You know, I prefer not to discuss octuplets unless they're named Nahasapeemapetilon. So I've kept the whole, single, baby-obsessed mom living at home with her 14 IVF kids story off Daddy Types. Because seriously, what
Then someone forwarded me an AP story, "Octuplets mom is not getting showered with gifts," which goes on and on wondering where the corporations are who "often" provide the "unlimited supply of diapers, formula and baby wipes? The free van? The brand-new house?" The fact that "companies are not exactly rushing to get publicity by piling on the freebies" clearly confirms that this woman is a crazy, child-abusing menace, just like the talk show host said.
Mm-hmm, except the article ends with this:
The stars of The Learning Channel's reality show "Jon and Kate Plus 8," about a couple with sextuplets and twins, are paid, and have received a slew of freebies through the show, including trips to Hawaii and New York, a tummy tuck for mom and hair plugs for dad.So why isn't the real story that companies are willing to donate stuff to Suleman--as long as it's packaged into a self-congratulatory reality show on basic cable? I won't even pretend that the real issue might be how screwed up the media/conventional wisdom in the US is where the default evaluative criteria for a family in need is their corporate publicity stunt value.TLC President Eileen O'Neill said production companies that work with TLC have already made offers to Suleman's family, but the network is waiting to see how TV-friendly the family is.
Octuplets mom is not getting showered with gifts [ap/boston.com via dt reader sara]
I hope she gets showered with criminal charges and mandatory tubal ligation?
I'd like to see the doctor's name splashed in the news more. Is it not malpractice in this case, because it's essentially an elective procedure?
I hope she gets showered with criminal charges
Uh, seriously? For what exactly? Last time I checked, a substantial portion of Americans engage in the past-time of having children they cannot provide for monetarily.
Personal responsibility, etc etc etc., I'm sure. And no, I don't think she "deserves" a lifetime of free Pampers any more than I do, though it is the companies' own damn fault if there's a general expectation that they should cough them up this time, too.
But no matter how this woman's family plan does not jibe with my own, I grew up as the oldest of [just] six kids in a Mormon family during the Zero Population 1970's, so I've been on the receiving end of kneejerk press/mob criticism of family size. I'm not impressed.
As irresponsible as the mother is, the babies didn't ask to be born. I wish there was a way for a company to step up and provide the diapers etc without setting the expectation that when you birth a litter you are set for life.
"Uh, seriously? For what exactly? Last time I checked, a substantial portion of Americans engage in the past-time of having children they cannot provide for monetarily."
Right -- tons of single moms are having 14 kids.
It's disgusting. Sorry, you CAN have too many children. Given our country and planet's problems, TWO is probably too many, let alone a baker's dozen plus one.
If you want more than a couple, adopt. End of story.