It looks like the “Honey Boo Boo” craze may soon come to an end, not unlike pet rocks and mood rings. But in those cases there weren’t damaging consequences in real and human terms.
Interestingly, it may be Alana Thompson (‘Honey Boo Boo’) herself who takes the responsibility of putting the kibosh on her role as the family’s gravy train. This may not even be conscious, but either way, good for her.
A short video of Alana as she acts out on Dr. Drew is being used as a “tease” for a longer interview to be aired tonight.
Both Dr. Drew and her mother are clearly embarrassed by Alana’s behavior as she almost hits Dr. Drew, pretends to sleep and then snorts in his face. Clearly, this is not how she has been coached to behave.
Alana may have discovered how much power she really has and is responding in a more sane way than most of the people around her. How sad when children are charged with the responsibility of setting boundaries that adults won’t.
Take a look at the video for yourself. I’d like to hear what you think. Click Here
Hi Karen,
I heard you being interviewed on ABC Australia radio last Wednesday & found myself talking back to you as I listened.
I discovered Toddlers & Tiaras on television about 18 months ago & find it one of those programs that I can’t look away from as it is so abhorrent. I watch from time to time from an anthropological perspective…are there really people out there who abuse their (mostly) daughters in this way? It leaves me both fascinated & sickened.
As you made mention, the child pagaent scene in Australia is nothing like in the US. I doubt it would even exist if it were not for US organisers using the popularity of Toddlers & Tiaras to engender interest & support. I am hoping it doesn’t take off & become the multimillion dollar industry it is in America.
I watch Alana (Honey Boo Boo) Thompson’s hideous mother & my gut aches for that child & the way she is being so exploited. Her mother got “lucky” with being on television just once & has used that little girl to satisfy her own lust for attention & wealth. It cannot be sustainable & what happens to this child in a few years as she ages out of “cute” worries me greatly. That she is known by a ridiculous stage name world wide is sad…she is Alana & judging by her behaviour when being interviewed by Dr. Drew, all she wants to be is Alana & be an ordinary child. I applaud her for trying to take some control over the life that is being imposed upon her…she is clearly rebelling.
Being the parent of a now 18 year old daughter has not always been easy when it seems there is a fashion industry out there hell bent on sexualising girls for profit. I had to search hard for clothing that was fun & fashionable but not exploitative. That there are 7 year old girls out there wearing shorts with “Cheeky” emblazoned across the buttocks is sad…these children have no idea how provocative it is. I was fortunate to discover a department store that stocked a great range of girl’s clothing that was appropriate for my daughter. It cost considerably more but was well worth the investment. I am also very thankful to have found a cheer/dance studio that has a standards for costumes that state no exposed bellies or buttocks & skirt lengths are not sky high.
I have ordered your book & look forward to hearing more from you. If you can use your life story to spread awareness of how this hideous industry is damaging our children then you have succeeded in my eyes.
Dear Kerrie,
Thank you for taking the time to write. You have zeroed in on one of the primary reasons I wrote my story. I look forward to more discussion on these issues and thanks for continuing to speak out about them. We have much work to do.