I do not know how familiar anyone is with the various shows on TLC that showcase huge families, like "John and Kate plus 8" or "17 (now 18) Kids and Counting", but there popularity sky rocketed with the birth of the idea a few years ago and continue to increase. While I thinking watching a ton of kids run around to be extremely annoying, like "John and Kate plus 8" I do not find them controversial or offensive. However, this article focuses on the Duggers, the family featured on "17 Kids and Counting", and their ultra-conservative Christian beliefs, specificially Quiverfull. Not associated with any particular denomination, Quiverfull prohibits the usage of ANY kind of contraception, even when used for family planning. The idea is rooted in anti-feminist beliefs, that working women, the usage of birth control, and teen sex (sex solely for pleasure) all go against God's original intent for women. We're simply here to reproduce. I have no problem with following religious beliefs being that I am a Christian, but these extremist are the biggest hypocrites of all. The Bible also has slavery and daughters can be sold off to men when they gain the ability to reproduce. You can't pick and choose to be extreme on one issue and not the others. Find the middle ground, live by the rules laid out if you believe and that's about it. Promoting irresponsible sex practices and encouraging women to forget hundreds of years of progress does not need to be televised.
Also, while I believe the "Octomom" to be truly certifiably insane, why are the Duggers any different. Why do they get a show on a family network and the "Octomom" is crucified by the media? Though America claims to not have a national religion, most people are Christian, those are just the stats. So, no matter how crazy, ridiculous the Duggers might be, anything done in the name of, or following the teachings of Christ is given some kind of reprieve and even awarded admiration by the media. This is evident by the fact the Duggers have a show.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/189763/page/2
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I agree with you on the views of the extremists and I, too, consider myself a Christian. I'm not really familiar with the Dugger's show, but if that's really the case where they are talking about their anti-feminist and other reproduction-related Quiverfull beliefs on the show then I find it hard to believe the media hasn't brought negative attention to it. If everyone lived that lifestyle it would be bad for everyone, since women have accomplished so many things while being part of the workforce, and not to mention overpopulation issues that would arise if every family had 18 kids.
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