A Reality Check – The Swanson Family
Appearing on a Reality TV show brings with it a great deal of possibilities. And not every possibility is going to be pleasing.
Everyone knows that Producers will take hours upon hours of footage – cut and condense it down to leave ONLY what will drive ratings, attract viewers and get/keep people talking.
From what I can see, The Swanson Family is quite possibly the most popular family Super Nanny has had yet.
The negative possibilities realities were brought to light with a recent episode that I posted a review on and linked to thoughts of other’s around the blogosphere.
I’ll admit, I’m a Reality TV junkie! But, that’s probably something for me to have analyzed in a whole other blog.
Given the negative ramifications of the recent post, I thought perhaps Reality Check would be a good place for me to post my FACTUAL Findings (according to the family) to counter the negatives found around the net. After all, I can’t stand the thought of thinking *I* may have contributed to more ‘problems’ but rather that I may provide a truth for those who are being judged.
My first line of action is The Swanson Family -
This morning I received a very kind, private letter from Ken Swanson. I’m sure it’s valid because he attached files that would prove authenticity.
I will under no circumstance breach confidentiality – so rather than disclosing any portion of Ken’s kind letter, I will simply point out that Ken is not Gay! Nor do I believe he is hiding anything. I never thought he was to begin with. I simply linked to those who did. I’ve been told the bio father is not a deadbeat, but rather an out-of-state parent. That’s it! Nothing overly exciting, simply a normal blended family trying to make life work.
Now for some personal thoughts -
While having a nice family discussion time with one of my own son’s and my husband’s son this morning, something became so obviously clear to me. Ken Swanson is just a sensitive man who isn’t afraid to show emotion. I recognized that clearly when I saw those quality traits in my own son.
In fact, Ken Swanson is most likely the kind of man that every mother should hope their daughters end up with. The kind that cares enough to try every last resource to make things work and who isn’t afraid to shed a tear – even on television!
I have twins – that couldn’t be more different! One is sporty and a real ladies man. Tough, thick skin, hard nosed and stubborn. The other is sensitive, soft spoken, artistic and not quite so sporty. Does that make him gay? NO!
In fact, when I look at my son, I can easily see him growing up to be a man with similar qualities to Ken Swanson – and I’d be proud.
Again, I wish the Swanson family all the best!
Now, unless the Swanson family has anything they’d like to add, I think it’s time we move on to another topic and let the Swanson family live in peace. I’m sure they didn’t plan for becoming this popular 
That was very nice of them to contact you like that. Now I feel really bad because your post has tugged at my heart strings a ton.
Sometimes what we “think” and what actually is are two different things. I will post a follow-up over on my blog that links to this post.
I did say that I hoped I was wrong. Perhaps I’m a tad bit sensitive when it comes to all that because I had two friends that got hurt in their situations, ya know?
Ok – have a nice weekend y’all.
Gayla,
Thank you again in your sensitivity in handling this situation. I appreciate all the input both good and bad. That is what is so amazing about this country is that we can do that. I just would like to add that in future posts remebre what we write can have an impact on each of the people that read it. Especially on the Supernanny show these are real families with real problems that are reaching out for help. This show is not just about entertainment but also a teaching tool for parents who may be going through the same issues. Enough from me for now =)
I feel really bad..
Angela: I must say I find it interesting that you formed an opinion about Ken Swanson’s sexual orientation from watching him on television — with his family, no less. Then we find on your website a picture of a baby attached to a wall with duct tape – with the slur “red neck” in the caption.
I have no doubt whatsoever that you are a good lady – it certainly comes out in your blog. But the picture that you say is “too cute” seems very demeaning to me – not to mention unsafe. Hanging a baby off a wall with duct tape? I don’t think Nanny Jo would recommend it. Also, the “red neck” thing bothers me – I don’t think even Jeff Foxworthy would hang a baby off a wall with duct tape – and then laugh at him or her. I believe that we should treat our children with dignity and respect from birth and not present them publicly in a humiliating fashion. I may be wrong, but I don’t think Ken Swanson would hang his child on a wall with duct tape.
I see that you did apologize to the Swansons, which is admirable. I would ask you to consider that not everyone will share your view of the world – it’s just the way it is. But you can really hurt people by positing unsubstantiated opinions about their sexual orientation in a public forum. Please consider that it also puts an unfair onus on gays.
Believe me, Angela I ain’t perfect, and I’ve gotten some really painful criticism for my own opinions. But here’s some advice that I’ve learned the hard way: Think before you post.
Best wishes.
WhAtEvEr!!!
I have to admit that I thought the picture was pretty funny too. I’m quite sure the baby wasn’t hurt in the making of that photo.
Parents take funny pictures like that all the time. They’re especially fun to bring out at graduation.
I’ve got a couple of my boys that are just as cute/funny that they laugh about all the time.
I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I used to get really hurt by the opinions of others, but I realized that I had similar opinions on other topics.
Being on television and making that choice does place people in glass houses that opens them up to a whole WORLD of opinions. The best anyone can do is take the stance that many stars do and just not read it.
Gayla, Your response to my post was very thought-provoking – so much so that I am willing to reconsider my position on the duct tape baby pic.
And you are also right that people take a risk when they go on TV. I still think the comments about Mr. Swanson were rather cruel, though. But then, calling people gay in big red letters and answering “whatever” to posts is pretty immature. However, I did appreciate your intelligent input and it has given me something to think about.
Best regards.
I think many people learned a valuable lesson from this experience and I’d like to think we can all move on now.
Thanks for your comments
I agree with you completely. You’re a classy lady, and thank you for this website.
All the best.