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Will Haskell · 05-23-2006, 10:53 AM

I wanted to make a post immediately, but getting time with my father took precedent over all else.

I first want to state that in no aspect is this post a shot at the original post and the comments that followed.

However, I feel it is important that a few things be addressed so we can all gain greater understanding of this particular issue and hopefully other issues that bear a striking resemblance.

I hope that we all understand the simple fact that the behavior of the parents in this instance is grossly unacceptable under any circumstances. However, while our talionic impulse has us throwing our hands in the air and raising our voices in objection, are we really seeing that young lady's true parents? National television exposure, a home full of cameras, and possibly some form of compensation could easily deter "normal" parental reactions in this instance. Without question, JP's mention of the overbearing and the potential crazy mother or father that he has dealt with in the past wasn't born from the crypt of imagination. They do exist in real life.
With that being said, camera's or otherwise, it is very sad and unfortunate that a mother and father would willingly sacrifice their daughter and better judgment to play for the camera.

The production of such programs has proven to be a lucrative business in North America. Whether is contestants eating bugs, competing to become the next "Apprentice", or delving into the lives of everyday people such as this, we continue to display the lives of others and frequently question the behaviors seen on the screen because many of them defy all logic.

In this particular instance, upon viewing this segment a predictable action occurred. Brian changed the channel at no fault of his own. Our reactions tend to either shy away and remove ourselves from the unpleasant feelings these instances create. Or, we purposely seek it out either for our own benefit, or for the impact the story might have on others (i.e. United 93, Passion of the Christ). People such as Howard Stern, Paris Hilton, Tom Cruise and others, can act in such as way that could be construed as "questionable" to say the least. However, these folks are seemingly being marked by us all as they reach the height of their popularity. "We want to hear what he is going to say next", many survey responders replied when questioned about the radio personality of Howard Stern.

Is the producer's phone ringing off the hook? Are the parents inboxes, mail boxes and voicemail being bombarded with communication from people wishing to comment on this? We continue to talk amongst ourselves about this issue when the people that would benefit from a conversational conflict are currently continuing unscathed on their destructive path.

So what do we do about this? These parents aren't breaking any laws or statues meant to prevent this type of injustice. Although I'm not a huge Keanu Reeves fan, in the movie "Parenthood", his commentary on his father still rings in my head when I see these types of posts. "You need a license to drive a car, to be a doctor...yet any asshole can be a father."

Do we start licensing parents? Do we sell them a certification or DVD/e-book combo at a special "one-time-only" price? Even if education is the answer, would this particular set of parents be willing to sit at a seminar that exposes them being a bad mother or father?

Personally, I have no greater solution to this problem, just insight. I'm sure many would like to just punch this father in the face, slap the mom around a little in the hopes that we could knock some sense into them. Government officials may introduce a bill to spend millions of tax dollars on some program to educate parents and hire the so-called "experts" to sit on their board.

Unfortunately, our words will still be spoken in silence. The same media that produces what we see and hear is the same media that has to be our voice on these issues.

To anyone who reads this post. Thank you for your time.

Will Haskell
Athletic Development Specialist
will@tsanorthwest.com

05-23-2006, 10:53 AM	#4 (permalink)
Will Haskell Fitness Expert Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 51	I wanted to make a post immediately, but getting time with my father took precedent over all else. I first want to state that in no aspect is this post a shot at the original post and the comments that followed. However, I feel it is important that a few things be addressed so we can all gain greater understanding of this particular issue and hopefully other issues that bear a striking resemblance. I hope that we all understand the simple fact that the behavior of the parents in this instance is grossly unacceptable under any circumstances. However, while our talionic impulse has us throwing our hands in the air and raising our voices in objection, are we really seeing that young lady's true parents? National television exposure, a home full of cameras, and possibly some form of compensation could easily deter "normal" parental reactions in this instance. Without question, JP's mention of the overbearing and the potential crazy mother or father that he has dealt with in the past wasn't born from the crypt of imagination. They do exist in real life. With that being said, camera's or otherwise, it is very sad and unfortunate that a mother and father would willingly sacrifice their daughter and better judgment to play for the camera. The production of such programs has proven to be a lucrative business in North America. Whether is contestants eating bugs, competing to become the next "Apprentice", or delving into the lives of everyday people such as this, we continue to display the lives of others and frequently question the behaviors seen on the screen because many of them defy all logic. In this particular instance, upon viewing this segment a predictable action occurred. Brian changed the channel at no fault of his own. Our reactions tend to either shy away and remove ourselves from the unpleasant feelings these instances create. Or, we purposely seek it out either for our own benefit, or for the impact the story might have on others (i.e. United 93, Passion of the Christ). People such as Howard Stern, Paris Hilton, Tom Cruise and others, can act in such as way that could be construed as "questionable" to say the least. However, these folks are seemingly being marked by us all as they reach the height of their popularity. "We want to hear what he is going to say next", many survey responders replied when questioned about the radio personality of Howard Stern. Is the producer's phone ringing off the hook? Are the parents inboxes, mail boxes and voicemail being bombarded with communication from people wishing to comment on this? We continue to talk amongst ourselves about this issue when the people that would benefit from a conversational conflict are currently continuing unscathed on their destructive path. So what do we do about this? These parents aren't breaking any laws or statues meant to prevent this type of injustice. Although I'm not a huge Keanu Reeves fan, in the movie "Parenthood", his commentary on his father still rings in my head when I see these types of posts. "You need a license to drive a car, to be a doctor...yet any asshole can be a father." Do we start licensing parents? Do we sell them a certification or DVD/e-book combo at a special "one-time-only" price? Even if education is the answer, would this particular set of parents be willing to sit at a seminar that exposes them being a bad mother or father? Personally, I have no greater solution to this problem, just insight. I'm sure many would like to just punch this father in the face, slap the mom around a little in the hopes that we could knock some sense into them. Government officials may introduce a bill to spend millions of tax dollars on some program to educate parents and hire the so-called "experts" to sit on their board. Unfortunately, our words will still be spoken in silence. The same media that produces what we see and hear is the same media that has to be our voice on these issues. To anyone who reads this post. Thank you for your time. Will Haskell Athletic Development Specialist will@tsanorthwest.com Last edited by Will Haskell : 05-23-2006 at 11:07 AM.