If you are unfamiliar with Honey Boo Boo, its a TLC reality show. I am fairly certain most of it is exaggerated for TV. They definitely play up the redneck aspect of the show, but growing up in a redneck family, i find it endearing. They are working class, and enjoy a southern diet. The mom is overweight, but if you watch the show, it is obvious that she truly loves her children and would do anything for them.
Are we seriously going to wish death on people just because they eat spaghetti with butter and ketchup on it? Some people eat primarily canned and processed foods because thats all they can afford. Seriously. It's not just one crazy family in Alabama. Its actually a big chunk of America. Having access, and the financial means, to feed a family of six an organic super-healthy diet is actually really expensive!
And for the record, eating a processed food based diet does not condemn you to a life of obesity. It sometimes allows you to survive childhood without starving to death, so that you can grow up and decide to eat however you want.
You know who was raised on canned green beans, saltine crackers with butter, and american cheese slices?
THIS GIRL.
And, for the record, i have had spaghetti with ketchup. I personally don't like it. But if you seriously have nothing else to eat, you will eat it, god dammit. Anyone sticking their nose up has maybe never been truly hungry. Be grateful.
So, let she among us who was a 7 year old organic paleo gluten-free vegan yoga enthusiast cast the first stone.
I think your awesome Alana, and here are some reasons why!
(in response to her sister's baby being born with a deformity) |
Samesies. Optimism rules.
If only the whole world was as tolerant as you. You're so wise, little one.
All women could take a page out of your book!
But seriously, even if you don't like the show (and honestly, reality TV is not everyone's cup of tea. It's totally mine though) If you look past the antics of the show, you see a family that loves and supports each other unconditionally. Yeah, they don't eat healthy. But, seeing as how momma June is putting all the money they make from the show into college funds for each of the girls, they will have the opportunity to maybe pick up some nutritional guidance down the road.
Either way, i think you are one of the most normal people out there, and it really makes me sad that grown women are saying such (frighteningly!) horrible things about you. Because, when all is said and done...
...you're a seven year old.
AMEN SISTAH!!!
ReplyDeleteNuff said...I want my sketti!!
haha!!
DeleteI read an "article" on Buzzfeed a little while ago that brought up some of your same points. I haven't seen the show all the much, but it is nice to hear that the mom is saving the money for college funds! I don't see how anyone can hate on a 7 year old (now I'm dying to know who this blogger is).
ReplyDeletehttp://www.buzzfeed.com/mattbellassai/40-reasons-honey-boo-boo-became-a-national-treasur-6z51
If i can find it again, i will send it to you :) But seriously. 7 year olds eat chicken nuggets. The world keeps turning. We're all ok!
DeleteCan you send it to me too? I love internet dramz. Or I"ll just check GOMI, I'm sure someone has mentioned it there.
DeleteI want it tooooooooo!!!
DeleteI cannot locate it on GOMI...sadly.
Also: I love this post.
I have wanted to rant on a blogger or two on some of their views because they are so stuck on themselves in a way that isn't funny or cute or motivating.
ReplyDeleteHopefully it's not me :)
Deletegirl HELL to the YES. Love me some Honey BooBoo. My sister got me hooked and just everything yes. preach it to the mountains in the sky and sea.
ReplyDeleteshe might not be perfect, but at least she's honest!
DeleteI have never seen this show, but now I feel like I have an idea of what it is about! Was the blogger giving it the ole "it sets up a bad example" spin to make it seem okay for them to be so mean about a 7-year-old?
ReplyDeleteexactly. In my world, there are much better ways to promote healthy living, and it's never ok to publicly bash a 7 year old. Kelly and I are raging about it right now on gmail, haha.
DeleteI have never watched Honey Boo Boo (I don't have cable) but this is the first time I have ever wanted to. So thank you for that. I also HATE body snarking. HATE IT. Why do grown women still think that is OK to do?
ReplyDeleteAlso, my mom still buys canned vegetables, and not just for crock pot recipes. She will crack open a can of peas or green beans with dinner. And then I judge her. Openly, of course. But I'll eat the canned green beans.
I mean, it's not what i would call an intellectual show. But i have a zero tolerance body-snarking policy.
DeleteWHO IS THE BLOGGER!? LET ME IN ON THIS.
ReplyDeleteAnyway. I like vegetables from the can sometimes. And sometimes a sleeve of saltines are the perfect post-beer snack. And sometimes, ramen is the perfect dinner. No shame!
I can send it to you :) and nobody is perfect! Anyone who says they are is lying...
DeleteWe have been eating a lot of processed foods, organic isn't in our budget..and it is only two of us. It will take a lot of time to bounce back after losing my job. My current pay is a lot less too. This week there was an announcement of a merger, so who knows if I will be in the same situation as I was a few months ago. All so stressful. Sorry for getting off topic.
ReplyDeleteI have missed your posts.
that is totally ON topic! not every ones life allows a diet that is fueled by overpriced foods!
DeleteTotally agree:) All I know is that they love eachother and enjoy spending time together. I think many people would much rather have that than a healthy diet.
ReplyDeleteI think family dynamics in the US would be in a better place if our priority was love and support!
DeleteI don't have TV so I haven't watched Honey Boo Boo, but I have heard it about through the grapevine. I agree that the show is probably exaggerated because it is TV and that people really shouldn't be judging a 7 year old.
ReplyDeleteof course its exaggerated! its reality tv! :)
DeleteI honestly haven't seen the show, but you hit the nail on the head regarding price and access to healthy/organic food. They touched on that in Food, Inc and I will never forget that. It's definitely sad, but you can't wish ill will on people for something that they can't necessarily control. Well said, lady!
ReplyDeleteFood, Inc is amazing!!!
DeleteI could not agree more to everything you said. Everyone acts like they are so appalled by the show, but have they ever watched it? Yes, they are crazy and hillbilly, but they also have some of the best family values that I have ever seen. I love Honey Boo Boo and her family because despite their situation, they are more positive than I could ever be. I'm also Honey Boo Boo's friend on FB, and she takes the time to thank each person individually for fan mail and gifts. That's pretty awesome.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that, and it just makes me love her even more. those are some manners!
DeleteI've never seen the show or heard much about it, so this was very interesting to read. I totally feel your pain about certain bloggers with huge followings who post ridiculously narrow-minded stuff that makes me want to scream, by the way. GRRRRRRR.
ReplyDeletethey should use their powers for good, NOT EVIL!!
DeleteWhat bothers me the most is how our society chooses to concentrate on shows like Honey Boo Boo while they remain ignorant of other major issues going on abroad. And people are so quick to jump on what they see on the show (such as the eating habits) without really thinking about the different factors that apply. The main one would of course be cost, which sheds light on the true "accessibility" of organic/healthy foods. It's ignorant and quite pathetic, especially when body snarking begins... Great post!
ReplyDeleteThe sad part is, there have been shows that attempt to really get to the core of this, and they are usually cancelled after a few episodes :(
DeleteThis just made me like you even more. Not everyone has the means to eat organic. As a poor post-graduate I know that I sure can't, and that's just to feed myself!
ReplyDeleteI graduated three years ago and still can't afford to eat organic all the time!
Delete