I have a great love for reality
shows, specifically, those that TLC produces. Little People, Big World, John and Kate Plus Eight, and Cake Boss
are just a few examples of my favorite shows on TLC. It’s not that I think
these programs are Emmy worthy or anything, but I am compelled to watch because
I have a weakness for what people label “stupid” or “worthless” television.
What can I say? It’s my kryptonite.
One TLC show that I have always
been particularly intrigued by is 19 Kids
and Counting. The lifestyle of the ginormous family is unlike any I have
personally experienced, so learning their unique way of life has always pulled
me in season after season. One of the oldest daughters of the 19 children
recently married and today, had her first baby. Hearing the news made me think
about how large the family is and wonder if each child will continue in their
parent’s footsteps by creating their own lengthy family tree. In my
sustainability science class, we have talked about the global limitation of
population growth and how we are currently going toward the Earth’s carrying
capacity of humans.
Previously in China, policies were
passed that limited families into having only one child due to the huge
population. Now, however, the policies have relaxed, but most people have
reported having no interest in having another child. Other reports have been
made suggesting that countries everywhere should practice the policy China
created due to the population crisis, which relates to the problems of
decreased land space available and huge demand for agriculture to increase production
that we currently face. This argument has been shot down due to the ethical and
moral beliefs in regulating family size.
I know that when I get older and
have a family, I will want to judge what size family I want by taking into
account my own personal economic situation and if I am up for multiple kids.
Although 19 Kids and Counting is an
extreme example of producing as many kids as people want, I think the right to
decide family size isn’t something that can be taken away.
I find the 19 and counting a bit horrifying, and I can't actually explain why. I don't actually think it's my horror of overpopulation. I'm actually somewhat sympathetic to the idea that the whole "overpopulation" scare is overblown, and indeed that higher levels of population may produce the sort of collaborative spirit that solves scarcity problems. With the prospect of clean energy on the horizon in a workable, efficient way, this seems all the less problematic.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's the fact that I can barely manage one child that horrifies me. Or maybe I simply find the idea of advertising prodigious reproduction as a way of creating entertainment value.