Reader comments
Scott D. Pierce: 'Jon & Kate' obsession is totally out of control
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Vanessa B. | 2:23 a.m. June 29, 2009
I completely agree
dj | 5:02 a.m. June 29, 2009
I agree with Pierce.
There is a lot of talk about how John and Kate just want money. But really - do any of us know the financial needs of sextuplets? Maybe what started as an attempt to care for them has created a horrible "monster." Maybe we the public can stop it with our remotes.
There is a lot of talk about how John and Kate just want money. But really - do any of us know the financial needs of sextuplets? Maybe what started as an attempt to care for them has created a horrible "monster." Maybe we the public can stop it with our remotes.
dena | 7:17 a.m. June 29, 2009
Wonderful article Scott! It's the best article I've read concerning
this issue. Ive heard many many women being very critical of Kate. But I
wonder how many of them would turn down an opportunity to have their own TLC
show? And all the perks that go along with that. If I could get them out to my
house to film, I promise you I would be doing it.
Comments continue below
Photog | 7:44 a.m. June 29, 2009
What's wrong with photographers stalking their children so that they can
take pictures to sell? The parents have already whored out their children so
that they can make millions, why not let someone else cash in as well. It's
not like these kids are going to be disturbed by another camera.
Hypocrits | 8:31 a.m. June 29, 2009
Anyone who has enjoyed this show in any form, at any time in the past, who is
now decrying it any form is a total hypocrit.
You have helped create the problem, don't whine now about the exploitation of the children.
You have helped create the problem, don't whine now about the exploitation of the children.
K | 8:32 a.m. June 29, 2009
photog,
NO ONE should cash in on the children. Their parents allowing film people and photographers for the show is plenty of exposure. They are in charge of their children's privacy.
NO ONE should cash in on the children. Their parents allowing film people and photographers for the show is plenty of exposure. They are in charge of their children's privacy.
Anonymous | 9:16 a.m. June 29, 2009
I admit I was really hooked on the show. I think the reason many of us got so
emotionally involved is that it seemed like a refreshing, wholesome,
family-values sort of show that reminded us of our own families and
children/grandchildren. I laughed so hard when the kids were arguing about who
was the "most Asian," for instance. Those children are adorable and
hilarious - just like the children in my own family.
I have decided not to watch the show when it comes back in August because I'm too sad the family broke up. If the pressures of reality TV have caused or contributed to this sad state of affairs, I don't want to be a part of that anymore.
It's time to "get a life" for me and let the Gosselins heal.
I have decided not to watch the show when it comes back in August because I'm too sad the family broke up. If the pressures of reality TV have caused or contributed to this sad state of affairs, I don't want to be a part of that anymore.
It's time to "get a life" for me and let the Gosselins heal.
gayfuller | 9:38 a.m. June 29, 2009
The love of money is the root of all evil...Jon and Kate have no one to blame
for their marital woes than themselves...and their apparent desire to pad their
bank accounts. Whatever...I think it's an idiotic show....
confused | 10:02 a.m. June 29, 2009
Why does anyone watch these shows?
Anonymous | 10:05 a.m. June 29, 2009
Didn't any of you ever learn about the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle?
Duh.
Any theoretical physicist could have told you Jon and Kate's lives on camera were never "real".
As for the "obsession" being out of control, that is what the TV networks are trying to create: an out of control frenzy over their show! That is what makes them money! And that is what Jon and Kate were trying to acheive when they agreed to allow cameras into their family life! They got exactly what they were wishing for: fame and fortune! They have nobody to blame but themselves.
As for me, I will keep my private life private, and I will continue to get exactly what I wish for: serenity.
Duh.
Any theoretical physicist could have told you Jon and Kate's lives on camera were never "real".
As for the "obsession" being out of control, that is what the TV networks are trying to create: an out of control frenzy over their show! That is what makes them money! And that is what Jon and Kate were trying to acheive when they agreed to allow cameras into their family life! They got exactly what they were wishing for: fame and fortune! They have nobody to blame but themselves.
As for me, I will keep my private life private, and I will continue to get exactly what I wish for: serenity.
Anonymous | 10:20 a.m. June 29, 2009
I find it kind of funny (and by that I mean kind of sad) that we had to go
through this to find out reality tv is anything but. Some of us never gave a
darn about the show. And some of us who are in that position still think that
neither parent is acting in the best interest of the kids (research actually
shows kids do better if the parents do stay together for the kids - unless
it's violent). And some of us who knew all along that reality tv is a sham
think that the parents have not been acting in the best interest of the kids for
a long time. And I think it's perfectly fair for me to say that, because
hopefully some of us will get a clue about what reality tv does to those
involved with it - on either side of the screen - and hopefully we won't
allow this to happen to another family by actually getting involved with the
show and the gossip next time a set of parents tries to auction off viewing time
of their kids.
mother | 10:22 a.m. June 29, 2009
Never been a big fan of adults who exploit their children and pine for perks and
freebies. I've been apalled by these two for years. All I can say is many
people saw this coming a long time ago and the children, as always, are the ones
who will suffer the most.
I don't question the love the parents have for the children at all. I question the mind set that told them this would all turn out okay for everyone.
I don't question the love the parents have for the children at all. I question the mind set that told them this would all turn out okay for everyone.
xscribe | 10:37 a.m. June 29, 2009
I had to ask my wife who they even were. We can't blame the Gosselins, we
have only ourselves to blame for watching. People complain about so many
things, things they could change if they would just give them up for a while.
Take professional sports: I don't watch them, I don't go to them, and
I think they get paid way too much money - I'm sure that's an argument
in and of itself - but people still go and fill the seats, spend a ridiculous
amount on marked-up food, and then complain about how expensive it is. I wonder
what would happen if "we" just didn't go to the games? Power to
the people!
John Charity Spring | 10:40 a.m. June 29, 2009
This a tragic case of a family who let the entertainment industry take over
every aspect of its existence. This should be a warning to everyone. The
modern entertainment industry continues to promote immorality, substance abuse,
selfishness, and outrageous behavior. Anyone who lets this type of organization
promoting these types of values into their lives should not be surprised when
catastrophe is the result.
jcdodobear | 11:12 a.m. June 29, 2009
I don't watch any "reality" tv. I find them a complete waste of
time and not really that entertaining. Those that do watch, create the monster.
Sorry that the children have to go through this.
Frank Castle | 11:21 a.m. June 29, 2009
The only people I've seen care or obsess over Jon & Kate are the
entertainment media.
In fact, I saw a headline where the aforementioned journalists said they were unprepared for the Michael Jackson tragedy.... coincedence?
In fact, I saw a headline where the aforementioned journalists said they were unprepared for the Michael Jackson tragedy.... coincedence?
Get Real | 11:23 a.m. June 29, 2009
If there was anyone out there naive enough to have ever thought this show was
spontaneous or unscripted, you should have realized the fakeness of it all when
it was announced John's "girlfriend" would be joining the show
the remainder of the season. Hollywood loves a love triangle and the tension of
the Gosselins with the girlfriend in the mix will bring more viewers than ever.
Even fake love triangles will appeal to the prurient interests of the audience,
just like Jerry Springer and his "spontaneous" confrontations on stage
between spouses and lovers. If you have been duped into ever thinking this show
or any other reality show is unscripted, wake up and turn off the show. The
kids, like you, are pawns of greedy and corrupt television producers and their
willing accomplices, John, Kate, and the other woman.
Not a fan | 12:04 p.m. June 29, 2009
Never watched it before and I won't start now. It's ridiculous that
anybody with a big family gets their own shows these days.
Anonymous | 12:13 p.m. June 29, 2009
I have to admit I look at gossip websites occasionally, but I'm not
obsessed. I just feel bad for everyone involved. What makes me laugh (if
it's true) is the report that Jon is looking at expensive apartments in New
York. He's probably going to get a lot of money from the settlement, but
what woman is going to want a 30-something, aging, balding, guy with a gut? His
current girlfriend won't last long, and no one else will either when his
"stardom" wears off. His money is going to run out pretty quick.
Shelia | 12:22 p.m. June 29, 2009
My husband works as a reality show editor. You are correct in how
"unreal" these shows are. It is true once a camera is on you , you do
act differently. But let me share with you that most of these reality shows are
either all scripted or partial scripted.
I do not watch any of these reality shows, it is more important to live ones only life instead of watching fake people living their fake life
I do not watch any of these reality shows, it is more important to live ones only life instead of watching fake people living their fake life
Mr.B | 12:45 p.m. June 29, 2009
Its about time, Money must be real good to stay with the Ice Queen that long
Anonymous | 1:05 p.m. June 29, 2009
re: Not a fan | 12:04 p.m. June 29, 2009
So, Why isn't most of Utah on then?
re: Shelia | 12:22 p.m. June 29, 2009
The Simpsons have "lampooned" this topic several times.
re: Mr.B | 12:45 p.m. June 29, 2009
Testify, My Brother!
So, Why isn't most of Utah on then?
re: Shelia | 12:22 p.m. June 29, 2009
The Simpsons have "lampooned" this topic several times.
re: Mr.B | 12:45 p.m. June 29, 2009
Testify, My Brother!
Anonymous | 1:52 p.m. June 29, 2009
Hope this family finds some peace.
Now it's time for WE to take off "Raising Sextuplets" cuz it's the same thing and it's stupid. Another set of parents wanting to cash in on their kids no matter what they say.
Now it's time for WE to take off "Raising Sextuplets" cuz it's the same thing and it's stupid. Another set of parents wanting to cash in on their kids no matter what they say.
Me | 2:01 p.m. June 29, 2009
Real or Fake, its still sad that a family is broken up. These children will
google their parents later in life and see all of this, true or untrue
information, which is awful....Thank goodness my child can't google me and
my ex husband and our problems that led to the dimise of our marriage. It is
time to let it go for the kids sake.
joke | 3:22 p.m. June 29, 2009
For all of you feeding this joke of a tv show, you should be ashamed of
yourselves. This is not good for the kids. This is the most ridiculous thing
in television history. These kids are going to be scarred for life. Let it go
already. The show was a dumb idea to begin with.
Blame to go around | 3:30 p.m. June 29, 2009
COMPLETE waste of time.
My wife watched some "John and Kate marriage disintegration" show last night.
I declined.
Passing in and out of the family room several times during the show I did glean that God surely is NOT happy with the media's handling of the current situation. Nor is he happy with the people who are absolutely obsessed with their problems.
I'll comment here but that's it for me.
Good luck to ANYONE under our stupid media's microscope.
My wife watched some "John and Kate marriage disintegration" show last night.
I declined.
Passing in and out of the family room several times during the show I did glean that God surely is NOT happy with the media's handling of the current situation. Nor is he happy with the people who are absolutely obsessed with their problems.
I'll comment here but that's it for me.
Good luck to ANYONE under our stupid media's microscope.
Michelle | 3:47 p.m. June 29, 2009
I don't think that people should put their family on tv. I don't think
it is good for children to grow up in that kind of environment. I have to admit
that celebrity gossip is a weakness of mine. But you never know what goes on
behind closed doors so we shouldn't really judge.
Chris | 4:23 p.m. June 29, 2009
The reason people are so angry is because of the actions of the parents
themselves. THEY are the ones choosing to keep their eroding marriage in the
media, with the interviews and TLC show. Kate is the one who is giving info to
the press about how the older girls handled being told about the divorce. I
have no sympathy for anyone who due to excessive greed, chooses to display their
own children in this way. As far as the NYC Prep show...according to your own
comments in the article, how do we know if the parents left a guardian at the
apartment to watch their teens while they were away? After all, as you pointed
out, reality TV is not really reality...look for something else to write about
and maybe you will do a better job!
longtimereader | 5:00 p.m. June 29, 2009
I was really hoping that the "big" announcement would have been
"we've decided to quit the show and work on our marriage" -
that's what would be "best for the kids".
Who? | 8:21 p.m. June 29, 2009
The media is obsessed with the media creation "Jon and Kate." The
average Joe couldn't care less.
Get a Life | 10:29 p.m. June 29, 2009
This was two people looking for fame and fortune and were two calloused to see
what it would do to them and their family. And Americans feed on this tripe day
in and day out, including Utahns. Get a life and do something with it. God
gave it to you not to be wasted on useless TV shows like this one. NEver saw it
and never wanted to. Too much in life to experience to waste it on such
garbage.
What?!?!?!?!?!? | 7:53 a.m. June 30, 2009
"Guess what, folks. Reality television isn't real. Never has been,
never will be."
What stunning revelation by our esteemed Mr. Pierce.
What stunning revelation by our esteemed Mr. Pierce.
Luke | 12:49 p.m. Aug. 27, 2009
Why are Jon and Kate newsworthy? I really don't get it. They are just a
couple off of a stupid reality show from The Learning Channel (what exactly we
are supposed to learn, remains a mystery). I can't believe there is news
about one of both of them just about every day. The news media treats them as
if they are the King and Queen of Hollywood or something. My vote is to cancel
the show and let them become mere memories for those who really care.
I personally think there are a lot more newsworthy things out there that the media can focus their attention on.
Anyone know of someplace where we can voice an opinion like this and have it heard by a lot of people?
I personally think there are a lot more newsworthy things out there that the media can focus their attention on.
Anyone know of someplace where we can voice an opinion like this and have it heard by a lot of people?
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Jon and Kate and their eight kids in happier times.
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