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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121. mully said:
October 29, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
Mismis: deep breath here..because I totally disagree with your take on what Terri was saying, and if she was totally innocent and NOT trashing mine or Ems mom’s parenting skills, then she REALLY does need some etiquette lessons on how to blog nicely.
Its common courtesy on this blog that we dont trash each other. We dont name call. We dont suggest that maybe someone is an idiot. We dont throw comments around to each other that allude to someones abilities. Most of us would never have made a comment to anyone else that indicates their parenting skills need to be critiqued.
That is why I said what I said about using better etiquette. No one made a rule, its just common courtesy and common sense IF you want to get along and play nice, which apparently Terri doesnt.
The way I see this is that when you blog, your OPINION is fair game. So if I say something that is critical of Jon and Kate and you or Terri want to defend them, hey! thats the reason there are blogs and I have no problem with it. But no one, including myself, criticized Terri personally and I am sorry, but that is definitely what she did with her comment back to myself and Em’s mom.
I stand by my original post. She needs to rethink her comment, not about her defense of the Gosselins, but when she crossed the line and took it to a personal level, she lost me.
122. Valerie said:
October 29, 2008 @ 6:36 pm
To any one out there who feels that the Gosselins are truly blessed and following God’s plan for them, whatever happened to “and the meek shall inherit the earth”? Someone mentioned that this could be a test and in my opinion they are failing miserably. At the end of the day they will have everything they always wanted, but no one to share it with except complete strangers who watch their show.
Believe me I am not jealous and I don’t think anyone else is either.
Friends and Family are worth way more than material possessions or extravagant vacations. I am getting really tired of repeating myself.
123. Hillary said:
October 30, 2008 @ 8:18 am
Valerie, I read your comment about not being jealous. Whenever people criticize the Gosselins one of the first retorts those folks get are “Well, you’re just jealous.” I’m not jealous of them either. I have three kids and that’s more than enough for me.
And I agree with your statement. Sure the Gosselins may be getting money hand over fist, but they seem to have alienated most of the people around them. The kids may have Gymboree clothes, but they have few people left on their Christmas card list to even send off a picture of the kids. That’s sad.
124. Patty said:
October 30, 2008 @ 8:31 am
And let’s just hope they don’t include a bill for $20 to ones they do send a card and/picture to!
I still can’t believe that they gave autographed pictures to the two gals who taught all their kids to swim in North Carolina. I’m sure that was an exhausting task and all they got was a signed photograph! Let’s hope TLC/Figure 8 compensated them for their time. I wonder if Kate pitched a fit about them getting paid?
She’s on 700 Club right now. Somebody needs a speech coach. How many times did she say, “and Uhm,” “you know,” and “I was like…” THAT’S ANNOYING!!!
They showed a picture of Jon’s dad. Aaden looks just like him!
125. Patty said:
October 30, 2008 @ 8:35 am
A little 700 Club trivia:
Did you know that the co-host, Terry, who is from Green Bay, WI, was Miss America in 1973?
126. Jessica Marie said:
October 30, 2008 @ 11:41 pm
So I LOVE this show.
I think you all need to stop being so negative.
It’s like high school all over
calling her fake and what not.
She is a grown woman raising her family.
I bet if you all had a show people would be blogging bad things about what you do.
Everyone has their own way of doing things and their own way of handling situations.
Either way, those children are amazing. The cutest things I have seen. Hate on it or not.
127. Mismis12 said:
October 31, 2008 @ 8:46 am
Jessica… good thoughts!!!!
128. mully said:
October 31, 2008 @ 8:06 pm
126. Jessica Marie said:
IF she is a grown woman, she needs to start acting like one and that would mean to put her children’s welfare above her own. To date, I havent seen much proof that Kate Gosselin does that.
Her children are a means to an end for her. They provide her with luxuries and a way to be center of attention so that the spotlight is cast upon Kate. She needs the constant adoration from many because she isnt able to be satisfied with the love of only a few.
Evident by the fact that the closest people to her, her family, no longer are part of Kate’s life.
She needs help and to be a true “grown woman” she would recognize that she does. Since she doesnt, I have a hard time calling her “grown”.
But hey! Thats just my opinion.
129. jan said:
November 1, 2008 @ 6:39 pm
A new blog? I just saw it tonight.
130. jenine said:
November 1, 2008 @ 7:28 pm
I still watch this show dispite all the things people are saying about the gosselins But I do no one thing I cant stop reading these blogs there just the best!!! I get the new ones emailed to me so I dont miss anything lol!!!
131. Valerie said:
November 1, 2008 @ 7:36 pm
Jessica I’m sure that if I had my own show, certain people would be blogging negative things about me. No one is perfect. I don’t have a show and never would put my family in the postion the Gosselins have put theirs.
When I first starting watching the show, I enjoyed it very much. As time went on I began noticing things that just didn’t seem quite right. This blog is evidence that many, many people were seeing and thinking the same thing.
It seems that the show started out with good intentions and just went downhill. It is no longer about 2 parents trying to raise 2 sets of multiples. It is now a display of how affluent they have become because of the show.
I do realize that by continuing to watch the show, I am contributing to the success of the show.
I will continue to watch the show because I am hooked. The children are absolutely precious. It is almost like watching a drama series or dare I say soap opera where the viewer gets to know the characters and can’t wait to see what will happen next.
I think it is time for J&K to stop the show. They have way more than they need right now to provide for their family. It is no longer real. It is just excessive. Why not have a 1 hr. episode once a year. In that way we can see how the children are growing, what they have accomplished and what their interests are. Not how many extravagant vacations they can take or what material possessions they now have.
132. Mismis12 said:
November 3, 2008 @ 11:54 am
I think TLC can be credited with alot of this. Companies and individuals give them these opportunities and Jon and Kate take them… TLC uses these experiences as interesting and “hooking” 30 minute segments to keep people watching, which they are clearly doing a good job at since we are all still tuning in… and probably even waiting for tonight’s episode to continue the saga of the Hawaii trip…
I think showing how affluent they have become is due to TLC…
133. Ems mom said:
November 3, 2008 @ 12:50 pm
I feel showing how “affluent” they have become is a demonstration of poor taste and greed. TLC airs the show. Jon and Kate allow themselves, and their 8 children to continue on in poor taste. Why else would they do so, if not for the money and the freebies?? What other benefit are they getting from it?? It is NOT about a family with 2 sets of multiples. It may have started out that way, but watch episodes in the beginning. They clearly have become greedy. And they clearly are dishonest about so many things. I honestly feel that many who tune in do so to see just how outrageous and ridiculous they have become. As always, just my opinion.
134. mully said:
November 3, 2008 @ 4:07 pm
I do kinda feel that the original premise of this show has gone its merry way, so to speak. TLC probably didnt count on the “poor” Gosselin’s turning into the “rich” Gosselin’s and it does seem somewhat in poor taste to flaunt their affluence when so many people remember when it was the other way round.
The show was alot more down to earth and watchable when it was about a family struggling with all the demands, financial and otherwise of raising 8 small kids.
Now its become a “one up” thing where its almost about seeing what they can do to top last week’s episode.
135. Stacey Maureen said:
November 4, 2008 @ 12:03 pm
I had to laugh at the episode(s) where they went to Hawaii. Of course they first had to go to San Diego b/c the time change was much too difficult for these little brats. Give me a break!! And what purpose does Jenny serve? Is she just a yes man for Kate? I like how she let the one boy run off on the plane and then suddenly, he smacked into the wall and you hear Kate yelling. Ummm, why wouldn’t you hold the hand of a 4 year old? And if they are really being a brat, you pick them up. Maybe b/c Jenny is just the hired hand, she feels she can’t reprimand them. I don’t see Beth letting those kids get away with that! And come on, stop playing the organic card! Kate is actually blaming the kids’ stomach problems on the fact that their diet wasn’t organic on this trip! Is she for real? What a jackass.
136. smellyfeet said:
November 4, 2008 @ 8:56 pm
Support it or not it’s still voyeurism of children and it’s nasty and creepy. Even more creepy that people watch it and find it entertaining. Parents should have to take a test before they have children to see if they are fit. Exploiting your children is never, ever right. It’s too dangerous to have your children out there. They aren’t trained monkeys, they are children.
137. Kyla said:
November 6, 2008 @ 12:28 am
To each his own… i guess…
I’ve read almost all of these blogs here, and almost all of them are nothing but negativity… and just plain talking out of your asses… but, like i said, “To each his own”. Your entitled to your own opinions, even if they are crap…
Seriously though, I watch their show every chance i get, and yea, I’ll admit, sometimes I too wonder about somethings, but if it’s working for them, so be it… right? I personally wouldn’t want a t.v crew following me and my family around constantly, but they dont seem to mind. If you all think that this particualr show/family is so pathetic… then what does that say for you too??? Your taking the time out of your busy lives to watch them and blog and so on, must be something that keeps making ya’ll come back!!!
I think theyre great!!! I think Kate is right on and the hubby and I think their kids are super smart and super adorable!!! Theyre doing something right! I hope they last on air for along time!!!! Oh, and one last thing… ALL OF YOU “I’M NOT JEALOUS” PEOPLE OUT THERE… YEA, YOUR JEALOUS… HA HA HA HA!!!
138. Em's mom said:
November 6, 2008 @ 8:10 am
but, like i said, “To each his own”. Your entitled to your own opinions, even if they are crap…
wow- on one hand you acknowledge one’s right to opinion, and on the other hand you call said opinion “crap”. Nice
And of course “they don’t seem to mind” crews following them around. They invited it and reap every benefit from it.
And speaking only for myself, jealousy has nothing to do with my feelings about Jon and Kate, and that arguement has been beaten to death here. It is an easy accusation to throw out because you disagree with other’s views.
139. Lauren said:
November 6, 2008 @ 5:54 pm
I was reading on another site today and a young girl, in High School, is constantly defending Jon and Kate. She says she doesn’t always agree with their parenting and their decisions to put their children on display, but she still defends them almost to the point of tears, it seems.
Today was a real eye-opener. She came on to defend this family on reality tv and her reason for doing so? Because she lives in an extremely dysfunctional home, her homelife is so bad that she vicariously “lives” with the Gosselin children now.
I think that is so sad, but it did show me that a lot of posters, like Kyla, are just young people who are easily swayed, easily fooled, and easily impressed by the lifestyle that the Gosselin parents now live and the way that the Gosselin parents obtained that lifestyle. It’s so glamorized that kids today are saying they want sextuplets, they want the attention, the lifestyle, without ever realizing that these little children are paying dearly for their parents’ immature and greed-ridden decisions.
140. mully said:
November 6, 2008 @ 7:25 pm
WOW…that IS a real eye opener Lauren. It shouldnt come as any surprise when you consider how easily influenced some of our youth today can be.
I wish that young girls would consider REAL role models. People who have worked hard for what they have, done something to give back to the society that made them famous, and someone who conducts themselves with pride and respect.
Sorry girls, in my view, Kate Gosselin is a long way from that.
141. JessicaLynn said:
November 6, 2008 @ 11:01 pm
I agree. People need to chill out on the site. Some of the comments are down right offending. It’s really not fair to either side. If you’re “Pro Gosselin” great. If you hate their guts..that’s great too. I, personally see both side’s of the fence with this family. I think the kids are honestly taken care of. They have all that they need. They’re NOT wanting food or a warm place to live. They have it ALOT better than many other “large” family’s. But, I also think Kate Gosselin if really “out of her mind”. How can this woman really think people are going to find her “cute” and “Mother of the Year” when she talks to her husband like that? I mean, for real lady. She can’t be that stupid to NOT know how crazy she looks yelling ” Oh my Word” while she’s freaking out because ” Jon put the wrong color ribbon on Mady”. And then.. go on and on that ” Mady can only wear that ribbon on Tuesday’s”..Is she doing this for TV? Or is this woman REALLY like that? I wish I knew someone who lived next door to the Gosselin’s so that I can find the truth about this family. To me..it’s quite entertaining to watch. In one way its cute and sweet and loving. And..then..it’s a circus freak show. My favorite part is when they are filming Jon and Kate on the couch in the basement “reflecting” on the days events. Sometime’s my mouth just drops when Kate opens her mouth and says the most nasty thing to her husband. Right on national TV. That poor guy just sits there. I mean what can he honestly say to undo what she just said. I like it when he come’s back at her. She gets all sad..lol. One day he’s going to surprise all of you and say something reall messed up to her. Then..I cant wait for what all of you ” Kate Fan’s” have to say in her defense. It doesn’t matter if you have no kids, 3 kids or 20 kids. You have to be some kind of complete idiot to act like that on TV. Unless, you truly don’t care how your actions are going to affect your family forever. When Jon and Kate are old news..I hope she knows why. I’m sure it’ll be Jon’s fault. For those of you who think Jon will leave Kate. NO WAY. He’ll NEVER leave. Can you imagine that guys child support and alimony? I like Jon..I think he’s a good dad. I give him ALOT of credit for putting up with that crazy “drama queen” and for putting his entire life out on the line for ALL to see. I mean how humiliating was it for him to have to discuss his “free” hairplug’s with all of the world? I’m SURE he would have rathered kept that quiet. But, then again we all had to see Kate’s stomach after 8 kids in a few years. I could have done wothout that, personally. The “poop in the toleit” part was not up there on my list either. But..they obviously thought we all needed to see that. Again, I can see ALL of your points with regards to all aspects of this family. They truly have done EXACTLY what TLC wanted. They have EVERYONE watching and buzzing about them. That’s what’s bringing the $ in. I have NO idea if TLC tells them to “act” a certain way. They are definatly not boring. I’m sure TLC wouldn’t want a boring family. No one would watch.
Anyway..I like the show purely because it’s entertaining to watch and my kids kind of like it too. There is something for everyone with this family. I hope they turn out ok in the end. I wish nothing but luck to this family. Keep going Gosselin Family..you make TV worth watching sometime’s.
142. Kyla said:
November 7, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
Hey…”Em’s Mom”,
Yea, What I had said abut people having their own opinions does make sense. We as individuals will not always agree with everyone all the time, thats just not real. And I never once said I agreed with the peoples crappy opinions or the right ones, I guess what I should have put was that its about respecting opinions, like agreeing to disagree. Even if i do think what someone has to say is totally stupid, its EVERYONES god given right to think and feel how ever they want. Did you fail comprehension in school by any chance???
143. Stacey S_MOD said:
November 7, 2008 @ 2:00 pm
How do you even type this in the same paragraph & then have the chutzpah to ask someone if they failed comprehension?
Doesn’t exactly come off as respectful.
144. Charlene said:
November 7, 2008 @ 2:13 pm
Well said Stacy! Actually, I was just wondering if anything in that post was even coherent.
‘And I never once said I agreed with the peoples crappy opinions or the right ones’
Huh? So there is a crappy opinion and a right opinion? Okay - maybe you need to look up the definition of ‘opinion’ before you start asking other people if they failed comprehension.
145. momof3_ipmod said:
November 7, 2008 @ 2:44 pm
Kyla said:
Welcome Kyla! I can’t speak for everyone but I for one ‘come back’ to talk and share with my cyber friends and discuss the show. Most of us have been around for a while and really enjoy each other’s conversations and views. Try it you might like it!
146. Valerie said:
November 7, 2008 @ 3:53 pm
Wow Kyla you are pretty good at not making sense.
147. Mismis12 said:
November 7, 2008 @ 4:06 pm
WOW dude… I am just happy I am not “Kyla” anymore… LOL
In her defense… your once again assuming that because she is young she is easily swayed and therefore does not know what she is talking about regarding this family hence not letting her have her own opinion and attacking her post… I dont know the background of Kyla or what she has or hasn’t said in previous posts, but it sure does look like she is being ganged up on…
148. Valerie said:
November 7, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
Mismis Kyla’s post is being attacked. She asked if someone failed comprehension. Her post was actually very hard to comprehend.
Kyla You’re so wrong about the jealousy. You don’t know what I have and don’t have or anyone else who posts on this blog. I wouldn’t trade my life for the G’s if you offered me a million dollars. So,
HA HA HA HA right back atcha.
149. Mismis12 said:
November 7, 2008 @ 4:25 pm
Valerie Valerie… when I did this… (said something along the lines of you have no idea who I am what I do etc etc and I am not saying that YOU were the one to point this out, I just dont feel like going back to find the exact post) I was told my to open up and lighten up and to change my tone… this is the hypocritical part of this site that is so hard to get by…
150. Valerie said:
November 7, 2008 @ 4:34 pm
Mismis The last part of my post wasn’t directed to you but to Kyla. If you go back and read post 137, you will see what I was referring to. I was using my own words and not paraphrasing you at all. I didn’t even know that you had said anything similar.
Sorry.