Only to find out a few days later that the parents are now probably going to face a myriad of charges related to the incident and the belief that the whole turmoil was orchestrated by the father and possibly the mother for media attention.Disgusting.
But, I'm going to go out on a limb here. I'm going to purpose that while, if these allegations are true, the Heenes are criminals, society is at least partially to blame.
Here is a family who has already made money appearing on a reality show called Wife Swap. Twice. The producer of that show had a show in development about the Heenes. TLC was pitched a reality show idea by Heene.
What have we created? In a culture where "entertainment" is defined by who can be more uber-fertile than the next gal, where we watch total strangers romp in hot tubs, make out and a few days later promise to love each other for the rest of their days, where we love to watch people do and eat things that make us want to vomit, how can we expect people not to do bizarre things to chase fame and fortune.
Even fleeting fame and a small fortune.
Last week when I wrote my post on my children and their career goals, a few commenters pointed out how great it was to hear of kids that didn't want to be reality show stars. It had never occurred to me that this would be a career goal for anyone. But of course it is. It's almost all they see. It's a large portion of what we spend our time talking about. And our reality show contestants are our celebrities of today. They are our Grace Kellys and our Robert Redfords. Oh my.
I'm not saying reality shows are inherently evil or we are all doomed if we watch them. Not at all. But, I do think we might need a little balance. A little less media attention to the bizarre antics of folks. It seems to me like a disproportionate number of children are being negatively impacted by these people trying to one-up each other.
I'm glad Falcon Heene was found with no bodily harm.
I just hope he is safe.
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80 comments:
You are preaching to the choir with this one.
As always, well said.
The stupid parents who did the hoax are the nutty ones.
I find it ironic that Jon and Kate, and now the balloon parents are trying to get famous in part through their kids. Movie and TV stars who are stalked by the paps and tabloids always say that they wish the media would stay away from their children.
reality television makes me ill. Even the biggest loser and the amazing race, which are the only reality shows I ever care to watch I can only watch dvr'ed so I can fast forward through all the ridiculous drama.
I agree with you wholeheartedly! Reality Tv has become a quick way to find fame for many. The balloon boy's parents need therapy.
You have to wonder what the Heene's home life is like. When Wolf Blitzer interviewed the family the very day of the incident, the father was saying to the boys, "Say hello to Wolf" and Falcone replied, "Who the hell is Wolf?"... to which the entire family, kids and parents, laughed..
Now, what 6 year old talks like that?
It's kind of funny for me because we are just not into tv in our home. I'm still trying to figure out what even happened on this story. I didn't know anything about it until two days later!
Because of my inexperience with tv, it's so strange to me to watch reality tv. It's shocking and can be very disturbing...especially to someone who rarely watches it. I think we've become desensitized to it a little bit and would probably find most reality tv unacceptable if we didn't watch so much of it. What is the attraction? I just don't know but I know it's not "real". We're creating a generation of not real people in my opinion. Thanks for making me think this morning.
I totally agree. Gosh I never thought of kids wanting to be reality stars! Thanks for the warning. My boys are young enough I think I can nip that in the bud!
Society is certainly not without blame but it doesn't absolve anyone from personal responsibility.
I wish we could go back to variety type shows like we enjoyed in the 70's or the good sitcoms. The reality shows are way out of hand.
I found the whole incident highly disturbing and am grateful that we have never been too absorbed by reality TV at our house (um, unless it involves dancing . ..)
I agree. The only reality shows I really watch or American Idol, Project Runway, and shows like that. With talented people trying to further their career goals in a more positive format. The other, blech. I just don't get it, and I don't really see how it is entertainment.
It's a very dangerous thing for kids wanting to be reality stars!.
I totally agree with you.
P.S.
There's a post on a famous photographer in my blog today.
I'd appreciate it if you can go through it.
xx
You know its funny, when I saw that story I said to someone....bet he's not in the balloon, bet he's in the house somewhere. Something about something the brother said.
That said, the whole thing's... bizarre - so pretty much, what you said :)
I agree that reality TV is out of hand.
While, our appetite for the bizzarre may be the reason for these parents to long to be on TV, it shouldn't be an excuse for bad behaviour. I guess those folks longing for fame, will just have to do it within the confines of the law.
Worse, however, is the fact that they seem to be willing to teach their sons to lie and deceive to get what they want.
It's shameful, I don't care what the reason ... it's wrong. I'd bet they know it too!
It is definitely frightening to see the role of media---especially reality media in the world. How could kids NOT want to be involved? Fame, fortune and a seemingly easy life. Looks enticing.
I think you're right on. I keep waiting for the reality tv craze to end but it just keeps growing. That frightens me.
Is it ironic that I'm watching The Hills as I read this?
Every reality show needs a "Flamethrower Round", wherein contestants compete to either win or get torched. Or maybe a "Hand Grenade Round."
I thought I was watching an awesome reality show one time, about a dog pooping in a yard. But then I realized I was just looking out the window.
My sister called me in the middle the fiasco and told me to turn the tv on. My heart broke as I saw the balloon fly thru the air imagining one of my children stuck in it. Praying that it would land safely.
Then when it finally came down and there was no one in it, my heart sank. I thought for sure that the little boy had fallen out and was dead.
What irresponsible parents could have orchestrated this? I'm disgusted.
So far, none of my kids (ok 2 of my kids) don't want to be reality show people... Good!
This is when us Canadians sigh and roll our eyes and say, "Americans! What next?" But really, it's us too.
Oh, Babe. You pain me with your comparison to Grace Kelly and Robert Redford. Don't say it. How utterly sad.
i'm interested to see what the charges might be against them.
i wish there was a ban on most reality tv, aside from contest shows that require talent. let's not forget the gosselins and the VH1 "millionaire" who hacked up his model wife and threw her into the dumpster a few months ago. these shows bring out the worst in people.
I like a lot of reality shows. Not tons, but a few.
My problem with the genre, though, is not with the shows, it is with the media covering the shows as though it is NEWS. When Heidi and Spencer are on the Today Show or Larry King as though they are worthy of legitimate journalism, it really sickens me.
And I hope, for the sake of those kids, that they end up with someone sane.
The Good Cook said:
You have to wonder what the Heene's home life is like. When Wolf Blitzer interviewed the family the very day of the incident, the father was saying to the boys, "Say hello to Wolf" and Falcone replied, "Who the hell is Wolf?"... to which the entire family, kids and parents, laughed..
Now, what 6 year old talks like that?
Answer: One who has been coached by his parents to talk like that. His Wife-Swap f-bomb was very clearly coached by Daddy, and, IMO, bordered on child abuse. Teaching your 6-year old to say "F-You" to an adult because it's cute isn't cool.
And no, I didn't watch the show. I saw it on The Soup. :)
I couldnt agree more. When will reality TV just go away??
It's disgraceful. Teaching the kids to lie and pose all in the name of money.
And I thought I had bad parents....
Amen. You said it. I hate and loathe reality shows. So glad I don't have t.v.
This is disgusting. Who is to blame for it? Society as a whole?
unfortunately there is another consequence too -- it makes me jaded. I'm almost embarrassed that I called my mom when I heard that they found the little boy. Like I was snookered or something. I hate that.
Parents who compromise their integrity and their families for these sad, sad "reality" television shows are among the lowest forms of life, if you ask me.
Has "reality TV" ever done anything good for anyone? I mean, when I think back at people/celebrities who've done reality shows, I find it interesting that many of them aren't even together any longer. Nick and Jessica. Carmen Electra and whoever that was she was married to. I guess the Osbornes are still married, but somehow, that doesn't even surprise me.
My point is, family life should be exactly that family life. We should all have a safe place to go where we can be ourselves and feel secure. When cameras are constantly part of life, how can there be any sense of "normal"?
Here, here!!!! I totally agree. Do you think this is what Andy Warhol had in mind when he talked about everyone having 15 minutes of fame?????
This whole situation is shameful in and of itself, but when it involved a child or children it moves to a whole new level of shamefulness. And don't even get me started on Jon and Kate Gosselin. I wish those two and their 8 children would just. go. away. They owe that to their kids. If they really are concerned about their kids, they will stop putting them and their lives in the public eye. They can find some other way to make a living. That is not a good excuse. Just shows that it really is "all about the money". Shame on them!
AMEN! Very well said!
TV has sunk to an all new low, reality TV is lame, except for the shows I like, he he. Just from reading your blog, I know your kids will turn out to be well-rounded healthy individuals, no matter what career they choose.
I'm glad I missed it, too. What an awful story, that whole thing.
I totally agree with you. If we all didn't watch (and I honestly try not too) and the demand dried up, this stuff wouldn't be on the air.
Shame on those parents...shame on us.
Bravo! I liked this post. There is so much truth in it. We are responsible for this type of drama and hype and it's no wonder that a family wanted a piece of the pie, even skyward. Disgusting, it is and society definitely has responsibility of it.
Great post and well said. Thank you!!
I hate reality tv. That's scary to me that people have a career goal towards that.
I know that family is wild. Those poor children do not know what to do or think. I hope they all learn something from this.
I too, hope the child is safe. The fact that he vomited during his interviews made me think he must have a deep-seeded fear of upsetting his father. So not healthy.
I find as the years go by, fewer and fewer people ask *why* when I say we don't have TV in our house! (Channels, that is. We DO watch movies...so long as they're rated PG (not PG-13) or G, and don't have mean people in them...I can't stand mean people :)
Well said. I heard the news of the reality show plans and could not believe my ears. Wow.
I was one of those Americans praying for that little boy during the television broadcast. Its disgusting to think his parents had anything to do with this. :(
We're nuts!
We're just plain nuts!
Great post ... I've been sickened by the Jon & Kate saga and what that couple has allowed reality TV to do to their marriage and their poor children.
And I always think society is sorely lacking fulfillment in their own lives if they are so riveted by the misadventures of others.
Love your blog ... always makes me think.
Yup, well said -- when I saw that, I had a bad feeling that something wasn't right - something in teh guy's demeanor as he hugged on his son and talked to press - but I was hoping i was wrong...wasn't though...creepy guy.
Stupid ass balloon boy
Absolutely agree (as usual)!
I have stopped watching reality tv all together. i'm hoping it will just stop!
http://www.thewannabewahm.com
Good point. Personally, I think anyone who puts their kids through "Wife Swap" is guilty of child abuse, anyway. . .
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for sharing your sympathy.
I totally agree!
Amen! We are to blame for always getting sucked into these sensationalized stories by the media! Which then lures more crazies to come out of their creepy dark corners!
I missed the saga also, but I rather blame the media. It seems fairly obvious that a child could not have been in that balloon, but the media acted like it was and played right into the fathers hands.
I missed this one also....I ask why parents need attention like this? isn't giving your children attention the most important act of parenting? I back to blogging again come check me out again!
Good point - and well said!
Over here in Europe, reality documentaries are not as numerous or overwhelming as they are in the US, but I do occasionally hear kids at school say that one day they will be famous, or on Idol...
We do indeed reap what we sow.
Good point - and well said!
Over here in Europe, reality documentaries are not as numerous or overwhelming as they are in the US, but I do occasionally hear kids at school say that one day they will be famous, or on Idol...
We do indeed reap what we sow.
Well said! Just one reason I don't watch much TV.
I'm holding out for the reality show about a couple that is living on the edge and then they put all their faith in a new leader only to find out that he lets them down. But then I am dreaming here.
Another great idea would be to put this family in prison cells with harsh criminals and film the daily activities.
What's unbelievable to me is that the parents would put their children through such an ordeal!!
I seriously think we are raising a generation of kids who are going to go into depression the minute they are not rocketed to fame upon graduation. It all looks so easy on TV.
And poor Falcy - seems dad is a total fame seeking hothead and now I see on a clip from Tonight's ET that the kids were living in squalor, which may or may not be true. The whole situation is just plain sad for those kids.
those kids looked totally confused when they were being interviewed and when the little boy said "I did it for the show" the mom gasped, she's such a bad actress maybe that's why she never made it as one LOL!
I hope the little guy is okay too, but it does not seem a very stable family.
The best reality t.v. for me is Fox News, where I hang out 3 hours a night.
It all just makes me really sad. We need to stop watching, but I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen. So yeah...sad. ("we" as in the world, not "we" as in my family, we can totally stop-or not start)
Also, I have to admit that I had a daydream just yesterday that there was a reality show about bloggers. It had no premise or point, so it would fit right in. And of course we were both on the show and we won loads of money and then did good things with it. Please forgive me for my daydream :)
Your last line was perfect. Chilling... but perfect.
I'm not a reality show watcher and just wish the TV execs would find something better for us to watch. I really miss the days of the "I love Lucy" type of shows.
I totally agree about sharing the blame. I don't really watch reality tv and rarely follow any hype headlines. I don't because quite honestly it makes me sad to see people living this way and that it's made to be entertainment. I also never know what or who to believe. I didn't hear about this story until much later and honestly it makes me very sad. I am thankful that this little boy is okay and I hope that somehow him and his family come through this intact and maybe wiser because of it.
I just wish that poor little girl in Florida who was just found in a landfill had been a hoax instead of real, horrible, life and death. Such tragedy. And it makes this ridiculous family with the balloon all the more disgusting. Life has far too much tragedy.
With the allegations of the dad being abusive, I really hope little Falcon didn't get in trouble by his dad for his dad's douchebaggery.
He's 6 (I have a 7yo) and there is no way that he could have grasped the context and the depth of the web of lies his parents created using him.
Wow. Such a great post. I have been thinking so much about this family too. I wonder, if taking the child away from his parents (odd as they are), is really the best thing for his siblings. I guess we will find out.
Wife Swap is the Jerry Springer of reality TV!
I actually found it funny that the media sort of seemed to blame the TV watching public for their fascination regarding the balloon boy.
Ah media...if you stopped talking about the Heene's no one would care!
Amen, Mama.
I am once again glad I do not have a TV! I agree with you that as a society we are partly to blame. We've all become so enamored with celebrity status that we live with one foot in a fantasy world, and the other in reality.
www.angiemuresan.com
Yeah, I keep wondering why he isn't taken from his parents and put in foster care....
I can't say I've never watched Reality shows -my little granddaughter (age 6) loves Jon and Kate so guess who else gets to watch them too a lot of the time. I've watched Biggest Loser on a few occasions and yeah, even Wife Swap when it first came out -oh, my daughter and I do still watch Wife Swap -reruns on Lifetime in the middle of the afternoon now and then for a good laugh at some of the fools on those shows and their weird ideas.
But the part that really grossed me out -after learning the little boy had been found safe and sound, was the next morning in the interview done for the Today show, when the poor kid got sick to his stomach and barfed right there -full camera shot! Now that was reality -yes, but was that also really necessary to show that and what kind of parents would put a child in front of a camera too if the kid was having stomach issues? That was -to me - a bit of a tip-off that these parents weren't operating on all four cylinders to put their kids through that kind of torture!
I love Survivor....yes, reality TV. That is about the only one I do watch. But it is sad that people have to pulll "publicity stunts" in order to get some attention.
I feel bad for the kids in that family. They have poor role models.
Agreed. 100%
I was near tears watching that balloon deflate quite quickly, thinking there was a small boy, about the same age as my son in there.
Then to find out all that emotion and caring were for naught.
Well, frankly, it pissed me off.
Not that I wanted that child to be in the balloon...but I certainly didn't want to be part of a big set-up either.
Blah.
You just hope he is safe. How poignant. And I totally agree about society. If people didn't salivate over this stuff, it wouldn't happen, at least as frequently and openly. I only knew about this because I was traveling at the time. The TV does not get turned on in this house except for occasional football (not by me, for sure) and once in a while the History channel (still not me--I don't watch anything. Not because I'm inherently opposed to it, but because I don't have time). Anyway, since I was traveling I happened to see quite a bit of this story in airports and hotel lobbies, and it just make me glad our family is not sitting around waiting to find out what some other idiots are doing in their lives. We have lives of our own. And I certainly make no apologies that my daughters have no idea what reality TV and at 5 and 7 have sensible career goals. (That will likely change hundreds of times, but likely not toward 15 minutes of fame.)
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