The Duggar Family

[Rosiekins]

I think the Duggars make it because of the show. In the first special, they were living in a rented home that was no where near enough for their needs. After a few specials, they built their nice new home (with a little extra decorating help from the network). I'd imagine that the show is their main source of profit, and has been for many years now.

Outside of that, I disagree with many of their beliefs, but they can believe whatever they want. I'm sure they'd disagree with many of mine as well. I think it's medically irresponsible for them to try and have any more children after Mrs. Duggar's body failed her during her last pregnancy, but no one can stop them from doing it.

I've also assumed the reason they're encouraging the girls to be nurses is so that they don't have to rely so much on medical facilities in the future. The Duggar grandchild was born at home with a midwife, and I'd imagine there's going to be a lot more of that in the future. No need to go outside of the family if there are midwives and nurses living right in the home. I would imagine that some of the girls are encouraged to get teaching degrees for the same reasons. Open up their very own one room school house, and just teach the family members.

Actually in their first special they were living in their own home. They sold it to move in to their new home (the one we see now) but it wasn't built yet so they moved to the rental. They make it because they are 100% Debt Free, They buy used and never pay interest. They did a huge amount of the work on that house on their own, boys and girls. They shop frugally. All of this makes a huge difference. I am sure the show helps but I think they started the show as a way to share their faith with the world.

They have said many many times that their lifestyle is not for everyone and that it is okay with them if their children do not follow it. I think we should stop assuming that they are forcing their children's choices because we are not there and can not actually ask the kids ourselves. Maybe they really want to be nurses. In another interview the parents were saying they were thinking about being real estate agents. So who knows.

And so what if they want to be self sufficient. Big Deal, My husband would love to live off the grid and when I have children I will home school them. Does this make me worthy of your judgment and ridicule? And on the note, Have you ever seen or heard them actually passing Judgment on any one? I have heard them say "we are this way, and they aren't but that is okay" They are nice and friendly to everyone they meet, they say kind things and when they see something they do not approve of they simply look at something else. So maybe we should take a lesson from them because there is a whole lotta judging and unkindness going on here.

 

[princessmom29]

I guess this is off topic, but it is in relation to this thread. I have never really been fond of the Duggar's choices but I always considered it a 'their choices, their business' kind of thing.

I have a dear friend who has been pulled into this (QF) movement, and I understood some of it but this thread has caused me to find some links due to terminology that make some of the things she has told me make some more sense. I am very worried about her many children (she has WAY more than the average family, don't want to give away identifying detail because few families have this many).

I'm sure there are good marriages for Quiverfull people. (The Duggars seem to be a prime example of this). It just seems like this 'philosophy' would attract men who are dominating as well and give them 'justification' for what they are doing and the wives feel like they have no choices. (This seems to be my friend's situation.)

My friend has told me she shouldn't have choices, her DH is her 'head' and should decide things for her. She has also told me life is not for being happy, but for being selfless. I worry about her since there was a history of domestic violence before the children were born and she wouldn't leave him then and certainly won't now.

What your friend is living is exactly the quiverfull philosophy. They are "anti-femminist" They say openly that women are not to make decisions. That is for first thier father and then their husband to do. They don't choose a husband. Dad chooses for them. They have NO say in how a household is run, and are to be submissve to the husband's will in everything. They are never, ever todisagree with the husband or father openly, or to question anything they say. Even expressing an opinion at all is contrary to God's will. They are taught that selflessness is the ONLY valuble attribute in women. Men are to be the "head" assertive, strong, and decisive and to tolerate absolutely NO interference from the women in his household, and is never to allow them to influence his decisions. I have gotten all of this form reading publications released by the group, NOT those critizing them, but from their own literature. The Duggars have identified themselves multiple times as quiverfull believers. Wether they truly teach thier daughters all of this, I don't know, but it is definitely what the mainstream group of quiverfulls hold to, according to publications coming from the group.

 

[RobDoc]

It's apparent that the discussion has drifted well beyond the topic.

This one is closed.