But Mom, he got to sail around the world!

It's become increasingly clear that even if you believe that it might theoretically be alright for a 16-year-old to do a solo sail around the world, *this* trip was incredibly ill-advised.

 

The funny thing is, if nothing had gone wrong and Abby had made it through the Indian Ocean portion of her trip, I doubt that anyone would have been saying boo about this trip, or that anybody would be calling it ill-advised (even if they still thought it was), and nobody would be calling the parents "pimps" for signing on for a reality show.

Heck, we'd probably all be watching the show...

I still believe Abby herself wanted to do this, that she was prepared and ready, herself, and that she handled the situation, and herself, just as she should have, demonstrating that she was capable and could have been successful in the endeavor regardless of her age.

I also have some familiarity with the parents/family and believe them to be decent people who love their kids, even if they raise them differently than most other parents, and allow them to do things that most others would not consider.

I also think that most of us -- if we had some aspect of our lives that a TV station believed would be interesting enough to make for a good show, that is -- would probably jump at the chance to do it. These things are in vogue, and big hits, right now.

All it proves, unfortunately, is how much money that makes the world go round.

OK, I'm out. I wanted to come back on here just so you all know I haven't been hiding out (just busy) the last couple pages, though.

And, for the record, I don't think an on-going reality show on this subject or family would be a good one. There's just probably not enough material to work with, beyond the two kids' sailing trips. I do think those trips could be fodder for a one-time documentary (or three-episode mini-series, or something) on kids' extreme-sport exploits, in general (they seem to be a bit of a trend right now). Or, perhaps Abby's trip could be good for an episode of "I Survived," or something like that.

But that's it. TV would be grasping at anything beyond that. The Sunderlands would make much more (and better) of a good, in-depth narrative print or Web story.

 

I have zero interest in watching any kind of show on the family and really don't have that much interest in anything they do.

Just wanted to offer a defense to some over-the-top characterizations. A position is a position, and everyone is entitled to their position on things. But when it slips into the ""parents should be jailed" nonsense, then someone needs to offer a voice of reason.

 

And you and some others of us have done that. I know I certainly tried, and it's been a good discussion.

This thread really has degenerated over the past couple pages, though. It probably is nearing its end.

 

It's pretty unusual for a bunch of fired up posters to hit 16 pages with a mostly civil discussion. I don't think the thread degenerated too much. People seemed to feel fairly passionate about this subject, but no one resorted to name calling or tossing out the usual insults. Progress!

 

Strange that she's the one asking that question.

 

I can't speak for anyone else. I have no interest in that sort of thing. I'd rather be happy than rich or famous, and I've never seen any of those reality show stars who seem happy or well-adjusted.

 

The father is on Larry King right now.

 

Pitching the reality show?

 

Is Larry driving him around in Snoop Dogg's car?

 

Actually, he said the reality show wasn't his idea. He and the producer had a falling out, and the producer is now pissed at the family.

 

Yah sure.

http://www.theonion.com/articles/why-do-all-these-homosexuals-keep-sucking-my-cock,11150/