Most people who watch the reality show 19 Kids and Counting are fascinated by the Duggar Family, a Quiverfull family led up by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. The couple's 19 children round out the family photo – now only available in panoramic view - and "star" in a TLC show. We makes jokes about Michelle’s uterus crying for help, or Jim Bob’s sex life, or that their children are only permitted “side hugs” with approved suitors and only when marriage is imminent. You may have thought – or said even, as I have – that something didn’t seem “right” about the family; that they just seemed too...something.
That “something” is now clear, and it comes via oldest Duggar son Josh, now 27 and married with children of his own.
Josh Duggar had addressed reports he sexually assaulted several unnamed female minors, and that his parents failed to act in a timely or responsible manner. He confirmed "inexcusable" actions. In short, Josh and his parents are assholes.
The Duggar family and their “quaint” way of life may be fascinating to watch but it is nothing to aspire to. It is not to be admired or emulated. It is harmful and it is dangerous. That the TLC Network continued to promote and uphold this family as a wholesome throwback to “the good old days” is shameful. The Duggar family operate from a default position of intolerance and fear, actively working against the LGBT communities by aligning themselves with capital “C” Conservative religious and political movements which seek to limit freedoms and deny human rights. This is not a family to be admired; this is a family to be feared. (Note: At time of publication, it has been announced that TLC has canceled the remainder of the season of 19 Kids and Counting.)
It has been reported – and now confirmed - that Josh "was investigated for multiple sex offenses;” offenses which include “forcible fondling against five minors. Some of the alleged offenses investigated were felonies." The report also reveals that in March 2002, a female minor reported a 14 year-old Josh “had been touching her breasts and genitals while she slept. This allegedly happened on multiple occasions.” And then this, in 2006, FOUR YEARS LATER: “Jim Bob told police that [years prior] in July, 2002 Josh admitted to fondling a minor’s breasts while she slept.” And at the time, “The family did not alert authorities.”
What Jim Bob Duggar did do however, was to approach their church elders and have Josh receive a stern talking to, after which he was sent to spend time with “a family friend who was in the home remodeling business.”
I’m not sure if they understand that just as you cannot “pray gay away,” (and nor should you) you also cannot “measure and saw your way into not being a child molester.”
It’s important to remember that this is not a case of normative sexual exploration. This was not a case of “Show me yours and I'll show you mine.” This was not mutual curiosity or typical behaviour. This was assault and abuse pure and simple, oh, but hey, he’s apologized for what he did so everyone can just calm the fuck down:
Josh told People yesterday, “Twelve years ago, as a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends,” Duggar said. “I confessed this to my parents who took several steps to help me address the situation. We spoke with the authorities where I confessed my wrongdoing, and my parents arranged for me and those affected by my actions to receive counseling. I understood that if I continued down this wrong road that I would end up ruining my life.”
This, from the Facebook page:
This boy entered the rooms and private sleeping quarters of minors and he molested them and if they don’t want to forgive him then that is their right. It’s also of note that he will pay no legal price: the statute of limitations in his home state of Arkansas for this crime was three years – time which passed before the incidents were even reported. He admitted it and his community kept it a secret. His parents lied.
In a strange tie-in acting as further confirmation Oprah Winfrey is a orange-blossom scented wise spirit angel sent to Earth to protect human kind from harm and deliver mid-size reasonably priced sedans to the deserved, it was her Harpo production team who brought the story to light. Just before the Duggar family was set to appear on her show in 2006, they received an anonymous notice from “a 61 year-old woman” informing them of the incident. InTouch reports:
"Harpo Studios faxed the letter to the Department of Human Services hotline. The report was then opened for investigation, leading to the investigation by Springdale police. When police asked Jim Bob to bring Josh in for an interview in 2006, he attempted to hire a lawyer and refused to produce his son for questioning. At least two lawyers refused to take his case. “Det. Hignite received a voice mail from Mr. Duggar stating that [redacted] had hired an attorney and would not be coming in for an interview.”
There is an alarming lack of remorse in Josh’s statement. It is completely self-centered and focuses on how these heinous acts stopped only once he realized how would affect his own life – not a word given to the thoughts feelings or futures of any of the victims.
So Josh has “apologized.” His apology means nothing. His apology is self-serving patriarchal antiquated bullshit. His apology is worth less than shit, because it reinforces the notion that women are simply chattel – vessels - property to be owned, and that women’s lives and feelings and safety don’t matter.
Image Source: Instagram
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