Monday nights are a big night for me. I rush home from work, just in time to catch the last half hour of my favorite show on TLC: Jon and Kate Plus Ei8ht. On this reality show it shows the lives of parents Jon and Kate and their 8 children. The couple first had twin girls, and then decided to get pregnant again. Much to their surprise the next time Kate became pregnant she had 6 babies in her belly. When watching this chaotic show of parents and their kids you initially realize something different about these 8 children: they are all Asian-American.
Kate Gosselin looks like a white 33-year-old mother. Jon Gosselin, on the other hand is half Korean. Jon’s mother is Korean and his father is French and Welsh. Since the Korean gene is so dominant (as Jon explained in one episode), all 8 of their kids have very dominant Korean features. Jon also explains that every child is ¼ Korean, which he is extremely proud of.
I know that the first time I watched this show the children’s little Korean faces were all I could really think about. I kept asking myself, “I wonder if Kate is even a little upset that the kids look absolutely nothing like her.” This question was actually addressed to Kate in a later season. She responded by explaining that she was thrilled that the kids turned out looking dominantly Korean.
Watching this show makes me think of how great it is that they portray this interracial couple so well. Although, Jon and Kate do fight like any married couple does, they never seem to let their ethnic backgrounds get in the way of their love. It is actually weird that they never do seem to address their ethnic differences. The first time I heard either of them talk about Jon’s Korean background was when the producer of the show asked Kate about her children looking nothing like her. I really wish that they would talk about it more. I guess that really isn’t the main goal of the show. Jon and Kate Plus Ei8ht is a great show that portrays Asian Americans in a wonderful light.
3 comments:
My mom and my sister love this TLC television show and I have to admit I have found myself becoming more of a fan. I love watching this television show for the family aspect. I really did not think about the family as interracial maybe because the show does not capitalize on that fact. I look more at the togetherness the family has and how this couple did not expect to have eight children all pretty much around the same age but this is what bring them closer. But like you stated this couple is interracial and they are shown in a good light. The fact the children are a quarter Korean is not the basis of the show the show is about family and the show is not about an interracial marriage. I love the fact that TLC is show an interracial family but is showing them for what they really are a family.
I am the product of an interracial couple. My mom is Native American and my dad is German. Like the children in this television show I favor the dominate features I look more Native American than I do German. Although I do look more like my Native American side I do get funny looks because my last name is a recognizable German name.
You said it doesn’t bother Kate that her children favor their Korean side. This I can relate to because my dad love that I favor my Native American side. The one thing I wish I did see on the television show is John and Kate introduce more of the Korean culture to their children. For me my culture means a great deal and I love every aspect. At an early age would be the best time for children to begin to know their own cultural background because then they will be more willing to know more later on. But when it comes down to it I do love what TLC and the family is doing with the show.
Wow, this is my favorite show on television! I have been watching this show ever since it was a one-hour special years ago and haven't been able to look away since.
I've always noticed how all eight children look dominantly Korean, but as proud as Jon is about his heritage, he has never made any effort to teach them about their Korean culture (at least that I have seen).
Kate obviously has a firm hand in the rearing of the children, since she obviously wears the pants in the family, but she has raised them with Christian values and an organic diet. Now, I'm not saying that it is a bad thing (except for the fact that markers are outlawed and sweets are hard to find), but neither parent speaks about the Korean culture, or any culture for that matter. If Kate and Jon embrace their children’s culture as much as they do, then it would be in the best interest of the children to teach them about their diverse backgrounds.
I think it is very important to teach children from an early age about their ethnicity. I have always believed that knowing where you’re from helps you find who you are. Although the children are still very young, I think the parents should address their diverse backgrounds. Heritage is one of the most important components to personal identity.
I think this show has already made history, because it is one of the first shows that involves an openly interracial couple and their family. However, I have to agree with everyone that the show would be more beneficial, not only to the family, but to families all over America, if the Gossling family incorporated their heritage into their daily lives.
Great comments by your classmates. I really like TLC and the difference and the respect of other in some of their shows. The first time I watched Jon and Kate, they were arguing and I said just a regular couple, which was a good thing. The babies are beautiful. I saw an episode when they went to the zoo, it was so funny. I liked that you included your thoughts about wondering if Kate was all upset. I think when we are part of an interracial relationship, you appreciate the difference. Good job.
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