The Duggars Use Fame to Promote Hate

[chantillykate]

Considering the average American household in 2013 consisted of 2.54 people, it's safe to say that the Duggar family is anything but "normal." With a whopping 19 children (nine girls and ten boys), Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's family of 21 is nearly 10 times larger than the statistical average.

19 Kids and Counting - A Reality TV Sensation

As you're probably aware, their huge family hasn't gone unnoticed - they've been reality TV stars since 2008. Their series "19 Kids and Counting" (formally 17 Kids and Counting and 18 Kids and Counting) began in September, 2008 and has grown to become wildly popular on TLC.

The show opens the doors to reveal the Family's untraditional lives, and welcomes viewers to get to know the individual traits of each Duggar. In fact, just last month, the show celebrating record ratings as nearly 4.4 million viewers tuned in to watch daughter Jill tie the knot.

The Duggars: Promoting Hate & Discrimination

In non-reality TV news, it has recently come to light that The Duggars have been promoting hate and discrimination within the LGBT community. In August, Michelle reveled a public stance on anti-discrimination housing laws when she stated transgender women should not be able to use the proper restroom, and referred to them as "males with past child predator conviction that claim they are female."

The Duggars Facebook page has also become the center of controversy. About a week ago, the couple shared a photo of themselves kissing and asked other married couples to share their own kissing photos.

John Becker, of the LGBT blog "The Bilerico Project," posted his own photo of he and his husband kissing, and included a message about marriage equality with the photo. However, his photo was later removed and banned from The Duggar's Facebook page.

A Petition for Change

Since the show is broadcasted on TLC (a top family and lifestyle channel), many feel that The Duggars do not belong on the channel anymore.

A petition on Change.org was launched by Jim Wissick, who believes the show should be canceled and banned. With more than 75,000 signatures on the petition, the goal of 100,000 signatures is well within reach.

Their disciminatory actions towards those who are "different" than them could end up costing a lot more than ratings - it could cost them their careers.

What do you think? Will you sign the petition to get 19 Kids and Counting banned from TLC? I know I will.

Images via here, here, and here.

[xHoneyxBeex]

Seriously? They are a devoutly religious family so does their stance on the LGBT community really surprise anyone? I mean, there are a lot of religious people who are very tolerant to the LGBT community (including myself) but the Duggars' lifestyle is extreme in all things. From my understanding, they don't believe in birth control, pre-marital sex (or even kissing/hugging a member of the opposite sex before marriage), the kids are homeschooled, they are extremely traditional in their views so I think it's kind of expected that they would have this viewpoint regarding homosexual relationships.

1) It was their Facebook page. If something is posted that they disagree with, they have every right to remove it.
2) While I do disagree with her comment regarding transgendered people, there are MANY "famous" people who make hateful or rude comments aimed at specific groups. She isn't the only semi-famous person to say the wrong thing and offend tons of people and I guarantee she won't be the last. And just because she said something that many people disagree with doesn't mean she should be silenced. People are entitled to their own opinions.

If someone doesn't want to watch their show, they don't have to watch it. No one is being forced to watch the show or support the Duggar family. I think the petition is ridiculous.

[writerguy220]

I don't like the things she said either. But I wonder I what want to do as a culture is shout down and ban any points of view that the culture at large deems offensive? Again I find her remarks offensive also.. but I don't think kicking them off the air and expelling that voice or point of view from the public square is good for a free thinking society. If you seek to silence those you disagree with with boycotts, (though I think not watching the show or viewing their Facebook page is a great option if you find it offensive) legislation and the like, what happens what you think or feel, or believe is reduced to "hate speech?" (I don't disagree that what she said could be considered that.. but not everything dubbed as hate speech is.. just sayin) if you insist on marginalizing a world view because you don't like it, then you need to be ok with your world view being marginalized and written off should what you think and believe and pass on to your kids should drift out of mainstream thinking. Rather than kicking them out of public life why not have a thoughtful respectful discussion around these issues? Why consider people we disagree with as evil, hateful, or the enemy. As for me I'm for thoughtful engagement of these issues.

[NateInAk]

So I just have to say that while being homosexual is a sin in the bible, an equal sin is being jealous of your neighbors lawnmower. We're only human and there are infinite ways to sin. Homosexuality is not a worse sin than anything else. I deserve to go to hell for watching p*rn as much as that dude does for sleeping with his boyfriend. The thing is, we're all weak and will sin at some time or another, but our sins are forgiven by the grace of Jesus. People who feel the pull of homosexuality but ask for forgiveness for their sins from Jesus are no worse in the eyes of the lord than the pope. One sin is enough to send you to hell for eternity, but faith in Jesus Christ is enough for forgiveness.

Sorry to go all uber-Christian there.

I support their beliefs and I can understand how some people may be uncomfortable sharing a bathroom with trans-gendered individuals. That said, I do think that that quote is a horrible term. I definitely don't think they are spreading hate though, simply expressing their views through a somewhat stupid term.

[Anonymous]

I don't really watch the show, but I know people who came from families with similar beliefs and I think it's unhealthy or borderline abuse.
They seem happy and nice because they teach their kids that any negative emotion is ungodly and ungrateful so they learn early on to suppress them (which damages the kids' psyche btw).
They treat their older children like toddlers, forbidding them normal internet surfing and stuff, yet at the same time they burden them with adult responsibilities or raising the little ones (which is another thing that damages them, cause teenagers are supposed to explore and figure out who they are, not have responsibilities of adults and rights of toddlers).
They many pretend that it's all love and peace, but kids know they'd be outcasted if they decided on a different lifestyle or beliefs, so they'd lose pretty much everything they know.
It is NOT statistically possible for ALL of those children to be happy and a natural fit to the lifestyle they're forced to live. At least one of them is likely to be gay. At least one of them would not be happy marrying a person they hadn't had a chance to get to know without supervision. At least one of the girls will be miserable on the inside, living life without birth control, having one kid after another.
There's always much under the surface in communities like theirs and it ain't pretty.
But no, I don't think their show should be canceled if people want to watch it, I'm not a fan of banning things I disagree with, I don't think it's the best way.

[BuchitaBuchys]

I've never heard of this show. But I think it's interesting how people are so ok with sexual orientation discrimination but would freak out if it were race or nation discrimination. People take offense if it's unpatriotic or against a nationality, but not sexual orientation. Interesting. Sexual attraction cannot be changed like a "switch" like most people assume, neither can be color of skin nor place of birth. But intolerance of one is tolerated still in today's society. Interesting and hypocritical.

[RationalMale]

Actually, most professional sources agree that either there's no proof people are born gay, or that they don't know. For instance, the Royal College of Psychiatrists says it's a cause of biological and postnatal factors... meaning they don't know. The American Psychological Association says that no one knows what causes it. https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/orientation.aspx
Also, the Gay Report, by Karla Jay and Allan Young, showed that a large percent of men and women who identify as homosexual often engage in heretosexual sex.

So what causes you to say that sexual attraction cannot be changed?

[BuchitaBuchys]

@RationaleMale do you believe with all this push for "Fat acceptance" that you will be sexually attracted to obese women? It's not a "switch" that people can turn on and off. It just happens with the individual.

@Bluemax and I had an interesting conversation about this. You cannot change who you're sexually attracted to. It's extremely difficult, and if you could, it's certainly not a conscious decision in my opinion. It sorta just happens.

And even if they physically or somehow could change their attraction, why should they? To appease a bunch of asshole bigots who have no business in their personal lives anyway? Sorry, but even if it were a "switch", I was never a fan of conformity. You got a problem with me? Hm ok. Then change your damn self or mind ya business lol

[BuchitaBuchys]

@RationalMale

[RationalMale]

Again, do you have any source to back up your statement? Or is this just your opinion vs the findings of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the American Psychological Association?

Unless someone has proof that homosexuality is genetic, comparing homosexuality to things we *know* are genetic, like race or sex, makes as much sense as a pedophile saying he's being discriminated against.

[BuchitaBuchys]

@RationalMale answer my question. That's why I say sexual attraction perhaps cannot be changed through a conscious effort. Do you think you can force yourself to find morbidly obese women attractive? I'm talking about sexual attraction, not so much about sexual orientation. Sexual orientation in general.

As for the pedophile comparison, not really valid. 2 (or more) consenting adults fucking is not the same as wanting sex from a child. Even if the child does "consent". Kids are not mentally, physically, not done developing. Adult homosexuals and heterosexuals for the most part are. So adults fucking is not really harming anyone. Gay or straight sex.

[BuchitaBuchys]

*sexual attraction in general

[RationalMale]

When someone feels their opinion alone overrides what the APA and the Royal College have found, why debate? That's either extreme immaturity or narcissism on a truly incredible level.

[BuchitaBuchys]

I'm talking about sexual attraction. And you asked "So what causes you to say that sexual attraction cannot be unchanged?"
I told you what I thought.
You're referring to sexual orientation, yes a lot of that has to do with sexual attraction. But as I said, sexual attraction usually isn't done on a conscious level.
And the APA doesn't have a consensus either. It can be influenced. Why bother giving you a bunch of other links that say the same.

Now back to the question you asked, sexual attraction cannot be changed. I don't think, at least for me or anyone I know, I cannot say "I will now find that woman/man attractive". It's usually just done on a subconscious level.
So answer my question. Can you say you'll find morbidly obese women attractive? Even if that's all the media portrays as beautiful or whatever?
It may happen, but I don't think it'd be a conscious decision.

[BuchitaBuchys]

@RationalMale You're probably thinking "why the fuck does this chick keep talking about if I can find morbidly obese women attractive?"
The reason I keep nagging about if sexual attraction is a "choice", or at least a conscious choice, in straight people as yourself is because if a straight person cannot force themselves to find someone attractive or unattractive like a "switch", how the hell would homosexual individuals be able to?
That is basically what I'm trying to get at. Yes, sexual orientation is basically dependent on what/who we're sexually attracted to. I know that. Sure, we don't know if sexual orientation is something that's "genetic" or even innate. BUT we do somewhat know that sexual attraction (which is what sexual orientation largely depends on) is mostly not a conscious decision. I know for me and most people I know it wasn't. It kinda just happens, homo or heterosexual.

[RationalMale]

Lass, you're so close minded you don't care about facts, just feelings. Debating someone so close minded is like trying to talk to a rock.

[BuchitaBuchys]

@RationalMale I already explained to you that obviously it is uncertain if sexual orientation is genetic or something really born with. And guess what, even heterosexuality isn't certain either. I said that it'd be pointless to even bring up any other studies because they all say that.

I asked you about sexual attraction since you asked me why I said sexual attraction cannot be changed. I am saying not really on a conscious level at least. With homo or heterosexuals.

You resort to name-calling cuz I see you have nothing else to say. This is the classic move that is pulled. Rock or not, at least I answered your question.

[RationalMale]

I'll give this one more shot, haha. What if I told you there is, in fact, ways to change not only what your "type" as far sexual attraction is, but sexual orientation?

[BuchitaBuchys]

@RationalMale Do you mean on a conscious and like almost instantaneous level? I'm not referring to over time with enough exposure or whatever. I'm curious regardless though. So shoot. How?

[RationalMale]

p*rn usage. Not kidding, go look it up for yourself. While it's not common knowledge yet, high levels of p*rn usage often has that affect, and inclines men to try gay sex or ts sex. Example: www.yourbrainrebalanced.com/index.php?topic=5914.0

[BuchitaBuchys]

@RationalMale well I'll be damned, that's fucking wild lol I gotta do some research on this.
But what about the days before p*rn and internet? Because ever since humanity has been recorded, there were homosexuals. There were homosexuals since way back then. That means that they perhaps born that way. Some societies and cultures honored them, others despised them.

So then if pedophiles watch more adult p*rn , they will no longer be attracted to children?

I have so many questions now lol I will have to do some research. But I'm skeptical on this. I'd like to see some research and not just one person's experience. My guess that it wouldn't turn them over (gay), but perhaps like bi-curious or at the most bisexual. Not sure though. Have to see some science to back it up.

[been_waiting]

I 100% completely DISAGREE with the Duggars. However, the big deal about this is that the Duggars don't accept other people's beliefs and lifestyles. By banning their show, we would be doing the same thing we're shaming them for. So long as they don't say derogatory and/or hateful things on air (which could reflect poorly on TLC) I don't think their show should be banned.

Anti-discrimination extends to both extremes.

[bunnyy]

My mom used to watch this show and it always made me very uncomfortable, I feel like they are very indoctrinated people and now they are just having more kids for more fame and influence. The doctors have told her to stop but she endangers herself and any baby she carries to term at this point is at serious risk. The fame and money is only encouraging her to continue.

[AshleyMD]

I am not even a Christian and I don't necessarily agree with them. I love their show and would not like to see it removed. Especially since they actually didn't do anything to deserve all this hate. They stated their opinion like all of us do. Like you already said they have traditional values. Why does it matter? So what they are uncomfortable with gays and trans, I used to be too (still am to be quite honest). Ignorance is the reason why they are like that. They don't need to be bashed for it. As far as the removal of the picture goes, they are most likely not running that page. I have non-traditional values that generally contradict theirs, but I still love the show and think it's unnecessary to take them down. If people really dislike them then the ratings will show it.

[RedThread]

Like @xHoneyxBeex said is anyone really surprised by their reactions? Even within the religious community they'd be considered on the extreme side of things for pretty much the reasons she mentioned. I can only imagine the spam they're getting by gay couples on that Facebook page now.. They should've seen that Pandora's Box being opened..

People are entitled to their ways though. That doesn't mean that people don't have the right to express their disapproval thought. Freedom of speech goes both ways.

[Masamii]

This is totally blown out of proportion. i think it was their Facebook page and they had the right to remove whoever they wanted. They are just getting crap for it because they are more famous than people who do this everyday. You don't see petitions going around to kick kids out of school for bullying a LGBT person.

[chantillykate]

What about the comment Michelle Duggar made about transgender women? As a public figure on a family and lifestyle channel, don't you think she should have kept that comment to herself? I don't see why discriminating against others is something they do so casually. They are celebrities, and watched by millions of viewers - they should respect the spotlight, not use it to make others feel as if they aren't good enough because they don't share their same values.

[Masamii]

I don't know what her comment was. i don't watch the show nor am i a supporter of LGBT organizations. I do however, love anyone who is LGBT, i just don't accept their lifestyle. we all have a choice in this world, and if that is there's, then okay, but that doesn't mean i think it is right.

if that is what she really thinks then she has the right to say it. would it have been smarter to keep it to herself? sure, but we all have a choice with a consequence.

[chantillykate]

Her very public comment was about her feelings for transgender women using the proper restrooms. She referred to them as, "males with past child predator convictions that claim they are female." This comment is outrageous, but more importantly... it is just rude and toxic. How can someone make a claim like that, and then continue to present themselves as a loving Christian woman? She needs to practice love instead of hate. Millions of people (including children) watch this show, and this is not the example that should be set. She has no right to pass judgement on anyone for their way of life - especially when she lives an extremely non-traditional life herself. You know what they say about people in glass houses...

[Prettykangaroos]

Eh, honestly, from watching the show, they do seem like nice people. I didn't know about their discriminations, but hey, everyone's entitled to their own opinion, right? While I don't personally agree with then on ANYTHING that they do, I still find their show interesting to watch to see the world from a different point of view.

[Anonymous]

1) What else did you expect from that family? You were aware of their strong religious background, right?

2) You don't have to like what someone says or thinks, but you also don't have to try and get them to stop saying it either. If you don't like it, don't watch. But to sit there and petition for someone to stop saying what they wish is a paradox, at best.

[Opinion Owner]

And one more thing to add: I think you have it skewed a little bit in regards to their priorities. Whether or not they're on TV, they still have opinions about things. It's just that now with them being famous, those opinions are heard by a lot more people. They were there regardless of fame.

Even with them being in a type of a business relationships with their TV network, them having an opinion on something doesn't have to suddenly be held as something that needs approval from people. Your opinions don't, so why do you think theirs do?

This whole thing reminds me of a line I saw someone write (on this site, probably): "Soldiers fight for your right to say and think as you please, so shut the hell up!"... people need to understand that this sort of equality swings in many more ways than just the way that feels benefits you the most.

[StickStickity13]

I'm all for gay rights, but trying to shut down someone's TV show because they have different views is very un-American. It's sad how this country has become so soft.

[chantillykate]

Everyone is welcome to have their own views; nobody could ever take that away. However, just like when college basketball coaches make racial comments, NFL players make poor decisions, etc. there have to be consequences because they are public figures. As a celebrity, role model, and someone who represents a family friendly and lifestyle network (TLC), there are certain rules you must abide by. When TLC canceled Here Comes Honey Boo Boo because the mother on the show began dating a pedophile, people were outraged. But, is it not her choice to date who she wishes? Is it not her choice to choose her own parenting style? Of course it is - but, if you want to be a celebrity, you have to make appropriate choices or suffer the consequences. I am 100% for everyone having their own opinion (obviously, or I wouldn't have posted mine), but I am 100% against shaming others.

[StickStickity13]

The honey boo boo mother should have the right to marry anyone she wants. Just because a person has fame doesn't mean they can't have their own views.

[chantillykate]

Agreed. 100% agreed. She has the right to marry whomever she wishes, but making a choice like that resulted in her show being canceled from TLC. This is the exact same situation as what is going on now with The Duggars. As a celebrity, you have to practice discretion and make wise decisions - that's what comes along with the spotlight.

[StickStickity13]

I (respectfully?) disagree. (not sure if I used the right word forgive me. I know the TV channel has the right to end the show if they want but to say celebrities need to change their views just because they get attention is unfair to them.

[yaddayaddayadda02]

Liberal minded folks love to bash the duggars. They want the right to call them all sorts of names without consequence, but want to get these folks fired because they hold a different opinion.

[Anonymous]

That is ridiculous, I love them and they are NOT promoting hate. They simply stated their views and people are pissed off. As a Christian myself I understand where they are coming from and support them.

[chantillykate]

Do you not believe it is hateful to refer to a group of innocent citizens as "males with past child predator conviction that claim they are female"? I find that very offensive and hateful. Would you feel that the statement was hateful if it were made about you, your friends, your children, your parents, etc?

[Opinion Owner]

Although I disagree with that part and think it could've been said differently I still don't think there show should be cancelled over that. That's their/her personal beliefs and she has a right to state them just as you have a right to disagree with them/her.

[PineappleBreath]

I don't know what they meant but the fact is its in the bible that it's wrong to be gay. They are simply stating their religious beliefs which they have a right to say. Its also in the bible to love thy neighbor so if they believe in the bible literally they do that too. How extreme about it they are I don't know, but it could go from gay people are fine they just need to seek atonement for their sins to they will all burn in hell for being born that way

[Opinion Owner]

Thanks @PineappleBreath and from watching the show they follow the love thy neighbor thing. They aren't mean to anyone and in this case just stated there beliefs.

[PineappleBreath]

Don't get me wrong I think that what they stated is retarded but I have seen true hate against gay people and that's not it. That is just ignorance and hypocrisy just normal human behavior and not crazy.

[Opinion Owner]

I agree there is a difference between hate and just not agreeing with and believing in something

[lumos]

Would you still think it's ok if they said something along the lines of "black people shouldn't be allowed to use same restrooms that white people do, since all blacks are criminals"?

[Opinion Owner]

No, but honestly there is a difference in the two things from a religious standpoint. And also biologically there is a difference here.

[RationalMale]

Hell no. How would you feel if someone was making a petition to ban a tv show because they disagreed with *your* stances?

You reveal that "tolerance" means using any means possible to forcibly silence anyone who dares disagree with you.

[PineappleBreath]

How about who cares and people's position on political issues doesn't matter. It's a stupid reality show and if every show were banned be used someone held an unpopular view then there would be no shows

[The_Eternal_Emperor]

I will not be signing the petition. It doesn't matter to me what the Duggers believe or say, and it shouldn't matter to you.

[Hannah591]

I have signed the petition.

[chantillykate]

The goal of 100,000 signature was reached. It's so great to see people come together to support issues that are meaningful to them.

[Anonymous]

I won't sign the petition. Until there is an actual hate crime they haven't actually violated anything. I am unmoved since being Quiverfull it's sort of their natural stance on the matter.

[jakeofalltrades]

Aren't they are religious family, so this doesn't surprise me any. I never watch reality tv its fake. also that is way to many kids, I mean come on cross your legs once in a while lady

[ThatBritishLad]

So this is that take thing that's being advertised everywhere? Mm'kay. Pretty dull if you ask me.