jon and kate under investigation?
By Trace86
@Trace86 (5030)
United States
May 30, 2009 11:43pm CST
I am not sure what I think of this story. It has some merits and good points. What do you think?
PS. This is only part of the article. It was just too long! :)
http://www.nj.com/parenting/maria_andreu/index.ssf/2009/05/jon_and_kate_plus_8_under_chil.html
But today's AP story brings up another point: what about the kids? Underage performers have long been protected by child labor laws that regulated how long they were allowed to work. But if it's a "reality" show and cameras are just hanging around (and kids aren't performing, just living their lives), is that work? While we'll have to wait and see what the investigation uncovers, it brings up the murkiness of issues that "reality" t.v. raises.
We all know that reality television is that often more in name than in fact. Reports have long surfaced about "missed" scenes re-shot for the cameras or scenarios set up for the benefit of the audience. At this point, it is unknown just how much of that goes on in this particular show. But as with the old scientific maxim - the very act of observing something changes it - so too do I wonder if the very act of observing these kids' lives has changed them. They certainly seem busier than my family.
And what are the ethics of profiting from the story of these minors who are too young to consent to be filmed? Reportedly, the family is paid between $50,000 to $75,000 per episode. Is any of this money being set aside for them?
2 people like this
5 responses
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
30 Jun 09
I also heard that John and Kate are having problems. I guess that is the disadvantage of having your life under camera scrutiny. There is no privacy and you think that you are someone important. I feel sorry for the children. It will take a while for them to live a normal life. Thanks for the best response.
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
16 Jun 09
I do hope that the children get a trust fund, but as for the children consenting, unless it is working in a coal mine or doing hard labor, should not the children obey their parents? They cannot exactly say "mom and dad we do not want to do this." The main danger I see if not that they are not treated as miniature adults which the child service people want - oh how short are the memories when more than 100 years ago children were treated as miniature adults, worked in mines, as chimney sweeps, were deported for stealing a few pennies, and some even hanged - to happen.
I would say if the children are tortured, or forced to do something they are not ready to do, then I would be worried, but right now my worry is that the show might make the children very conceited and think that they are better then any other children and make them spoiled rotten.
1 person likes this
@JoyfulOne (6231)
• United States
5 Jun 09
Wow, so many things I just never thought about before. I've only watched it a few times, but it brings up some good points. In a way, I have to think that no matter what the age of the child in any reality show, it's still an invasion of privacy, and I'm sure that it does affect them in what they say, or what they do, or even how they act. I never thought about them re-shooting scenes, although with the way tv is I'm sure they probably do that to those kids more than we know...especially if they're being normal kids and having a contrary day. Interesting article, thank you for sharing it with us. Gee, I hope that most of that money that's being earned gets earmarked for furthering their education, etc, when they get older. Thinking back on it...how many other child stars 'worked' for years and years and never had a penny of it when they got older?! This article sure does make one think, and it probably raises more questions than answers.
1 person likes this
@coffeebreak (17797)
• United States
31 May 09
There are so many of these mega family reality shows... if they hit Jon and Kate.. they'd better hit the Duggers and the rest of them. I don't keep up with them all as most of them are just to fake.. I am sorry, but dozen or more of people of all different ages.. there is going to be fighting and argurments and dissagreements and something called "things that happen in life". I watch the Dugger sometimes and never have I seen a fight between the kids.. no arguing, no unhappiness, nothing but shear joy and pleasure. Sorry...I dont' beleive that. I started catching a few Jon and Kate's just out of curiousity and thought.. well at least they are showing a real life family.. the kids are well behaved, but at the same time... KIDS and do what ALL kids do!! BOttom line, tho I guess I would have to say, that I dont' really think these shows should even be filmed and on tv...why does anyone want their lives out there in such blazen glory for ALL to see? For the money.. maybe, but like the movie stars.. they want all the money and then get mad when they are nagged or followed or seomthing by the ones that helped give them all that money and then complain about not having any privacy. You have to give if you are going to continue to take!
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