are living the good life too. What does that mean. Alot of good decent people are living paycheck to paycheck, going hungry, trying to keep a roof over their heads. How does that fit into your way of thinking.
95. Valerie said:
October 23, 2008 @ 3:16 pm
Terri
I will believe that Jon and Kate are giving back when I see them actually donating bags full of out- grown clothing to St. Vincent De Paul, or the veterans or any thrift shop where the proceeds go to charity. I will believe it when I see one of them volunteering their time to a good cause. So many people have donated to them both in time and money and gifts and trips. How about it Gosslins show us how appreciative you really are and give your time to others in need.
Have any of their children ever worn hand-me-downs. I doubt it. Kate would never accept such things.
All I can say is - What goes around comes around.
96. Patty said:
October 23, 2008 @ 3:44 pm
Some time ago, I posted a thought on one of the other blogs.
There was one J&K episode that Kate said they have way too many toys in their house.
In the spirit of giving (and giving back), I suggested to TLC that they do an episode showing the kids helping to clean out the toys, stuffed animals, games, etc. they don’t use anymore.
The way I suggested this be done was for TLC/Figure 8 to make it an epidsode showing them sorting out what they want to keep and what is to be given away.
Since they are always saying they are blessed, grateful, appreciative, etc. to Hershey Medical Center, I thought it would make a great episode to:
1. Show the kids Christmas wrapping the things they want to give away, labeling them “boy” or “girl.”
2. Dress the Gosselin kids similar to how they looked on the GH cover, except use red jumpers/sweaters, white turtlenecks, and black shoes with little Santa hats. It would be cute, too, to find a red sack they could each put a few gifts in and carry them to the kids in the hospital.
3. Set it up in advance with Hershey for the Gosselins/TLC/Figure 8 to sponsor a Christmas party for the staff of the pediatric unit, the kids who are sick in the pediatric ward, and the families of the kids who are sick. I’m talking a decorated tree and all appropriate Christmas decorating, frozen Santa Claus or Christmas tree treats, christmas cookies, punch, etc.
4. They could go from room to room, sing a carol, and pass out gifts from their sacks. OR, if the kids aren’t too sick, they could set it up in a lounge area.
What sick kid in the hospital on Christmas wouldn’t love to get some fun toys to play with? And, can’t you see little smiley Leah walking up to a child, handing them a present from her sack, helping them open it?
Now, THAT would make a GREAT episode for a number of different reasons.
1. It would do a little “damage control.”
2. It would show that the Gosselins really can give back and show appreciation for the blessings they received in the past.
3. It would also teach their children to be selfless, and about the importance of giving to others who are less fortunate than yourself.
4. It would make the sick kids happy.
One thing I forgot to mention was if the kids have a meltdown about giving up their toys. If Jon & Kate handle the situation appropriately:
1. They’ll tell them about the sick kids in the hospital who won’t get to be in their own homes on Christmas, and how it will make them happy to have some toys to play with in the hospital.
2. They’ll tell them that if they cooperate, clean out the old toys, give them away, that they can get some new toys for themselves. That will EMPOWER the children to want to do this, knowing they, too, will be rewarded in the end.
Isn’t all about the joy of giving and not receiving?
Wouldn’t that make a great episode? What d’ya think?
97. Valerie said:
October 23, 2008 @ 3:55 pm
Absolutely great idea. Too bad that Jon or Kate didn’t think of it.
I remember when I was in 8th grade a group of us went to a local hospital around Christmas time and gave out gifts and cupcakes to the children. It was so sad to see these little ones sick in the hospital, but they were so happy on that day and it brought all of us great joy. Yes, giving is better than receiving.
98. Stacey S_MOD said:
October 23, 2008 @ 4:03 pm
Hey Terry…I was offered Pot the other day…and I declined…it’s called having choices…things are offered to us every day… that doesn’t necessarily mean we have to take them or that any of these things is some sort of divine plan.
Even if I entertained your theory…maybe it was God who was throwing all that money in their laps as a true test of faith…& what they should’ve done was turned away from all the fame & riches & turned to their friends & family (or her father’s congregation who offered all sorts of donations that she turned down) for strength, love, & support.
Now instead of having friends & family they have a film crew, hired staff, & a big fat bank account.
And for the record…I am not jealous….my friends & family are worth more to me then all the riches in the world!
99. Patty said:
October 23, 2008 @ 4:08 pm
Don’t kid yourself…if TLC actually does run with an episode like this, you can be sure Kate will be “front and center” spewing dribble about how they are so grateful, wanted to give something back, mlah mlah mlah. They’ll make sure it looks like it was all Jon & Kate’s idea.
I really do hope they make an episode like this. It would be nice to see, instead of watching them pack for a free trip to a vacation mansion someplace, freebies and all.
Somebody els mentioned this earlier. I think it would be a breat idea. They could offer up one of their trips in a “Make-A-Wish” sort of way. Although, they’d probably be criticized for only doing it for one family and not more. I don’t know. I suppose they could consult with Make-A-Wish to determine the recipient. I think that, too, would be a nice “damage control” gesture on their parts.
If somebody really does read these blogs for them, it will be interesting to see how much of what suggest actually materializes, right?
100. Valerie said:
October 23, 2008 @ 4:19 pm
That was me with the Make A Wish thought.
You’re probably right though. I just meant that some of these big deals who offer everything to J&K should skip over them once in awhile and offer it to people who really need and deserve it. The only reason given for them being invited to the ballgame was because the owner’s wife loves the show. I’ll bet she just figured on being on their show and gaining some celebrity herself.
101. Stacey Maureen said:
October 23, 2008 @ 5:57 pm
Whoops–I meant to say “Didn’t you know if you DIDN’T take your 3 year old skiing in Utah, this would be considered neglect”!! I was being sarcastic but left out a word. I appreciate that Kate wants to give the kids everything that she didn’t have as a kid but give me a break. Why cram everything in now? Because it is FREE and being offered to you on a silver platter! That is why I think they are so greedy. It’s like they can’t turn anything down! The baseball game was a joke. Did the kids even know what was going on? Fine–bring them but then when they are getting showered w/ gifts, etc and they can’t even say thank you, there is a problem. Those kids should be grateful for everything handed to them and it seems like the whole family just expects stuff now.
102. Lillyann said:
October 23, 2008 @ 6:07 pm
Thanks for explaining, Stacey Maureen
103. mully said:
October 23, 2008 @ 6:14 pm
VERY well said Stacey, especially the last sentence.
I am so sick and tired of being called jealous because I dont like the lifestyle and the choices these 2 selfish people have made.
If I HAD the choice to make, I would NEVER sell my kids to the highest bidder the way Kate and Jon have done in the name of the almighty dollar.
This isnt God-like at all Terri and to preach that it is, is an insult to people who DO believe in God.
104. Stacey S_MOD said:
October 23, 2008 @ 7:25 pm
Hell Mully..it’s an insult to people who DON’T believe in God! LOL
105. Margaret said:
October 24, 2008 @ 2:35 am
I don’t get it! I have read 4 pages of comments; most are beyond negative. Several seem like middle school or high school gossips.
I am 65+, parent of 3 adults, and a retired teacher. I have seen a few episodes in which they offered a brief grace or talked about getting dressed for church. What is all the carrying on about them being Bible thumpers? If this is something in tapes or other materials they have produced, why would anyone who dislikes this family so much spend a dime on their stuff? If you don’t like them, change the station, go rake leaves, visit a nursing home, or go for
a walk.
106. Jennifer said:
October 24, 2008 @ 10:45 am
I find this family to be very real and down to earth. Their life is hectic and its on television. Its not like those other reality shows that are scripted and edited. This is a real family of 10 people. This show has given them the opportunity to do things with their kids, they probably wouldn’t ever be doing because of money restraints. They do receive freebies but if you were in their shoes, do you think you wouldn’t accept? Come on…
107. Em's mom said:
October 24, 2008 @ 10:58 am
Well, isn’t it true of most who raise famalies that they just can’t have or do all that they may want to? I guess for me, it comes down to motivation, and why they do what they do.Instead of a show that demonstrates the difficulties, AND blesings, of raising a large family, what I see are two people who go on the air each week so that we can all watch what they GET and where they GO. I just see greed. And if you look carefully, these kids look miserable most of the time. I guess as long as mom and dad are getting what they want, the kids just have to deal with it. They need privacy in their own home, don’t you think???
108. Jenine said:
October 24, 2008 @ 10:46 pm
Jon & Kate I wonder what they think about all of this stuff being written about them I guess if your gonna be on t.v. this is what you have to deal with!!!!
109. Valerie said:
October 25, 2008 @ 7:31 pm
Margaret I don’t think anyone accused the Gosselins of being Bible thumpers. I think they were referring to one of the posters. If you go back and read all the comments starting with someone named Terry, you will see.
I, for one don’t buy any of their stuff. I like their show, but I don’t like them. I watch it mainly because the kids are adorable and I can’t believe what is going on in that family. It just amazes me how much they are still being given. They have more than enough now.
They are not struggling any longer. Why are they continuing to be so greedy???????
By the way, I graduated from High School many years ago. In fact I graduated from College many years ago. I’ve been married for 33 yrs and have adult children also. I, however am still working. What’s your point. Have you outgrown gossiping? I doubt it. Most of the posters on these blogs are having intelligent discussions and most of us backup our reasons for not liking Jon and Kate. It seems that those who do not agree with us simply make fun of us, but never tell us why they disagree.
110. Valerie said:
October 25, 2008 @ 7:45 pm
Em’s Mom You are absolutely right. All those kids are going to become so spoiled. They are going to grow up expecting anything they want.
111. nacheyes said:
October 26, 2008 @ 12:44 am
Resp. Em mom I do believe all these kids will expect things handed to them on a silver platter. Television and all the fact that they get so much from sponsors have spoiled them. When the show stops and the camera crew disappears, what will happen to them? They will be just like all small chid stars. They will be lonely and confused because they will no longer feel important, interesting, and loved. Sometimes fame and fortune come wth a price. I hope J@K save some of that money for their therapy that they all will need.
112. mully said:
October 26, 2008 @ 9:53 am
Im hoping that one of the idiots at TLC and above have had enough sense to encourage a child psychologist RIGHT NOW to help those kids thru the adjustments they are living thru. Most especially Cara and Mady who seem most affected. Especially, lately, Cara.
113. Em's mom said:
October 26, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
nachyes, they will grow up to expect to receive all that they want. The sad thing about that is that there will never be enough. I mean, look at their parents. They just grab more, and it is not enough. And if they were putting their children first they would have shut this down long ago. I don’t doubt their love for their children, I just doubt that they are able to look past their own greed to understand that they are setting a horrible example. I could care less about the stuff, and I am not envious, as some would say that I am.All that my husband and I acheived, we did on our own.And there are always things I wish I could have, but I have never wished for “stuff” so badly that I would sell out my kids to get it. They are missing so much, but they will never see that..they are who they are. Too bad that these kids got caught in the mess.
114. Kat said:
October 28, 2008 @ 3:43 pm
I am in the “hate” camp. Hate for the fact they whore their kids out for the cash. I won’t watch any show like that, I have my own life to live. I find my family much more interesting than some woman who gets on a talk show and “jokingly” says take my kids. She and Jon should be ashamed of what they are doing, instead our society is validating their whoring out of their kids. And yes, those kids will grow up to be brats, looking for a handout rather than getting a real job because that is what mommy and daddy are teaching them.
Oh, and the same thing goes for the Little People, Big World group. 2 DUIs and this is someone who is getting rewarded?!? I could give 2 hoots about them and their little world. Acting as if the father “earns” the money to go on trips, buy stuff, etc. The show provides this and the idiots who watch the show support it. Stop watching these greedy, lazy folks (LPBW & J&K+8)! Take as much interest in your own family instead of living through another’s!
115. Terri said:
October 29, 2008 @ 10:19 am
StaceySMod, Stacy Maureen, Valerie, Mully, et al…
Bible thumper? No, but I do and will believe that the Lord provided for this family. That is my belief. Yours are different. And, I’m not preaching anything. I’m merely letting you know what I beleive concerning this family. My view is different than those of you who only see greed. Of course, I won’t be able to get through your thickheads, you need to realize it for yourselves. Or, at least be a little more open-minded.
Yes, I do believe you are all jeaulous of Jon & Kate. How else can the venom that you write be explained? Really, you hide behind a name on a blog and think you can rip apart a woman for the choices she made on her kids? Yes, Kate’s in the public eye, but geeze, at least be human, and perhaps mature and not rip apart another adult? I know, a lot of you will argue that that’s what these blogs are all about.
Em’s mom and Mully, maybe we should follow you for a day and rip apart your parenting skills.
Once again, let me say that you do not see ALL of the Gosselins life on this show. You don’t see them giving back, to the church, to St. Jude’s etc. For those who had the idea of having them show it on an episode, great idea. Perhaps TLC will do that. Perhaps not. And, consider, maybe Jon & Kate don’t need their generosity shown on the tv. A lot of people prefer to help others quietly.
Are there other families who are in need? Yes. So, perhaps you and I should help those families out. Maybe instead of writing on this blog, let’s go and donate to those families, so they can be helped, too.
116. Stacey Maureen said:
October 29, 2008 @ 11:02 am
I have to disagree. I feel like TLC and people who are fooled into believing this family is needy have provided for the Gosselins. Sure–maybe in the beginning they needed help but now? They have taken it to a whole new level. They are just downright greedy!
I am jealous? I don’t think so. Would I want a husband with a spine made of jelly? Someone who acts like they don’t even like me? No thanks. Would I want all of those bratty kids? Especially two eight year olds who act like they are two? Always hitting? Always screaming at each other? Mo thank you! Am I hiding behind my name on this blog? Where is the section to post photos–I will gladly show my face!!
You are wrong–if Kate had her way, we would see ALL of their life! As it is now we see too much! She is constantly preaching about how she wants “others to see how they live” so are you now telling me that this is NOT how they really live? When the cameras are off, the kids are hugging and sitting quietly? Jon and Kate are snuggling on the couch? I don’t think so. I think it is a lot WORSE when the cameras aren’t there! They don’t seem to hold back when they are being filmed so what would change when the cameras are done for the day?
Please, if Jon and Kate were donating, we would KNOW ABOUT IT!! They would not keep it quiet. She made a big deal about telling everyone she gave a check to the Ronald McDonald House four years after they were there with the tups. Give me a break. She is the type to want her name above the door as a dedication to her and Jon!! I can see it now–the Gosselin Family Library, etc. I do not see these two clowns keeping anything they give back a secret!
I just feel bad for the people who are still believing their “story” and donating money, gifts, buying tickets to their “speaking engagements” etc. Great–we realize you needed help in the beginning but now you have your own TV show–cut it out and let the real people who need help get it. Stop selling autographs yet claiming you are “in need” and accepting donations from people who probably aren’t in a position to give to you.
117. Ems mom said:
October 29, 2008 @ 12:37 pm
Or maybe, just maybe, if all of the negative feedback is not a reflection of their parenting skills, they should turn off the camera and go about the business of raising their kids.
I am not 100% sure, but I don’t think I have ever read anything on here about perfect parenting. We are ALL imperfect beings, and we all make mistakes. Its just that the majority of us are not doing it on the air and we are not being paid to allow the world to witness our kids growing up. I wish you would consider this…financialy they have acheived success. It has obviuosly affected these kids. In my opinion, it is time to walk away.Will it change who they are? Absolutely not. But the world will not watch and scratch their heads any longer.People will not have to look for an outlet, and validation of how they feel about these 2. Turn off the camera.Thats all. Oh..and Amen..
118. mully said:
October 29, 2008 @ 1:05 pm
Terri: I would suggest you watch your words here. No one on this blog has criticized YOU or YOUR parenting skills, so be careful in what you say about others.
Yes, we have criticized Kates parenting skills. which are definitely circumspect AND since she has chosen to put herself out there for public scrutiny, she will have to take the good with the bad.
For the record: I have raised 4 children. 3 of them have college degrees, all of them are more than gainfully employed, one of them is the proud father of 3 young boys. The 4th child is my eldest who was born with Down’s Syndrome, whom, even tho I was advised to “put in a home” was raised at home with her parents and siblings. I think that alone qualifies me for being a fairly good parent.
How dare YOU question MY parenting skills when I have completed my job and duty as a parent by giving these 4 people a great start on what most people who know them would call, meaningful and productive lives.
Get your “blogging etiquette” in order Terri, before you come here and offer hurtful, mean-spirited words to bloggers who have done nothing to attack YOU personally.
BTW. We are not “thickheaded” simply because we dont see eye to eye with you.
119. Mismis12 said:
October 29, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
I think Mully, what Terri was trying to say when she posted;
was not an attack of your parenting skills personally but an attempt to see it from another perspective… sitting here and judging the Gosselin’s parenting skills is what most posters here do, and I think all she was alluding at was that even though you raised wonderful children (from what you can tell us on here) that maybe someone could have possibly found fault in it as you (and others) are doing to Kate and Jon…
I dont think it was a questioning of YOUR parenting skills, just a thought that if you too had put your life out there to judge, as Jon and Kate have that people would in turn criticize you as well… even IF you were doing nothing wrong. Point being… no one is ever content with the way people are raising their children and can always find room for change or criticism…
As for blogging etiquette… WHAT IS BLOGGING ETIQUETTE??? AND WHO MADE THESE RULES????
120. Lauren said:
October 29, 2008 @ 1:41 pm
We all know that Kate’s not a perfect parent. No one here is saying that they are the perfect parent. I would have done things differently if I could go back in time.
BUT, the main issue with Kate (and Jon) is that they are parenting their children in front of millions and they’re doing it for money. Not for God. For money. They don’t want to live frugally and work hard to support their children. They’ve found out that they don’t have to as long as they are willing to sell their children’s childhoods. They have knowingly and willingly put a price tag on each of their children’s privacy.
As far as Kate’s christianity, there’s a little commandment about honoring they father and mother that seems to be missing from her Good Book . . . .