Big Families: The New “Status Symbol”

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status symbolAh, just what society needed … the pursuit of yet another status symbol to separate out the “haves” from the “have nots.” I caught this ironic newsbrief in the Salt Lake Tribune (guilty as charged: I’m a newshound who subscribes to lots of newsfeeds). The item reads as follows:

In what may be a first, the hottest East Coast parenting trend is a twist on a Utah tradition: big families.

According to the September issue of Details magazine, fathers are demonstrating their power and wealth by having multiple children. “Not only does it show that you have the fertility chops to produce a big family and the fiscal chops to support it, but it also says you’re nurturing. It’s an upper-class trifecta,” says the article.

Like those suffering with infertility need another reason to feel like second class citizens denied admission to the parenting club — now we get to feel unhip, too. Oh, and tell me this guy doesn’t have inadequacy, insecurity and a bunch of other issues:

“I can’t be in a house that only has three kids,” Ari says. “The silence scares me. Three kids is so weak. It doesn’t feel like you have any.”

Where’s the justice in these loony tunes filling up spare bedrooms simply because they can, not because they’re interested in being responsible parents?

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Excuse me while I barf.

P.S. Yes, I’m exhibiting classic PMS crankiness today…

 

15 Responses

  1. DD

    August 15, 2007 1:26 am

    Of course it was the man. I can’t help but think that somewhere in the back of Mrs. Duggar’s mind, she has to feel like breeding stock.

    And what do they mean a twist on Utah traditions? Isn’t Utah a Mormon state where large families are common?

    I’m barfing right next to you, and I’ll up the ante with CD1.

  2. Kami

    August 15, 2007 1:59 am

    That is just disgusting. Forget the insult to the infertile community (ok, don’t but you kwim) what about the fact that the earth has too many people already? Selfish, greedy bastards. I might be a bit grumpy myself tonight.

  3. Lori

    August 15, 2007 6:54 am

    That is such an alien world to me you might as well be talking about the properties of molybdenum.

    As fitting as it may be for them, there is nothing about the Duggars life that appeals to me. If I had to choose between 0 children and 17, I would have to go with the former.

    Trifecta? Barfecta.

  4. Irish Girl

    August 15, 2007 12:12 pm

    Wow. What a great reason to bring a person into the world … for status and respect. Stories like this one are the reason I am *not* a news hound 😉

  5. Lindsay

    August 15, 2007 5:37 pm

    I read a very similar article the other day. Happened to mention my old county (not my town though). It’s really sickening. Kids are not a status symbol people!!

  6. Somewhat Ordinary

    August 15, 2007 5:38 pm

    Wonderful!
    Was anyone else totally disgusted with Ari S.? First there was his comment about talking to number five when he can communicate and then there was his quote at the end “The silence scares me. Three kids is so weak. It doesn’t feel like you have any.” What a schmuck!!

  7. SaraS-P

    August 15, 2007 6:38 pm

    Ick. I think large families are great when they are possible, but not as a freakin’ status symbol!

    Oh, and having many kids does automatically make you nurturing!

  8. beagle

    August 16, 2007 2:20 pm

    They never tire of finding new ways to torture us.

    I grew up an only, swore I’d never let a child of mine BE an only and now, I will be forever grateful if I ever get that one and only.

    I guess I will continue to be out of synch with the trendsetters.

  9. sharah

    August 17, 2007 2:16 pm

    I think I just threw up in my mouth a little. I know a woman who had a child as a status symbol, and it makes me sick thinking about what that poor baby’s life is going to be like. Having more than one — I feel so sorry for those poor children.

  10. Kareno

    August 19, 2007 9:29 am

    “Excuse me while I barf.” My sentiments exactly, if you didn’t say that, I would’ve! Life is unfair. (And I had a very hard time NOT to put that f-word in front of the unfair).

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