Watching the parents on these shows marshalling their kindermobs through simple tasks from breakfast to bathing to park outings provokes a blend of pity, awe and horror in me, not unlike what I feel when confronted with terrible congenital physical abnormalities.
Sideshow aspect aside, what these families often don't mention is that most of them are radical fundamentalist Christians who believe they are acceding to god's will by whelping litters of children. One of the moms on "Kids by the Dozen" referred to a gift of hand-me-down clothes as a token of appreciation from god for obeying him and raising so many of his warriors. That's right - his "warriors."
Radical fundamentalist Christians belonging to the "Quiverful" movement believe that Christian couples should engage in no family planning whatsoever, but should instead submit themselves to having as many children as god sees fit. Among the reasons for this is the notion that the more Christians they can raise, the more they can put into positions of power, where they can shape the policies that effect the lives of everyone in this country. In other words, they want a theocracy, and they will create as many new radicals as they can in the effort.
So before you dismiss these superbreeders with a self satisfied chuckle and change the channel, consider the fact that they think they're raising cultural warriors, and the people they're raised to fight against may be you.
This kind of thing grosses me out on so many levels. It's just greedy and gross. It makes me want to adopt my own Brangelina Army so there're some liberal voters left in 20 years.
ReplyDeleteAnd I was devastated when all sorts of companies began sponsoring the Octomom, since that was so very obviously her plan. Apparently 14 kids is WAY cheaper than six...
Make me wanna vomitch.
ok, in the interest of full disclosure I loved watching Jon & Kate+8 (past tense because I no longer have cable), but feel the need to defend, in part, that particular family. While their beliefs are obviously christian, their approach to parenthood seems to be very different to what is being discussed here. They sought out fertility treatments for one, definitely a family planning method, and often describe themselves as a fertility treatment "nightmare." They also have many times stated that they are not even considering having any more children. It is also clear from watching the show that Kate is anything but submissive to her husband.
ReplyDeleteAre they indoctrinating their children to be "warriors" none the less? very possibly, though if that is the case, it is not as prominently displayed as with other families discussed, particularly the 18 children and counting family (can't remember their names at the moment).
I agree (as do those in this quiverful movement) that this is an anti-feminist stance. But I do fear that others can unfairly lump in women who choose to stay home with their children as antifeminist as well. I think it needs to be said explicitly when talking about this kind of thing that for some it is a very pro-feminist decision to be a stay-at-home mom.