Reality show curse and the Duggars

[luckylassie]

I don't know but IMO all reality show families that I've seen seem to fall apart or at least be much more dysfunctional after taking part in a show. Some examples I can think of are: Jon and Kate, the Rollofs (Amy said somewhere that the show nearly ruined the marriage), Meet the Barkers, and others. Maybe the Duggars will be immune to this because of their beliefs on divorce? Maybe they are really happy behind the scenes. I don't know but it seems to me that the camera can do some serious damage in the long term

[deelaem]

I'm sure it doesn't help anything to have a camera follow you around. However, I have to wonder about people who are willing to give up privacy and dignity and risk their own and their families' well-being for the few year's worth of big bucks they get from "reality" shows. Therefore, I think they are problems in these marriages and families in the first place, and having a camera on them just accelerates that.

[xDreamerx]

I think maybe the Duggars stand a slightly better chance than most because they're so sheltered and so religious. However, we've seen them become more "wordly" as it goes on so perhaps not.

[Jencendiary]

Michelle is high on whatever happy pill makes her talk like her brain was sucked out with a straw, and does not give a you-know-what. The kids are pig ignorant, because their father saw to it they not be exposed to decent education or normal families, and don't know what their options are. Jim Bob has no reason to leave, because he's the lord of his own little fiefdom. Their dysfunction will keep them together, not anything positive.

[3 is enough]

I don't think that Jim Bob and Michelle have been negatively impacted- I don't see them ever divorcing or having issues.

However, I do think that the show is hurting the girls' chances of finding suitable husbands. I think they have alienated part of the ATI/IBLP community.

[moreorlessnu]

My guess is the reality show would make Jessa or Jinger more likely to make a run for it.

If the Duggars hadn't become famous, they might have stopped having children at Jackson or Johannah. If they were still stuck in a very small 2 bathroom house, they might have been inclined to marry off Jana and Jill sooner.

[doggie]

I think people have to be a little off to go on reality tv. of course the duggers didi to witness to everyone. but I think the shows really screw people up. a minute of fame a lifetime of hell.

[dawbs]

I think the reality show just highlights the issues already there in a relationship.

Everything that made me think Khate and Jon were horribly suited to each other in episode 1 got more pronounced with time until they split over those things.

I don't see those sorts of 'cracks' between the couple on the Duggars--there isn't any shrill bickering to exploit and encourage. I see some tendency for them to highlight the inter-kid-conflict which may lead to a split there eventually--we can only hope.

[moreorlessnu]

I think the reality show just highlights the issues already there in a relationship.

Everything that made me think Khate and Jon were horribly suited to each other in episode 1 got more pronounced with time until they split over those things.

I don't see those sorts of 'cracks' between the couple on the Duggars--there isn't any shrill bickering to exploit and encourage. I see some tendency for them to highlight the inter-kid-conflict which may lead to a split there eventually--we can only hope.

Oh Hai, just trying to be helpful here, and ah, I'm not perfect either, but I couldn't help but notice that you misspelled Kate's name...oh, wait....never mind... :whistle:

Seriously, I agree w/ you. Michelle and JB truly seem to have an emotional connection. He seems to adore her, and she pretty much goes along w/ just about everything he wants. The few times she deviates, he seems to give into her.

The split between the kids is more likely to come along 10 or so years from now when they realize that the life they are trapped in is not the life for them, and they look jealously at the siblings who left, who are living the life that's right for them. That's where the resentment is going to build. The siblings who are trapped are going to be jealous of the ones who broke free, and the ones who broke free are going to be resentful of the trapped ones who looked down on their noses when the freed siblings flew.

[silverspoons]

I think the show has not changed Jim Bob and Michelle's marriage, like some other reality couples. The show has and will change the kids, if the changes be positive or negative remain to be seen. Without the shows, the kids would not have traveled as much, met different people, and had as nice living condtions.

I think Jim Bob is thrilled with the money. Can you imagine going from living month to month praying to sell a use car or hoing the tentants renew or pay the rent on time, to have a 5 figure check per show. There must be alot less stress for Michelle and Jim Bob. I can't imagine the worries they had when they had 13 kids in the small house. With money not being an issue anymore, and having the same faith I think the Duggars marriage will be okay.

The Duggars haven't taped episode really outside of what they normally would do. They might have to try new food (paid for by TLC) but most of the trips they go on are places they would aready be going on for seminars or homeschooling or fellowship. They are basically going about thier lives and being paid. The stress is really on the kids, espcially the older ones to keep it sweet and keep the house in order.

[lilwriter85]

I don't Boob and Michelle's marriage has changed. I think if the cameras weren't around things would be the same between them. I do think the Duggars have changed quite a bit and I can sort of see a reality show curse falling on them. The Duggars are only able to talk a lot of additional trips because of TLC. I have a theory that the only reason Josh was able to open the second car lot was because of TLC money. I can see a curse falling on the kids in way. Josh's ego and attitude have gotten worse. John, Jill, Jessa and Jana are starting to get a bit smug.

I think Rachel 333 mentioned here that some people in the Duggars started disliking them since the show. I can see people in their town who might have liked them in past end up disliking them because of the cameras and some of the lies Duggars have said.