Comments on: Jon & Kate + 8 = schadengosselinfreude http://teresastrasser.com/blog/2009/05/jon-kate-8-schadengosselinfreude/ Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:00:50 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Erik Wilkinson http://teresastrasser.com/blog/2009/05/jon-kate-8-schadengosselinfreude/comment-page-1/#comment-1068 Erik Wilkinson Wed, 27 May 2009 04:29:34 +0000 http://teresastrasser.com/blog/?p=313#comment-1068 Teresa, I hope you don't mind an extra plug for the blog, as I felt compelled to include a link to this entry on the TV site I contribute to, Give Me My Remote. I assure you that I am not using this forum to promote the web site. Instead, I have grown very concerned that J&K have become the symbol for our society's disjointed standards for decency and family. http://www.givememyremote.com/remote/jon-kate-plus-8-season-premiere-this-could-be-our-last-family-picture/#comment-220842 The conclusion to your piece was poignant, and a thoughtful red flag to alert us all that we could all do a little less "looking" at Mrs. Gosselin. As the audience for her adventures shrinks, her children will benefit. Wonderful work, Erik Teresa,

I hope you don’t mind an extra plug for the blog, as I felt compelled to include a link to this entry on the TV site I contribute to, Give Me My Remote. I assure you that I am not using this forum to promote the web site. Instead, I have grown very concerned that J&K have become the symbol for our society’s disjointed standards for decency and family.

http://www.givememyremote.com/remote/jon-kate-plus-8-season-premiere-this-could-be-our-last-family-picture/#comment-220842

The conclusion to your piece was poignant, and a thoughtful red flag to alert us all that we could all do a little less “looking” at Mrs. Gosselin. As the audience for her adventures shrinks, her children will benefit.

Wonderful work,
Erik

]]> By: anne http://teresastrasser.com/blog/2009/05/jon-kate-8-schadengosselinfreude/comment-page-1/#comment-1064 anne Wed, 27 May 2009 03:28:10 +0000 http://teresastrasser.com/blog/?p=313#comment-1064 i too have some how or another gotten sucked into the jon and kate plus 8 sickness. i travel a lot for work and spend many a night in a hotel room . and though at first when i saw the show i thought, 'who would watch this crap? a bunch of screaming kids - yikes!'...i have since found myself wrapped into the marathons as well. it's such good background tv while i'm returning emails and then 4 hours have passed and i have followed the gosselins to the dentist and back, skiing and back, etc., etc. i try not to judge relationships or parenting b/c i have learned that there's always more to it than an outsider can see. i have no doubt that kate loves her kids. but she is very attention hungry. i just watched the premiere last night and you can just tell that she is eating up the attention and that is sad. she is commenting on the paparazzi chasing her. she claims that her kids are not allowed to use the word, paparazzi, but she uses it in front of them. i think the paparazzi is sick and it's sad that they are photographing the kids. but through the episode, she continues to comment on the paparazzi and brings attention to them. she reminds me of dina lohan, which is frightening. good luck kids! i too have some how or another gotten sucked into the jon and kate plus 8 sickness. i travel a lot for work and spend many a night in a hotel room . and though at first when i saw the show i thought, ‘who would watch this crap? a bunch of screaming kids – yikes!’…i have since found myself wrapped into the marathons as well.

it’s such good background tv while i’m returning emails and then 4 hours have passed and i have followed the gosselins to the dentist and back, skiing and back, etc., etc. i try not to judge relationships or parenting b/c i have learned that there’s always more to it than an outsider can see. i have no doubt that kate loves her kids. but she is very attention hungry.

i just watched the premiere last night and you can just tell that she is eating up the attention and that is sad. she is commenting on the paparazzi chasing her. she claims that her kids are not allowed to use the word, paparazzi, but she uses it in front of them. i think the paparazzi is sick and it’s sad that they are photographing the kids. but through the episode, she continues to comment on the paparazzi and brings attention to them. she reminds me of dina lohan, which is frightening. good luck kids!

]]> By: Molly http://teresastrasser.com/blog/2009/05/jon-kate-8-schadengosselinfreude/comment-page-1/#comment-1053 Molly Tue, 26 May 2009 19:59:22 +0000 http://teresastrasser.com/blog/?p=313#comment-1053 I think the first statement you made in response to my comment was very insightful, “What makes someone a good mother?” I think that is a very good question. No one is perfect. In all honesty I don’t know why we are debating this subject. I guess I just feel bad for her. All the horrible comments people are making, no one deserves that. Especially for a person who is raising 8 children, and in my opinion does it well (NOT perfect or to all of YOUR standards). I guess when I first started watching the show I admired how she was so organized, and how much she loved her children. I don’t really see what you see in regards to the favoritism she shows her kids (I think that both Jon and Kate handle Mady in the same way, ignoring her tantrums and trying to show her praise when she is positive), but then again we have to realize that we don’t know these people. I mean they could be totally different when the camera is off. Personally, I don’t think I would agree to having a reality show if I had 8 children, I can’t imagine how hard that must be and because of that I cannot judge her. I think that she is having a good day everyday she doesn’t go insane. But I guess most of you think she is already there. And I don’t see what you mean when you say she is a “parenting guru”, I haven’t read every book she’s ever written but from what I have read it’s about her experiences. I don’t think (and like I said I’m not a expert on her life) she has ever claimed to be a guru on anything. And I do know what you mean about her sometimes nagging on Jon (ok she does it quite a lot) but he does it quite often too. I admit that I fight with my partner a lot too, an if a camera crew where following us around our daily lives it would be a little embarrassing to see some of those squabbles. But I think that it only shows the truth of every relationship. Everyone fights, everyone nitpicks. Unfortunately I didn’t even watch the season premiere, which it sounds like you did Sheila. Maybe I should catch up on the “tv fodder” and get back to you on it. Oh and did anyone think that maybe all this drama is so that we will do just that, watch the season premiere??? I think the first statement you made in response to my comment was very insightful, “What makes someone a good mother?” I think that is a very good question. No one is perfect. In all honesty I don’t know why we are debating this subject. I guess I just feel bad for her. All the horrible comments people are making, no one deserves that. Especially for a person who is raising 8 children, and in my opinion does it well (NOT perfect or to all of YOUR standards). I guess when I first started watching the show I admired how she was so organized, and how much she loved her children. I don’t really see what you see in regards to the favoritism she shows her kids (I think that both Jon and Kate handle Mady in the same way, ignoring her tantrums and trying to show her praise when she is positive), but then again we have to realize that we don’t know these people. I mean they could be totally different when the camera is off. Personally, I don’t think I would agree to having a reality show if I had 8 children, I can’t imagine how hard that must be and because of that I cannot judge her. I think that she is having a good day everyday she doesn’t go insane. But I guess most of you think she is already there. And I don’t see what you mean when you say she is a “parenting guru”, I haven’t read every book she’s ever written but from what I have read it’s about her experiences. I don’t think (and like I said I’m not a expert on her life) she has ever claimed to be a guru on anything. And I do know what you mean about her sometimes nagging on Jon (ok she does it quite a lot) but he does it quite often too. I admit that I fight with my partner a lot too, an if a camera crew where following us around our daily lives it would be a little embarrassing to see some of those squabbles. But I think that it only shows the truth of every relationship. Everyone fights, everyone nitpicks. Unfortunately I didn’t even watch the season premiere, which it sounds like you did Sheila. Maybe I should catch up on the “tv fodder” and get back to you on it. Oh and did anyone think that maybe all this drama is so that we will do just that, watch the season premiere???

]]> By: Sheila http://teresastrasser.com/blog/2009/05/jon-kate-8-schadengosselinfreude/comment-page-1/#comment-1051 Sheila Tue, 26 May 2009 18:06:52 +0000 http://teresastrasser.com/blog/?p=313#comment-1051 note to self, never text while in a moving vehicle even if you aren't driving. Sorry for the typos. =S note to self, never text while in a moving vehicle even if you aren’t driving.

Sorry for the typos.

=S

]]> By: Sheila http://teresastrasser.com/blog/2009/05/jon-kate-8-schadengosselinfreude/comment-page-1/#comment-1050 Sheila Tue, 26 May 2009 17:32:43 +0000 http://teresastrasser.com/blog/?p=313#comment-1050 Hi Molly, I don't claim expertise on this family, and I've never bought a tabloid in my life (not saying that is good or bad). What makes her a with being TV fodder and that doesn't make her think "is this rihght for my kids" If you watch the show as you say you do, then you clearly know sh shows complete favoritism on natrional TV. Instead of seeing Mady 's pain, she strikes it up to "typical Mady behavior". Her husband has told her MANY times he doesn't want to do this anymore. Again, only Kate's wants and desires are considered, all you little people should shut up and let me have my stage. By Katie's own words, she was gone 21 of 30 days leading up to the taping of the season opener. "Good mothers" do their jobs 7 days a month ?? I dunno ... maybe I was just stupid to consider it my primary responsibility and now I'm just jealous because I could have had three week away from my kids every month and held myself up as some parenting guru. The way she's talked to Jon on camera for three years can not be excused in any way - and there's no "maybe the kids misremembered" to use a phrase from a certain former leader of the free world - it's on tape - forever, forever in cyberspace on youtube. They can never ever deny that their mother was a venamous shrew. They will also see over and over her clearly favoritism, it's inexcusable. Above and beyond all the things which this woman had in her control - unfortunately ... TLC has to bear some responsibilty for the octo-mom disaster by cannonizing these abomjination of nature Hi Molly,

I don’t claim expertise on this family, and I’ve never bought a tabloid in my life (not saying that is good or bad). What makes her a
with being TV fodder and that doesn’t make her think “is this rihght for my kids” If you watch the show as you say you do, then you clearly know sh shows complete favoritism on natrional TV. Instead of seeing Mady ‘s pain, she strikes it up to “typical Mady behavior”. Her husband has told her MANY times he doesn’t want to do this anymore. Again, only Kate’s wants and desires are considered, all you little people should shut up and let me have my stage. By Katie’s own words, she was gone 21 of 30 days leading up to the taping of the season opener. “Good mothers” do their jobs 7 days a month ?? I dunno … maybe I was just stupid to consider it my primary responsibility and now I’m just jealous because I could have had three week away from my kids every month and held myself up as some parenting guru. The way she’s talked to Jon on camera for three years can not be excused in any way – and there’s no “maybe the kids misremembered” to use a phrase from a certain former leader of the free world – it’s on tape – forever, forever in cyberspace on youtube. They can never ever deny that their mother was a venamous shrew. They will also see over and over her clearly favoritism, it’s inexcusable. Above and beyond all the things which this woman had in her control – unfortunately … TLC has to bear some responsibilty for the octo-mom disaster by cannonizing these abomjination of nature

]]> By: Molly http://teresastrasser.com/blog/2009/05/jon-kate-8-schadengosselinfreude/comment-page-1/#comment-1045 Molly Tue, 26 May 2009 16:16:31 +0000 http://teresastrasser.com/blog/?p=313#comment-1045 Whew Shelia, you sure do know more than I do on this subject. Truth be told, Im not a mother. I certainly have no experience as you do, I only watch the show. But I don't follow the tabloid stuff (while it might be entertaining, I wouldn't believe everything I read) I just watch the sugar coated version on their show. I think i like that type of Gosselin family more. I do agree with you about the whole Christianity bull, that does make me a little nauseous. But I don't see how she is a narcissist. Being on a television show automatically make her a horrible person? That I don't agree with. Whew Shelia, you sure do know more than I do on this subject. Truth be told, Im not a mother. I certainly have no experience as you do, I only watch the show. But I don’t follow the tabloid stuff (while it might be entertaining, I wouldn’t believe everything I read) I just watch the sugar coated version on their show. I think i like that type of Gosselin family more. I do agree with you about the whole Christianity bull, that does make me a little nauseous. But I don’t see how she is a narcissist. Being on a television show automatically make her a horrible person? That I don’t agree with.

]]> By: N-hater http://teresastrasser.com/blog/2009/05/jon-kate-8-schadengosselinfreude/comment-page-1/#comment-985 N-hater Mon, 25 May 2009 06:58:07 +0000 http://teresastrasser.com/blog/?p=313#comment-985 Hey Sheila, Yes I know many people in LA are normal family lovin suburbanites like me, which was exactly my point. Theresa is a prime example of non shallow intelligent strong minded types that DO exist in LA. I am quite aware not all So-cal folks are lip injected and shallow freakazoids. California does not provide the industry, the greater Los Angeles area does. People and industries in central and nor-cal are not part of the draw. I always enjoy the time I spend in so cal but I get so sick of being stereotyped and lumped in with an area that does not represent where I am from. Hey Sheila, Yes I know many people in LA are normal family lovin suburbanites like me, which was exactly my point. Theresa is a prime example of non shallow intelligent strong minded types that DO exist in LA. I am quite aware not all So-cal folks are lip injected and shallow freakazoids.

California does not provide the industry, the greater Los Angeles area does. People and industries in central and nor-cal are not part of the draw. I always enjoy the time I spend in so cal but I get so sick of being stereotyped and lumped in with an area that does not represent where I am from.

]]> By: Sheila http://teresastrasser.com/blog/2009/05/jon-kate-8-schadengosselinfreude/comment-page-1/#comment-971 Sheila Mon, 25 May 2009 03:10:26 +0000 http://teresastrasser.com/blog/?p=313#comment-971 Can I get a Hallelujah brother ! Wouldn't you love it if your kid has Ms. Strasser or Mrs. Batman for Comparative American Lit ? Heck, I'd love it if my kids would have had her for Health class. Teaching kids to actually THINK is waaay more important than when the Magna Carta was signed. Though I went to school when learning such scintillating facts were a requirement and make me lethal at "Trivial Pursuit" ... I refer them now as "facts occupying the space that "where are my car keys" should be stored. I am desperately reaching an age when I'll be found wandering the streets in my boyfriends underwear ranting about the Fertile Crescent of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers because "FIRST put your clothes on THEN leave the house, your car keys are on the hook by the front door" ... will have been lost forever. Go ahead and laugh you twenty somethings... aging ain't for sissies. Can I get a Hallelujah brother ! Wouldn’t you love it if your kid has Ms. Strasser or Mrs. Batman for Comparative American Lit ? Heck, I’d love it if my kids would have had her for Health class. Teaching kids to actually THINK is waaay more important than when the Magna Carta was signed. Though I went to school when learning such scintillating facts were a requirement and make me lethal at “Trivial Pursuit” … I refer them now as “facts occupying the space that “where are my car keys” should be stored. I am desperately reaching an age when I’ll be found wandering the streets in my boyfriends underwear ranting about the Fertile Crescent of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers because “FIRST put your clothes on THEN leave the house, your car keys are on the hook by the front door” … will have been lost forever. Go ahead and laugh you twenty somethings… aging ain’t for sissies.

]]> By: Neil Jordan http://teresastrasser.com/blog/2009/05/jon-kate-8-schadengosselinfreude/comment-page-1/#comment-965 Neil Jordan Mon, 25 May 2009 01:21:43 +0000 http://teresastrasser.com/blog/?p=313#comment-965 All I can say Teresa is that if we had teachers that were as intelligent and insightful as you are in your writings, the United States would have the best education system in the world.... All I can say Teresa is that if we had teachers that were as intelligent and insightful as you are in your writings, the United States would have the best education system in the world….

]]> By: Sheila http://teresastrasser.com/blog/2009/05/jon-kate-8-schadengosselinfreude/comment-page-1/#comment-930 Sheila Sun, 24 May 2009 16:02:26 +0000 http://teresastrasser.com/blog/?p=313#comment-930 Hi Christine, I've been really giddy over the fact that pretty much everyone who loves T is someone I'd go for a Latte with :-). All the guys who post on her blog remind me sooo much of my favorite brothers (I have a lot but two are diamonds) and the women for the most part remind my of my friends. I have a small group of friends (known as The Ladies who Lunch) because we all met 25 years ago at a job (were we did go to lunch and the name was spawned), but we've stayed friends all these years, through marriage, the birth of our kids, sadly a few divorces, and now we gather for dinner and talk several times a year. I wish I were smart enough or funny enough to have a blog ! I am in awe of T. and those like her who are so outrageously funny - but so blisteringly honest that you just MUST think about the topic she's offered up. It is hard to maintain your identity beyond "Mom" .... but now that my kids are getting older (one in college, one entering HS) it is getting easier, they would prefer you become a vapor Mom (one capable of filling the fridge and their gas tanks) but otherwise invisible unless "summoned" to an emotional crisis. It was a weird downshift from having to do everything, to realizing that everyone is waiting for you to leave the room LOL .... It's been a long strange trip indeed. Hi Christine,

I’ve been really giddy over the fact that pretty much everyone who loves T is someone I’d go for a Latte with :-) . All the guys who post on her blog remind me sooo much of my favorite brothers (I have a lot but two are diamonds) and the women for the most part remind my of my friends. I have a small group of friends (known as The Ladies who Lunch) because we all met 25 years ago at a job (were we did go to lunch and the name was spawned), but we’ve stayed friends all these years, through marriage, the birth of our kids, sadly a few divorces, and now we gather for dinner and talk several times a year.

I wish I were smart enough or funny enough to have a blog ! I am in awe of T. and those like her who are so outrageously funny – but so blisteringly honest that you just MUST think about the topic she’s offered up.

It is hard to maintain your identity beyond “Mom” …. but now that my kids are getting older (one in college, one entering HS) it is getting easier, they would prefer you become a vapor Mom (one capable of filling the fridge and their gas tanks) but otherwise invisible unless “summoned” to an emotional crisis. It was a weird downshift from having to do everything, to realizing that everyone is waiting for you to leave the room LOL …. It’s been a long strange trip indeed.

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