The Duggar Family is pretty active in politics, locally and nationally. They are Evangelical conservatives, which means they line up with the Tea Party and the harder-right Republicans for the most part. The Duggars’ political work is mostly in the areas of anti-LGBT movement, “traditional marriage” advocacy and of course, anti-reproductive choice. Translation: they are anti-gay, anti-trans, pro-heterosexual marriage and they believe a woman’s place is in the home, barefoot and pregnant (with bad hair). Recently, Michelle Duggar recorded a robocall in Arkansas encouraging people to vote to CONTINUE to discriminate against LGBT people. The robocall was widely condemned as transphobic and just a nasty conservative hit-job. So, the Change.org people got involved and started a petition to get TLC to cancel the Duggars’ show. When Jim-Bob Duggar (“the patriarch”) was asked about the petition recently, his response was… interesting.
Jim Bob Duggar knows his family has plenty of critics. It was made extra clear last month when an online petition urging TLC to cancel the family’s reality show gained so much momentum that it received more than 180,000 signatures. Despite plenty of buzz surrounding the Change.org petition, the patriarch behind the Duggar family said the movement never really concerned him.
“They won’t succeed,” he shared at the Booster Banquet at Hannibal-LaGrange University. “Our show is the No. 1 show on TLC. It’s a small group creating this fuss. All it has done is give us more exposure.”
In fact, Jim Bob claimed the family’s Facebook page gained an impressive 50,000 “likes” in one week following the petition. He added, “God is expanding our borders through the national media.”
The original petition, created in early November, accused the famous family of being anti-gay. In fact, the site hoped to “end LGBTQ fear mongering by the Duggars.”
When asked about the allegations, Jim Bob responded, “We love everybody, but we don’t always agree with them.”
Despite the backlash, supporters of the deeply religious family recently launched a counter petition urging TLC to keep the show on the air.
A link was posted on a Facebook fan page for matriarch Michelle Duggar with the caption, “The Duggar Family is under attack from anti-marriage advocates for standing for traditional marriage. We commend The Duggar Family for their brave stand in defending marriage as ordained by God between one man and one woman. No individual’s sexual behavior and chosen lifestyle has the right to redefine marriage.”
Sigh… I have mixed feelings about the Change.org petition. I mean, obviously, I think TLC should get out of the business of profiting from hyper-political wingnuts. The Duggars’ show should be canceled for the same reason that Duck Dynasty should have been canceled. But the show won’t be canceled for the same reason: because advertisers still don’t understand that they’re being dragged into this hyper-political fight, and that their products are being used to support a family that openly stands for bigotry and ignorance. The Duggars’ show will be canceled when the advertisers pull their ads and not a second before, and a Change.org petition won’t change that.
Besides, the tide is already turning, as least when it comes to marriage equality. In another decade, hold-outs like the Duggars will look quaint. (By “quaint” I mean “ignorant”.)
Photos courtesy of Duggars’ Facebook.
Weird. I thought “God” was expanding their borders through the Duggars’ uteruses.
If this is God’s business plan, he really should be working for Sony. Plenty of F_ckery to be had over there and it probably pays better.
ok seriously, I almost spit my tea out onto my screen …
😀
I’d totally pay to see a Jim-Bob vs Rudin showdown.
mimif, no, it would be God versus Rudin. And all of God’s emails would magically disappear. Like he even needed them in the first place. There would be a burning philodendron on Rudin’s desk pitching stories.
Think of all the money that could be saved on hair and make-up, as illustrated in the top photo. Casting is everything.
Wait a minute? God works for Sony? Jesus h. Christ, this explains EVERYTHING.
“burning philodendron” has returned me to my happy place.
*more snot bubble giggling*
BOOM! lmao
good lord, that man is super creepy looking.
Kiddo, you are solely responsible for me pissing my pants from laughing so hard. It’s as if Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain and Joan Rivers have possessed you and are fighting for the best bon mots. Hilarious!!
Aw man, mimiph. Is there ever a good time for “expanding” “Duggars'” “uteruses” in the same sentence? I need to go back to the Charlie Hunnam post…
I”m with Abbott… not a pretty picture. I shouldn’t have had that 3rd mimosa this morning. *blergh*
Sorry Abot, didn’t mean to pee in your bucket. Go back and look at the pic of the Duggars simultaneously slurping on their decaf 1% raptureccino with xtra whip, it will cleanse your palate.
ETA: Sorry Tuberu, here’s a raptureccino for you to as well, complete with Super Duggar Thong.
and penises
hell, the Duggars already look quaint. (By “quaint” I mean “ignorant”.)
Hand to god, they are stupid.
from your lips to gods ears…lol.shows sonservatives control media or that blasphemous crap wouldnt be on tv.. send the duggar and the ducklipdashians to north korea to perform in purgatory for kimyjung bad hair for eternity
wtf
Two of the most annoying faces on television.
TLC needs to cancel their show asap. Yes, they are a cult and a very strange and stupid one at that.
Their f*cking hair. Good Lord.
A modern-day cult being televised in all its intolerant glory right in front of America’s Eyes hosted by TLC.
For me, quaint, in this instance = repugnant and repulsive.
and don’t forget stupid
How can I forget stupid? Stupid is the basis for everything with this lot. Feh.
These Jesus freaks are really getting on my nerves. First, we have Kirk Cameron and his crusade for saving Christmas from with their ignorant rants of women should be in a home, make babies and all this bigotry nonsense and now these bible thumping nut jobs is making a difference by being politically.
I AM TIRED OF THESE JESUS FREAKS and I would love if one person is a Jesus follower, who can teach some sense to these crazies.
Love to eavesdrop on a conversation between the Pope & JimBob!😜
I think it’s a good thing they’re on the air. They are showing people how NOT to live. They are showing people that their opinions are WRONG. Just like Jersey Shore – I doub’t anyone whatching that show wanted to be like them.
I found the show interesting because there isn’t anything similar to such fundamentalists in my country so it’s interesting to see a way of life so different from my own.
You have given a number of viewers of both of those shows far too much credit. Add Duck Dynasty into that pile, as well. I swear, some of my relatives only grew crazy beards and began spouting conservative nonsense after that show got really popular. I’m sick of the lot of them.
Growing up in the evangelical movement, I find it very hypocritical and oppressive. I frown on anything that involves suppression, guilt and judgement to make you fit into their nicely wrapped box.
Something that was always repeatedly said was “don’t be part of the world. ” Yet you braged about how many people are following you? It’s always about converting the masses, instead of just accepting people for who they are.
I could go on and on. But it’s a waste of time. I will say this though, Nobody should have so much power over that you cannot make decisions about your own life and how you want to live it.
TLC has been burned by Duck Dynasty and Honey Boo Boo — it’s only a matter of time before this family implodes in some way. They need to stop with this madness and stick to hoarders and people who eat paint chips.
I agree. Something ugly is going to surface, sooner or later.
I hope it involves Kirk Cameron. I’d buy a Subway franchise to celebrate.
Probably later. I think they’re very careful to only show what they deem acceptable for their viewing audience. I would SO love to see TLC cancel them though and end their freaky gravy train.
LOL Tateru
Agreed, but it’ll happen on Twitter or FB; I don’t think the TLC producers will allow something to air that might bring the money train to a screeching halt.
Dear Jim Bob, I do not think it is God who is expanding your borders. It is hate, and that is operated by the Other Guy.
Abso-f*@#ing-lutely!
ROTFLMAO
The problem with the Duggars isn’t their personal choices. I could care less that they want to have tons of babies and live in a certain way. That’s a personal choice. The problem comes when they try to force their beliefs on others. And the crazy thing is that that’s exactly what their reproductive fervor is about. Part of Quiverfull is the belief that through large-scale reproduction, they will eventually become a force powerful enough to vote their own people into office. Think about it – if each Duggar child has 10 children of their own (not unreasonable), we’re talking 190 grandchildren. And if they each have ten, that’s 1,900 great grandkids, and eventually 19,000 great-great grandkids. Eventually, this is going to become a voting bloc.
I have mixed feelings about the petition. On one hand, good for people for standing up to them. However, it also allows them to plead persecution and dig further in. Personally, it would be awesome if the Duggars could simply be ignored, but that’s not possible right now. Frankly, I feel like the best way to counter them is through challenging them directly and talking to people about how wrong they are.
I’m bisexual, and most of my friends are under the LGBTQIA spectrum. The Duggars suck, but most of us have bigger problems to worry about. Like college campuses being unsafe for us, like fighting for trans rights, etc. I dont think the Duggars have nearly as much pull as they think they do, and the second Michelle can’t pop me out anymore, I think the show will be done. Until then, they are just an unfortunate by-product of reality tv. The campaigning they do isn’t supported by many individuals like me anyhow.
I still think the show is gross, and I feel for those kids, but on this front…meh.
The minute Michelle Duggar stops popping them out her children will take over. The eldest son already has 3 kids and one on the way. This show can literally go on for decades with all those Duggars.
I despise these people and their propaganda.
Never seen it and wouldn’t dream of tuning in. But this show does air in the UK – I’ve seen it in the schedules.
I can’t make up my mind if I think it’s bread and circuses (appealing to the type of people who agree politically) or a modern day freak show (appealing to the type of people who disagree politically but can’t help goggling at it all). Perhaps it’s both.
Honestly I feel like it’s both. It’s so surreal and absurd that you cannot believe what is unfolding in front of you. Totally bizarre
Modern day freak show.
I watched them sometimes in the beginning because I am an only child and my mom was an only child and something about all those children fascinated me. However in the beginning this ‘bible thumping’ crap was not shown, you just got the sense of a conservative family. I find it is only lately, last year or so that they have started pushing their agenda. I can no longer stand them because of it.
Count me in the latter category. I’ve never known or even met people like this. I’m agog & aghast.
All “right” Wing shows must be cancelled. I’m not saying I like the Duggars but if we are policing people’s views then let’s cancel Teen Mom, the Kardashians, or any other reality trash that promotes loose morals.
Look the movement of marriage equality is working. Yes there are parts of the country where it isn’t but for the most part even the people who use identify themselves as Republicans do not fight marriage equality.
It’s a very small group of extremes that make an entire party look crazy. The same with liberals. How would all who identify themself as liberal like Alec Baldwin as their spokesperson?
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE let’s cancel all the Teen Mom, Kardashian and “Real” Housewife shows!!! They should just have a separate pay channel for all of these (Duggar’s included) reality shows, so that if people really want to watch they can watch them on cable and pay extra for the pleasure.
I don’t think that extremes of either party should be the spokesperson, since that doesn’t really represent the party as a whole. I’m a Democrat, but “Liberal” in the FOX news/Tea Party vernacular doesn’t really apply to me.
As far as marriage equality, God doesn’t belong in the description of what legally constitutes a marriage. Many people don’t believe in God or have a religious wedding ceremony, but that doesn’t make their marriage any less valid legally. If you want only one man/one woman couples to marry in your church, that’s entirely your perogative, but don’t think you can dictate that for everyone else to follow. Personally, I think there are many much more important things to focus on than the genders of two people getting married!
Oh eff these people and their primitive, punitive beliefs. I’m voting with my remote control and not watching hateful, woman hating trash
Anyone know who the sponsors or advertisers are supporting this stupid show?
It’s too bad that the NK hacks don’t have a grudge against TLC. Our prayers could be realized! Wait, how about a grudge against the Kardashians? Damn, the list could go on and on….
Do reporters ever ask Jim-Bob-Dumb-Dumb actual hard-hitting questions? Like why are you so opposed to letting your daughters have access to education? Why don’t you let any of your daughters have jobs outside the home? Why do you control every aspect of your ADULT children’s lives? Why are you so afraid of gay people and why do you spread hate when you claim to be about Jesus and love? Why do you try and force your views on other people who don’t believe in living their lives the way you choose to live yours?
I just don’t get it. Enough with these people already. I can honestly say I despise them. Seeing this man’s smug ignorant face just reminds me of how obsessively controlling he is of his daughters lives. He’s sick.
The questions are vetted ahead of time, so therefore no one asks hard hitting questions that may involve actual critical thinking on the part of the Duggars.
If Jesus were around today, he would be shaking his head at these people.
The first thought that came to my mind while reading: pride goeth before the fall.
Given what a fan boy of Jesus Jim Bob is, one might think he’d be aware of that passage and act accordingly.
I’m disgusted by anyone spreading hate and then claiming their doing it in God’s name.
Also disgusted by them constantly attacking others and trying to take away their basic human rights, and then having the balls to say they’re the ones “under attack” as if they were the innocent victims minding their own business.
“…because advertisers still don’t understand that they’re being dragged into this hyper-political fight, and that their products are being used to support a family that openly stands for bigotry and ignorance.”
Respectfully disagree. Of course, advertisers understand EXACTLY what’s going on. They care about the bottom line and that’s that. As soon as the Duggars aren’t watched by the large numbers who are watching them now, the ads will dry up. Advertising is a business and it’s all about money .
I hate to say this but…these f*ckers give me the Ariana Creeps big time. I don’t like looking at them directly. I think we are only supposed to see them out of the corners of our eyes.
They have no right to comment on or judge anyone’s sexuality. They basically run a baby mill. And nobody, I mean nobody, with hair that bad has any right to judge anothers life.
As a liberal, I say they have a right to their views. I have a right to my views and to disagree with theirs. The only people that listen to them are those that agree with them. They aren’t changing anyone else’s views. But I have no issue with them on TV. There’s all kinds of junk on TV in the reality TV world like the repulsive Kardashians, New Jersey Housewives, Teen Moms which I think is disgusting how some of these girls are still on for many seasons, second babies, new baby daddies, or old baby daddies. How I remember Flavor Fav’s show, Flavor of Love, my guilty pleasure, and it was trash. LOL
The petition I want to sign is the “Free Jana” one. LOL
I loved Flavor of Love, that was hilarious.
Again, every reality family on TLC except for the Little Couple is vile.
…sickening trogolodytes.
WHOA THERE, Jim Bob and Michelle are at Starbucks! Don’t they realize that Starbucks openly supports gay marriage (gasp!) AND gay people?!?!?! What if a gay person has touched that green straw? What if a gay person MADE THAT DRINK?
Seriously, though, these people and their supporters are excellent examples of how not to be good human beings.
Please where’s the damn petition to cancel the show, I’ll sign on.