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By Robert Isenberg
Special to MSN TV
We've reached a crossroads: "Jon & Kate Plus 8" has just begun its fifth season. Meanwhile, Jon Gosselin was caught on film, drunkenly entering a car with a strange woman. Meanwhile, Kate Gosselin has been marketing her new book, "Eight Little Faces" amidst rumors that she had an affair with her security guard. Meanwhile, rumors are flying that the couple might separate. Meanwhile ...
Well, it's an exciting time for the proud parents of eight -- maybe a little too exciting -- and now that the series' ratings have reached new heights, Americans are pondering the fate of this meticulously documented family. Some people feel smarmy about their misfortunes; others, sympathetic. But "Jon & Kate" has become more than a charming TLC docu-drama: The Gosselins have sparked debate about big families, big fame, and the ethics of parenthood.
In light of the family's scandals and national attention, here are some different perspectives on "Jon & Kate Plus 8." Since we don't know what the Gosselins are like when the cameras are off, we may never know how wholesome or heartless this family can be. But these are our best guesses.
The show is a wholesome documentary: Let's face it: Reality shows can be awful. This year, a Hooters waitress tried to win the love of Ray J, and shackled Survivors stumbled through a maze in a ravenous race for prize money. Isn't it nice to see a show about a pair of nice, smart, happily married adults who are fully devoted to their children? When the Gosselins learned of Kate's sextuplet pregnancy, they didn't panic. And they didn't start a large family for media attention. In many ways, they're an ordinary couple facing extraordinary challenges. The Gosselins are healthy, organized and active, and they put their family above all else. This show offers a great example for other young parents.
The show is an exploitative circus act: Show moms are an ugly demographic, parading their children in front of TV cameras and forcing them to star in commercials. But it's far worse when a child's entire life is unfolding in front of a film crew. Can the Gosselins honestly believe that broadcasting their every breakfast and movie night will produce healthy, well-adjusted children? Most parents will take too many pictures of their toddlers and even post the video on YouTube, but these folks reached nearly 10 million viewers when the season premiered. We're not talking about an hour-long cameo on "Supernanny" here. These children have no choice but to live under constant surveillance. And how will they feel, as teenagers, about having their entire childhoods compiled on DVD?
The Gosselins are a happy, can-do couple: It isn't easy, starring in your own reality show, and Jon and Kate endure a lot of pressure. "I can't be Jon," Mr. Gosselin said recently. "I have to be 'Jon & Kate Plus 8.'" As they enter their fifth season, the Gosselins have balanced both child-rearing and national attention.
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