Have you heard about Honey Boo Boo? Wait, of course you have. Six-year-old Alana Thompson's reality show is absolutely killing it in the ratings. Perhaps the better question is: what have you heard about Honey Boo Boo?
Have you heard her called a fatty? Or maybe you've heard someone refer to the 6-year-old as "the ugliest child I've ever seen"? Let me remind you one more time: Honey Boo Boo is just 6 years old.
And yet, almost predictably, the Internet has taken to trashing little Alana Thompson as if she's a grown woman and she can take it.
She's far from the only star of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo to become a Tumblr favorite this month -- mom June Shannon has inspired her own fair share of gifs and insults. Some would say June is "asking for it." At the very least, the 32-year-old matriarch of the clan willingly signed up to be on reality TV, well aware of all that comes with it.
Her 6-year-old, on the other hand, did not.
This is one of my biggest reservations about most reality shows involving children. The kids do not get to choose this life in the spotlight. But Alana's case is particularly troubling because she is the star -- the show is named for her. And as such she has become a lightning rod for the Internet jokesters and the Internet trolls alike.
On Tumblr alone, I have seen people make comments like those already mentioned and perhaps even worse. Backhanded compliments like this abound:
When it’s late at night and I’m feeling bad about myself, I just watch this and think to myself, “At least I’m not Honey Boo Boo!”
And we wonder why there's a bullying epidemic in our schools? Adults can't seem to keep from insulting innocent children.
You don't have to like Alana Thompson or watch Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. If you think the show is a sign of the downfall of society, you may even be right. But if you're picking on a 6-year-old, you're part of the problem with this country.
What do you think of the Honey Boo Boo haters out there?
Image via TLC
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Comments 33
The first thing I thought when I saw the adds for this show was that her parents must need the money because that poor kid is going to get beat up.
I don't need reminding, but thanks Jeanna. She's hideous and so is her family. period.
i have never hated on that poor innocent child. It's her damn parents! I feel sorry for the girl. She doesn't know any better.. that's how she's being raised! It's sad! And yes, their lifestyle is sickening and humiliating! It's a shame that child is being put through this!
i would like to mention that isnt this girl a PAGENT girl? so yes- she is a partisipant in the lifestyle of on camera. she could also pout and cry whenever the cameras are there to make them leave but doesnt. (im guessing i never watched it)
Its one think to trash talk her mom. Her mom is an adult and has opened herself up for it but to trash talk a child makes someone the lowest life form on the planet. She is 6 years old, a baby really, How dare anyone say something hurtful to her. How would these people fell if others said this about their children. This is sick. Stick to blaming the mom but don't trash a baby for behaving the way her family has raised her to.
I think its mean.
In my opinion, when you become "well known", it opens doors for criticisms and praises. Its human nature.
I don't like the show but I think Honey boo boo is adorable.