I know my eyes are bad, but is Joe Darger looking younger and not so scary? And is he sporting the same facial hair style as Kody Brown? And you've got to see how they all looked uncomfortable when Dr. Drew announced he had Flora Jessop on the phone!
Thanks to Border Collie for bringing this interview to our attention!
And before I forget, someone asked for a picture of Kody using Meri as a stepladder while tying the tree to their car. Your wish is my command!
Dr. Drew makes my skin crawl.
ReplyDelete...
That is all.
So true. Especially his check-ins with the Teen Moms...!
DeleteYay, I got the clip to work.
DeleteDr. Drew is a creep. He seemed frustrated with Joe Darger.
It seemed like they were blindsided with Flora Jessop's (is she related to Robyn's ex?)phone call.
Could you believe that caller, Evelyn? She said,"I think you all are nuts."
I cannot stand him either.
DeleteThat picture of Meri propping Kody is priceless..he is literally walking all over them LOL
ReplyDeleteThey sure look a lot better than Kody's celestial wives.
ReplyDeleteI know they work out a lot. I wonder if they feel presssure (competition?) to maintain that physique?
DeleteThat pic! Utter ridiculousness !! Thank you CJ, for making us smile :)
ReplyDeleteAnd, correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't it seem that Kody and Meri often have their roles reversed? In that Meri acts like the husband doing all the heavy lifting, including lifting Kody.
True Ms. Jupiter - most guys would have said something like "Honey, if I lift you up could you finish tying the tree down?"
DeleteNot good ole Kody - he uses his wife to prop him up, yet again! That's his life in a nutshell, the ladies prop him up by working, taking care of the children and doing everything while he flips his hair, sleeps in the recliner and talks about how hard everyone works.
Well Funky Town, he DOES answer to a higher calling ya know.
DeleteBut, in all seriousness, I agree with you 100%.
P.S. every time I see your name that song goes thru my head, too.
Cj, thanks so much for posting this!! (I was the one who requested it.) they only showed it for a second, and I kept rewinding to watch it again & again. Hysterical & disturbing, all at once!
DeleteIt was my pleasure, LittleFishBigPond!
DeleteI swear the Darger wife that's in the middle is Kristen Wiig's doppleganger!
ReplyDeleteHahaha Andrea, I was totally going to post that exact same thing! I had never heard of the Dargers before I watched that and thought this must be an SNL skit!!
Deletehahaha I think that would be a brill SNL skit!!
DeleteI bet Kody will read that here, and with his big, delusional, narcissistic head, he'll think that people really want HIM to host SNL.
DeleteLook out Lorne Michaels!
Well, I agree, Joe looks less sinister.
ReplyDeleteActually he looked a bit spent, a bit tired.
The wives were in their usual straight-backed, stepford-like posture. They are attractive women, however they do come off as "programmed."
An interesting difference between KodyWorld and the Dargers media seating arrangements....
Kody is *usually* surrounded on either side by his harem, while Joe Darger is usually at one end with his harem lined up beside him.
The interview was predictable in that two of the wives say that they too run a *family-owned* business and the third wife works part-time.
No snark intended, but where have we heard that before???
Alina, the cousin, seems to be the designated spokesperson. Vicki, and much less, her twin, chimed in very briefly. Joe had nothing to say after his opening response.
To be fair to them, or to be simply be aware of Dr. Drew's show style, they were obviously blind sided by Flora Jessup's phone questions.
And then Drew did allow a call from a woman asking the usual hard questions about poly marriage regarding bedroom habits and finances. But realistically, that is what non-plyg people think about with plyg families who have double digit children....*shrug*
I did think it was prudent for Drew to decline on the option to put the Darger children on camera for questioning.
It seemed to me to have been a "have to do" media piece, since they too are re-pushing their book and probably hoping for a TV slot of their own.
Thanks, Border Collie !!!
Thanks Amused for that recap. For some reason I can't view this clip. I even went to the HLN site and it still wouldn't work.
DeleteDidn't Joe say he was working part time?
DeleteHa! Ms Jupiter you are right! Meri does seem to be the one always doing the "grunt work!"
ReplyDeleteSo the Darger's answer the question of whether their children are encourage to follow the principle like the Brown's - that it is their choice. That sends such a mixed message to the kids - the parents are living it so they will attain a higher celestial afterlife (sheesh - SW ladies - PLEASE just think about that for a minute! WHY does that make sense to you? Living a life of constant denial and jealousy really makes you look better in the eyes of God? Don't you think God wants you to live a full, happy life where YOU and only YOU are on the receiving end of your husband's devotion? Uggghhhhh - I digress...) anyway.... if they don't care if the kids live the principle, then they don't care about their afterlife. Perhaps they SW's secretly don't want them to live this life and what an easy "out" to tell them it's their choice.
They choose to take advantage of the government with bankruptcies, food stamps etc. yet don't think that might not look good in the eyes of God???? I'm all for them living as they wish as consenting adults but then you have to make it work yourselves, not rely on the government you disrespect (or the gullible TLC fans).
So Sad, you clearly pointed out the reason many of us take issue with this family.
DeleteNo wonder Meri's so passive-aggressive. She's on all fours again getting no action from Kody.
ReplyDelete". . . action from Kody" is a pretty nauseating proposition. Being used as a step stool seems preferable. :D
DeleteYou're killing me with laughter!
DeleteYou know that photo speaks volumes doesn't it? If Meri doesn't realize her role following that...shew.
DeleteShe does act incredibly like an enabler when she says that grody jody shouldn't have to be the "bad guy" parent...when in reality a fundamentalist theology typically would embrace the male a a leader of the family and household. Not good old good time grody-K...he's only there for the fun stuff.
And I think it's so revealing to watch grody-K's face during couch time...squinty eyes...just seems like sometimes his facial expressions point to a "I am so going to yell at you after this" kind of read. Honestly, last week, he had that look every time a wife commented....
Can you imagine that scenerio with Joe Darger and one of his wives?? I think not probably because trophy sisterwives wouldn't allow themselves to be treated like literal stepping stools. Really makes you realize how little Kody thinks of his wives. Pretty sad.
DeleteFrom my perspective, as one finds myself in zany adventures for which I tend to plan poorly. . . that is the first photo which actually looks like a candid incident my husband and I might find ourselves in. LOL
ReplyDeleteThough the whole "marrying twins thing" sort of ups the ick ante, this quartet is so much more relatable and polished than the Browns. This is the first time I have seen them, so I don't know if this is how they always appear, but they seem much more reasonable and articulate. Perhaps Kody's Krew should call the Dargers' publicist--because the one they have is doing them no favors.
ReplyDeleteWell, that photo really does just say it all, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteWhat we have here is the symbolic and literal representation of what it is like to be married to Kody Brown.
CJ, you rock. Thank you so much for this site and its fantastic content. :*)
You are very welcome, R.T.P. !
DeleteJoe DOES look better. Working out? The goatee? Botox?
ReplyDeleteTLC has a bunch of family shots up. Lots of Truley. Hi Brown People! You obviously come visit here..
His voice seemed higher pitched. Was it the mic?
Deleteor someone holding his nutsack in a vise grip...
DeleteWhoaa, Joe does look a lot younger....weight loss or botox?!? lol.
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to see Robyn field questions from Flora Jessop....that would be PRICELESS!!
Yep, Toasty, I was thinking the same thing. I wish Flora could appear or call when the Brown's are being interviewed...
DeleteThe Dargers look like robots.
ReplyDeleteOr Stepford Wives ;)
DeleteYes totally Kristin Wiig in the middle! HOLY COW.
ReplyDeleteWife on the left (closest to Joe) seems especially perky and happy. I wonder if she is the favorite wife?
Middle wife seems grumpy and withdrawn.
Right on the wife--very pretty--seems sassy though, look at her posture...she seems like the rebellious one.
Flora saying the eyes tell a story has confirmed what I have been saying about Christine's sad eyes. Clearly Christine is beyond sad, & even though she's going to counseling, I hope she's able to get back on meds that will help her cope better with this lifestyle. I know we all want Christine to leave, but there's no way she's leaving right now, esp while the gravy train is still going. U bet she's gonna enjoy all the perks, etc..while she can since this has never had this luxury before. IMO, the Browns will be in for a rude awakening when there's no more TLC $$ & all of their businesses fail. They will quickly resort back to their survival mode of dependency on welfare, etc & high tale it back to Lehi...Then blame all the blogs for their failure in Vegas & TLC canceled contract. Janelle will be forced to get a real J.O.B & Kody will well , just be Kody...ugghhh!!
ReplyDeleteCaramel Brownie,
DeleteI thought the same thing when Flora Jessup mentioned about "the eyes telling the story." Especially since she is saying that from hands-on experience, not from speculation.
The Brown women definitely have shown their true feelings in their eyes, and actually, so do the Dargers.
Watching the commercials for Sister Wives last night, I was struck by Christine's eyes. I literally wanted to cry after I saw her. My husband said" She's crazy". I think she is, deep depression does that to people. I've read a dozen books on polygamy, and all of the women who left said" hell can't possibly be worse than this life, If I'm going to hell, then I'll at least be happy in this life." It's so sad to watch Christine because she clearly believes in a religion that is making her miserable, so sad. Guess what Christine? God loves his daughters as much as his sons. He doesn't want you to live like this. Please Christine, leave!! You deserve better!!!
DeleteI don't think Christine just needs counseling, but she needs to make sure she gets, board certified psychiatrist that isn't affiliated in any way with the AUB. A psychiatrist that doesn't just hands out pills, but listens to what she has to say, and carefully monitors her if medication is prescribed.
DeleteGuess referring to prostitutes would be cheaper, since we all know it's not about sex,(yeah right!!),is widely used among polygamists, since that always seems to readily come out of their mouth in defense mode.
ReplyDeleteThey love to deflect too, instead of owning their stuff even together as a family, & giving a straight answer.
The wife , on the end, who I believe is the cousin, really didn't have much to say. She looked like she was zoned out!
I did't know, you could do tv appearances to push the SAME BOOK AGAIN, only a year or so later. o_O
So, I'm wondering if they're contending for a spot or even possibly the Brown's time slot on TLC??
The wife on the end is the wife in the middles twins, the one nex to joe is the cousin.
DeleteAssume for a moment that polygamy is legalized. How would that affect monogamous marriages? Could your husband marry another wife without your consent and say that he didn't do anything wrong? Would bigamy be a crime? How would a wife who didn't want to share her husband be protected?
ReplyDeleteGood questions, especially since most polygamy is religion based.
DeleteSame question. And what happens to tax law? If both wives don't work and have tons of kids, can they all be claimed as dependents? Would the poverty threshold be separate for poly families to discourage reliance on food stamps/WIC/Medicaid, etc? Would legalizing polygamy make it harder for families to abuse the system?!
DeleteSo many questions.
Welfare fraud is rampant among AUB/FLDS, since the women are encouraged not to name the father on the birth certificate and file as single mothers. I think that legalizing polygamy would crack down on welfare fraud, but would make estate planning and divorce proceedings a quagmire.
DeleteThe fact that these women are related does up the ick factor, but maybe it makes their relationship better. At least they have a real friendship/relationship between them apart from their husband. With the Browns, it seems like (aside from Meri and Robyn), the women dislike each other.
ReplyDeleteCouple of things keep gnawing at me after Sunday's premier...
ReplyDelete1-Logan: will he or won't he plyg? Honestly I see him as saying "no" but meaning "yes." He's the eldest, first born, heir apparent. But it really bugged me when Janelle said that it was his last Christmas at home. Does that mean he's supposed to forge his own way and literally "not" come home for Christmas this year?
2-LDS "year of service" when one becomes an adult...have heard nothing about this from the Browns. Will their kids take off a year between high school and college for ministry? Just seems like "radio silence" on the topic.
3-Have read from other sources that typically a male who reaches adulthood essentially becomes "competition" for his father...meaning Kody and male adult...such as Logan would be competing for wives against the same pool of young women at their local church, so often the males who turn 18 are encouraged to go elsewhere.
4-I'm sure some of you know this answer and I just haven't had time to research. What ARE the statistics for the parents of each of the wives. I'm pretty sure that Janelle and Christine's parents are divorced, not sure about Meri's. In other words, the plyg lifestyle actually didn't work out so well for their families... Is that accurate or am I mistaken?
LOVE this blog...honestly it's such a train wreck that I can't NOT watch!!!
2-LDS "year of service" when one becomes an adult...have heard nothing about this from the Browns. Will their kids take off a year between high school and college for ministry?
DeleteThe Browns are AUB (Apostolic United Brethren) not LDS. The Browns have pointed out several times (the episode with Rev Danielle and when they went back to Lovell Wy) that the AUB doesn't believe in proselytizing, so they wouldn't have a need to go on a mission. Kody did go on mission, but that was when he was still LDS - he didn't convert to AUB until he came back.
Janelle's birth father died in 1972. I think her mother remarried and was widowed a second time. I may be mistaken, though. I also seem to remember seeing that her father's obit read that he was survived by 5 wives.
DeleteHi linnet,
DeleteMeri's dad was the one with five wives. Janelle and her mother were disowned my their family when they switched from LDS to AUB.
oops I meant about Meri's father that was survived by 5 wives. Janelle's folk were of course LDS.
DeleteYou know what cracks me up? We care about a man marrying three women, but don't blink an eye at the person who marries (til death do us part) and divorces five times over. We don't blink at the man who has the mistress on the side. We don't blink because we don't talk about those things. But OH MY someone doing something that is slightly not normal and OH they are bad people and we must criticize them.
ReplyDeleteIf a man is willing/wanting to marrying two or more women and those women are consenting adults then it shouldn't matter and it should be legal. There are people who practice polygamy and it has nothing to do with a religion. There are people who are confident enough in themselves and their desires to be HONEST and TRUTHFUL and OPEN about their feelings, their lives, and their loves. Not everyone are the Browns. Perhaps these husbands would be better able to care for their wives if they could get legally married.
Too bad people couldn't practice a little more understanding and acceptance.
Ah yes, perhaps you've figured it out by now, I am one third of a poly triad. Not a religious person, just a person who is in love with a man and a woman. Yep, that's right one of those bi-sexual people. See so for me, it's my cake and I'm getting to eat it too. Even I question the "sisterwive" thing. It wouldn't work for me. However, I think they should be able to do what they want to do. Are there sometimes jealousies? Sure. However, dealing with that jealously is no worse than dealing with the "ugh, my husband is out four nights a week with his friends" or "he never makes time for me". Our relationship isn't perfect, but I wouldn't trade my relationship for a monogomous relationship any day of the week.
Speak for yourself. I blink at the man who marries five times over. I blink at the man who has a mistress on the side.
DeleteI do blink, actually.
DeleteJenne,
DeleteI can tell you that I care if someone is married/divorced 3 times. I consider marriage a very sacred bond, and take the "til death" portion of the vows extremely seriously.
Mr. Pie the Cat and I are getting married in a month and believe that a relationship takes work, honesty, and love. We have no problem with other lifestyles, as long as both participants are treated with love and respect. If you love your other partners and they love you back, we are happy for you! :-)
I suppose the only thing I take issue with is the family "abusing the system". I think if polygamous marriages were legalized, it may help with that particular issue. Would it change their access to government programs? Maybe. Could it ask the family to be more acccountable for their finances? I think it could.
I just don't think the Browns represent a loving relationship. I see the wives struggling and it pains me to watch. I also strongly dislike how they evade or gloss over issues regarding their religion and finances.
End of rant.
That's so funny! Somehow, I don't think Kody Brown could take care of his wives any better if polygamy was legal. Why should I be more understanding and accepting of a man that will file bankruptcy at the drop of a hat to avoid paying credit card bills he and his wives ran up but decides not to pay? Guess who pays for that? The credit card companies they ripped off, who then pass it on to the customers who DO pay their bills! Why should I be more understanding and accepting of a man who willingly outs himself and his family, and knowing that the Utah attorney general has already said he would not prosecute the Browns, ups and cries persecution and then skips town to of all places Las Vegas to escape those mean old Utah police officers who could really care less. And then files a lawsuit!
DeleteThe Browns have a political agenda for polygamy ONLY. Don't think for one second that they will be so understanding and accepting of your polyamory. You see, Meri has already said how they feel about that...THEY DON'T DO WEIRD!
You would do better to unhitch your wagon from the Brown Bozo Wagon Train.
you're making a lot of generalized assumptions re:people's opinions about serial divorce and adultery. we discuss polygamy because that's what the show is about. and so far, with the vast majority here on this site - it's a FAIL for it re:the Browns selling it to us.
Deleteglad you're happy in your triad choice and that it works for you. however, i consider your description of your situation like comparing apples to oranges re:Browns situation. It sounds like you're saying you also sleep w/your sister wife as well as with your hubby. is that correct?
I understand what you're saying about your relationship emotionally tho. I, myself, wouldn't trade my longtime 35 year monogamous, happy and loving marriage (and our great kids we had and raised together) for any other kind of alternative marriage or living arrangement. i'm STILL happy w/my choice after all these years! ;')
Oooh... another thought: if polygamy is legalized in a state where gay marriage is also legal....
DeleteHusband marries wife 1, 2, and 3. Would there be any incentive for wives 1, 2, 3, to marry each other? Could be a VERY complex from a legal perspective.
My head hurts.
Jenne,
DeleteA hell of a lot of "We's" in your post. !!!
Hmmm, I don't remember collaborating...
(Pt II) 2) Kody, to put it bluntly, is an asshat - even on his BEST day. in the very first show (pilot ep) he's shown driving to work, wearing a dress shirt and tie, bringing home the bacon etc etc. Meri and Janelle are shown working and Christine takes care of the little ones during the day. It all seemed to work, they were happy. Well, Kody isn't working a 9 to 5 anymore...he should be helping with the chores, doing housework, moving furniture - NO instead he's sleeping in his freaking recliner while Christine busts her ass to get her holiday dinner ready and kids running around! as the show has progressed, Kody has REGRESSED into his true, lazy-ass, entitled self. WTF DOES HE DO TO HELP AROUND THE HOUSES? that's what truly pisses me off, along with the impression that he is WELL AWARE of what impression he is giving - and he's getting off on it. BIG TIME. showing the WORLD that HE, Kody Brown, has the power to do WHATEVER THE F he wants with these women, including sitting on his ass, and they will just TAKE IT. For him, it's not sex, it's not love (no matter how much he says it is) - it's all about having the power. And I think I know WHY the first three women are in this mess - the same reason I got married to my first husband - because they feel that Kody is the best they are going to get. I'll give Kody this much - he was a hottie when he was younger (now, it's like he's trying to desperately hold on to that...). Meri was head-over-heels in love with him...I bet she never thought she was going to land a guy like Kody EVER. And she has said that she knew going into the marriage that Kody was intending on collecting more wives - and she AGREED to it because that was the trade off she was willing to make, rather than risk being alone.
Delete(how much you wanna bet that Kody promised Meri that no matter how many other wives he collected she would always be #1 and the only one he truly "loved"?)
I don't know anybody who thinks serial divorces and infidelity are acceptable. Maybe I'm just running with the wrong crowd tho.
DeleteThe only time I have ever heard this argument is from polygamists. My husband, friends and family members are all nice boring monogamist folks--and if any of them aren't, they have enough common shame to hide rather than flaunt their adultery.
DeleteI think that there is a huge difference between a man who divorces and remarries and a man who keeps a second woman around to spice up his marriage. Ronnie Reagan and Paul Newman both stay married to their second wives for over 50 years of monogamous bliss. Witness the second wives portrayed on "Mad Men" and "Modern Family". Both these wives benefit tremendously from what their husbands learned during their first marriage. And that is the general perception of the public--men generally do better when they remarry.
DeleteHaving said that, Jenne, you are way better than the Browns. I read some of your blog. In your situation there are only two wives and one child. NOT 17! And what I read on your blog was honest and open. The Browns have never said an honest thing. If you were to have a show, you would not get the same criticism as the Browns. I strongly urge you to distance yourself from the Browns. They are beneath you---and everyone else, too.
WHERE does this perception come from that there are only two options?!?!
Deletea) sisterwives and you know your husband is at least sleeping with women he's "married" to or,
b) husband cheats and has mitresses.
People, guess what?! There is a THIRD option! And... (I know this will sound too crazy for some of you, but) it's called:
c) HAPPY MONOGAMOUS MARRIAGE WHERE A HUSBAND DOESN'T CHEAT
Wow! And guess what, the majority of spouses in monogamy do not cheat on each other. And furthermore, men can be happy and loyal to one woman! Isn't that great?!
Now, for the love of God, PLEASE stop making ridiculous "arguments" that polygamy or cheating husband are the only two options in the world. Enough.
Who is this "we" you are talking about? OF COURSE WE CARE ABOUT CHEATING! That's why it makes the news, that's why it's all over reality TV, that's why it's all over rumors. That's why people watch Sister Wives. Does cheating happen, sure. That doesn't mean we don't care. And we as in my partner and I would certainly care.
Deletei am in a relation ship with my wife and another woman. we are not part of a group or some religious church. we just belive love is what it is and no one should have the right to tell us how we feel for another person. so in response to religion vs non i vote that non is just as good.
DeleteAnonymous @12:42 makes a really good point. What if the first wife didn't give permission or was coerced into it? Wow, I had never thought of this. Legalized polygamy could be a real problem in that respect.
ReplyDeleteto ALI B B - are you referring to "year of ministry service" like in the mainstream LDS church? if so, the LDS can serve a church mission (on their own dime) but it's for 2 years not just 1. (women can serve at the age of 21 and their service is relegated to 18 months.) Neither the AUB (kody's religion now - he was mainstream LDS when he served a mission) and the FLDS do proselyting missions. so, that's why there's no talk of it re:Logan.
ReplyDeleteas far as your wonderment on the wives' parents - remember it was shown on the show that Janelle's mother is a plyg wife of Kody's dad. I don't recall Meri or Christine ever talking about their parents. and when Robyn was dating Kody and was all hopelessly romantic and delusional - she kept saying how she believed her and Kody could keep the magic alive their whole marriage like her parents had . But only for us to find out the next season how that was a BIG FAT LIE as they had been divorced for years and Robyn had been living w/her mother in a trailer together after Robyn's divorce!! Robyn lies ALOT and never seems to worry about it biting her in the butt. She will just cry and say how much she loves you and wish you loved her back if you call her on her b.s. She's a very manipulative and conniving person and maybe had to learn how to be growing up in her own dysfunctional plyg home. Meri definitely picked a passive/aggressive snake when she picked Robyn out for her new sister wife to get back at her years of disdain towards Janelle and Christine. All for this show!!
now that i think about it - does anyone recall Meri or Christine ever talking about taking their kids back home to Grandma/Grandpa for a visit? Please refresh me as I don't!
Ain't love grand? Especially when it's multiplied and not divided!! LOL
Thank you Anony. Christine mentions her parents' divorce in the book and how she couldn't forgive her mother. Meri has mentioned that her parents didn't bring in a 2nd wife into their marriage until after 6 kids and lots of years together, which is flakey. Janelle says many friends and family "disowned" her for plug -- but we know her mother married Kody's Dad so again -- would have to be widowed or divorced? It just doesn't quite add up for me.
DeleteI can sorta of explain Janelle's family "disowning" from my own experience. My husband and I left the mainstream mormons a few years ago. His loving pioneer family did very similar things to us as Janelle has described, probably why she is my favorite. When you leave for something like drugs, porn ect... anything worldly they can understand and try to love you back. When you leave for a a new faith, we where born again in Christ, they dont know what to do. The church is true and when some one stands up and says no your wrong they cant digest it. SO they may be coldly friendly but they shun the hell out of you. They tried to have interventions whenever we came to family functions. Now we just dont go, so they shun you in a way that only mormons can or would. Let the psychological abuse carry on!! I wish so much for Janelle that she would continue her path for truth and realize our walk with God is personal, wonderful and free!!
DeleteKim
I am confused over the real parents for the adults. When they went on the Today show, Christine said she had her mother come over to watch truly. But never shown on camera. While packing the Utah house, meri had her mother in her room with her looking at her sisters obituary. Robyn, my o my. Said she grew up having to ignore her father in public because her mother was not a first wife. But I thought I had read her mother divorced her dad and remarried, so the man in Vegas is her step dad, or real dad? Plus her mother is still in Utah. Remember when meri, kody and robyn were looking at homes in vegas? Christine hasn't shown her family on tv. Which is kind of weird because if they were all in Utah and are close with traditions and all, they would
ReplyDeletebe talking more about the family in general, like meri did of her sister buying diapers. I really get the impression they may come from poly families, but they are on their own.
By the way, I've been reading here for about a month. I admit my interests in the show/ drama is a guilty pleasure, because I have went back to the first blog posts and ALL comments. I think I'm caught up. So embarrassed.
You know, Dragonfly, I'm kinda confused too. For some reason, I think the man who was present when Robyn was giving birth was not her natural father,but his last name is Sullivan. I thought her mother was indeed divorced. But in the episode when Meri Robyn and Kody initially went looking for homes in Vegas, I thought it was a different looking man who met them even though they said it was her father.
DeleteI think the reason why we rarely see the grandparents (outside of Kody's parents including Janelle's mother Sheryl but excluding wife #2) is that they still value their privacy. Robyn even mentioned how her own mother has blocked her on facebook in 'Becoming Sister Wives'.
One thing for certain, their family 'tree' is actually a complicated wreath. It's giving me a headache just thinking about it!
"One thing for certain, their family 'tree' is actually * a complicated wreath.* "
DeleteCJ,
Perfect analogy and visual !!!
And at which point, in the layers of generations in these "wreaths", is the gene pool possibly adversely affected by these 'close' ties ???
Is it just me or does this religion seem to be self-serving? Whereas the Bible makes clear you are to serve and worship God and no person is better or superior to anyone else, this religion lets men become Gods. Men get to have multiple wives which means other men get no wives. And that's ok because those men are "inferior" and are destined to be servants in someone else's world. Men are allowed to multiply love by having multiple wives while women divide love by getting a half or a third (or worse) of a husband.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, if a man's family becomes part of thw world where he is God what happens if his son also marries multiple woman and becomes a God. Is the son part of his father's kingdom? Or Gid of his own world? Is it a loss to his father's kingdom? So wouldn't it be to the father's advantage if the son didn't follow the principle?
With a pack of dogs, only the Alpha male gets to have sex with the female dogs. It's a power thing.
DeleteAlso there are alpha female dogs. The alpha female will occasionally steal the pups of the other females. Again, a power thing.
I think it's the same thing with Mormon polygamy. The men who get to mate are the ones who have the favor of the Prophet/power structure. A way for those in power to maintain their power base.
Horrible to say, but it does get worse. Ex. Irene Spencer (a second wife, married to Verlan LeBaron of the LeBaron group) -gave birth to 13 of his kids, he never bothered to be present for the births. His fifth "favorite" wife Susan Ray Schmidt basically spent her and Verlan's marriage living in beat down trailers or tool sheds-according to her book Favorite Wife: Escape from Polygamy. Verlan's first wife didn't fare much better-she and his eldest son were working to support all of her husband's wives and kids-since her husband felt he couldn't be bothered to do.
DeleteFrom what I read-this seems a common thread for fundamentalist Mormon men- impregnating their wives, but not taking care of their kids.
If polygamy were legal, coercion would be a real concern and very devastating to the wife. The husband brings home a younger, more attractive woman. The wife's self esteem plummits. Maybe she's been out of the work force for a while raising kids and is completely dependent on her husband. If he tells her she has to consent to another wife or lose him,she might really feel trapped. Now we realize she has options but when you're in a situation like that you can't always see you options and the situation can feel isolating and overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteNot for all wives though - a woman with decent self esteem would kick the bum to the curb!
While polygamy might seem like an interesting fantasy, most men know the reality of it would almost certainly end up being a nightmare.
Galatians 3:28 says in heaven there is no Jew or Greek, free or slave, male or female they are all one in Christ. How does this square with the supposed roles of the wives when the husband becomes a god. Clearly the wives won't become gods. Doesn't sound like "all are one in Christ".
ReplyDeleteAnd here on earth, the oldest most mature spiritual woman is subject to even the most immature man? WTF?
Can I tell you how much I love Flora Jessup? She just came in BLAZING on that ambush. It was amazing. BRAVA!
ReplyDeleteThe answers to Flora were just, wow. They couldn't even say them with a straight face. They have no leader "necessarily"? What does that even mean? Their parents didn't pressure them? They don't care if their kids live the principle? Wow.
I am confused over the three sister wives who aren't legally married to Kody. If he dies, any insurance money, social security benefits, retirement, ect. will only go to Meri and her daughter. If his name is on the other children's birthcertificates, maybe they could get some social security benefits, but I do no see how that would be enough to help them much. If they all live to a ripe old age, and the women remain out of the work pool, Meri is the only one who will draw those social security benefits. Do these women even think about tomorrow at all?
ReplyDeleteMy other question is how is it that Robyn's ex husband allows the filming of his children? Do the children get paid like the gosslin children?
i'm thinking Robyn's hubby moved on to another woman (or 2 since he is a plyg himself) before Robyn ever did w/Kody. who knows? he could be very busy himself the last few years w/new wife (s) and babies now. it didn't seem like he was present when Robyn was dating Kody. the kids were always around. Kody's teens went with him to babysit them for their dates. can't remember now for sure, but weren't the kids all left w/the other wives and not their dad when Kody and Mommy went off on their 10 day honeymoon?
Deleteanyway, i'm sure Robyn and Kody both prefer that he's mostly absent so Kody's not reminded of Robyn's "ick factor" of being with another man before him. oh that's right - it's the fact that she had kids already that turned him off. Janelle also was with another man other than the Kodilocks.
Maybe Robyn's ex is incarcerated.
DeleteMost likely Robyn's kids were unsealed from DJP and sealed to KB, thereby removing them from the bondage of his priesthood hold, and committing them to the Browns celestially. . . from what I understand of these folks, and their MO, this is the only reason she would still have the children in her custody at all.
Deletemost of the judges and attorneys in Utah are Mormon and custody typically defaults to the mother. The dad would have to really fight for them PLUS there would have to be a lot of evidence against the mother being unfit. Or if the mom was voluntarily giving up custody to the dad. Mormon judges believe that the kids should be raised by their moms when it comes to divorce.
Delete@Anon 12:18. No way a Mormon judge or any other judge would be thrilled about these idiots. In fact, I think just about anybody could keep their kids off any reality show, especially this freak show with admitted felons fleeing the law. Clearly, TLC worked something out with the Baby Daddy, or we would have heard from him already.
Deletenever said a Mormon judge would be THRILLED! lol... just saying back when Robyn was getting divorced that's more than likely how it went down in that state. (unfortunately, i have lots of true stories to know what i'm talking about after living in that state for 25 years.) but NOW that she's on the show, the hubby would have to go and fight for custody for them and show how they're harmed, etc. and demonstrate how much better it would be for them to be with him. we don't know if he's in a plyg relationship himself right now for one thing. nor what his own living situation is nor if he even wants custody of them. the fact is that we don't really know anything about him at all except for what Robyn's alluded to a few times that it was an abusive marriage.
DeleteU make a good point, Room to Write, about Meri receiving most of the benefits legally, & that's probably one of her main reasons for staying! Only thing I can think of is if Kody is smart enough to make a will, living will & bequeath his assets, etc...accordingly to each wife & kid, actually all of them would be smart to do this...esp, the moms, who don't wanna leave their kids to be raised by mean girl & bestie. They damn sure can't depend on Kody to step up & be involved in the raising of the kids, if unfortunate circamstances do happen. It'll be eaiser for Kody to find a replacement wife just to raise the one's he already has...smh.
DeleteNow, I know, the Browns have told us that's one of the perks if something like that does happen, but I know I surely don't believe it!
The rest of the parents have probably been forbidden by the "Priesthood" from appearing on camera--since the Browns have done this whole thing against the express wishes of the leadership. My guess is that the whole move to Nevada was actually spurred by the fact they couldn't film their relatives, neighbors and school mates without actively defying the position of the Group. Another assumption on my part is that, as has been speculated here pretty frequently, they are starting an independent offshoot; I figure it's due to the fact that they are in fact less welcome back home than they are by we "gentiles" who are actively persecuting them. Boy that sounded ugly. . . sorry.
ReplyDeleteRight, and Baby Daddy is still with the original group. Of course, I bet he made a deal with TLC or no way those kids would be on TV.
DeleteActually lol i meant all the grandparents. Since Kody/Janelle's folks don't live in Utah, they probably aren't as worried about the whole publicizing the group issue. My guess is DPJ (Baby Daddy)has also been forbidden from appearing. I don't know if he's technically AUB or some other group, though. If Robyn's kids were allowed to be unsealed from a living father, he prolly did something to get up the ire of the Group.
DeleteI love Flora Jessop. She tells it like it is and doesn't pull any punches. Her book is a hard hitting look at the FLDS. " Church of Lies" is tough to read at times because it explains a lifestyle that is completely foreign. I always love the deer in the headlights look that polygamists get when they are told Flora is on the phone!
ReplyDeletePaul - i loved Church of Lies, too. even tho it made me cry and my stomach hurt at times. but yeah, Flora Jessop is one feisty tough little 100 lb. pitbull.
Deleteand oh yeah - i'm sure Dargers didn't appreciate having to deal w/her publicly. i'm sure it would have been a whole different conversation in private with her! they had to keep their cool on TV with her.
The 2 wives on the right look plain creepy to me. The life has been sucked right out of them, and Flora nailed it with her comment about the eyes. I can't be tolerant of any religion that turns wives into lifeless zombies.
ReplyDeleteCareful ya'll! All this talk about mia moms & dads, might get us a scripted & boring episode of a "joyous" family bbq or reunion at the Wyoming Ranch >_<
ReplyDeletere: the awesome snapshot - Meri and Kody look like they have the same hair and bodies as well as the same outfits! ;'p
ReplyDeleteI would like to chime in with respect to the comments about "abusing the system" and the "legal quagmire" of polygamous marriage.
ReplyDeleteWhat reason(s) are you all giving when you say that plygs accessing the public assistance are committing FRAUD?
My wife is a single woman. She had to file her taxes as "Single". She cannot be added to our husband's insurance. Why is it "fraud" if she were to apply for assistance? Go look at your and/or your spouse's paychecks and see HOW MUCH you + your employer are paying for insurance. THAT is what we are facing when we try to make sure our wife is covered, since she cannot be added to our insurance. Is it not the right thing to do, to see to it she has the medical care she needs? Maybe you could rally WITH us to get insurance companies to allow US to decide who we want to cover. Then families like ours could get off the public assistance you wish to deny us access to. (I hope you're not claiming to be Christians, because that doesn't sound very Christian to me. It sounds judgemental and ungenerous of you.)
Much has also been said of the "legal quagmire" that would come about if polygamous marriages were made legal. We've come a long way as a society -- from treating a wife as property with no voice and anything of hers being automatically his, to today when a woman can be the major breadwinner and the husband can happily be the house-husband and primary caregiver to their children. We've evolved from marriage being a jail cell for a woman trapped in an abusive or loveless marriage, to a time where either party can sue for divorce without the shame and stigma which divorce once carried. There's all kinds of legal quagmires which have already been faced down and handled, in dealing with the ever-changing needs of marriage law. I look forward to the law encompassing my family. I look forward to the men and women in plyg families (not all are MFFF.... -- some are MMM!) being able to declare their own children on birth certificates and tax forms.
I understand this isn't a "simple" life style. I understand there will be challenges. But if people backed down every time something was challenging, women wouldn't have the right to vote, black people would still be property, interracial marriages wouldn't be legal, gays wouldn't be gaining the right to marry...
George Bernard Shaw said, “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.”
Just call me unreasonable...
Anne.
Christine & Janelle not adding Kody to the birth certificate & checking the box FATHER UNKNOWN on the welfare applications is committing fraud!!
DeleteOh yeah, & the rotating bankruptcies, that each of the Browns have filed every 7 yrs. That's fraud too!!
Lying on documents, hiding assets, etc...for gain is FRAUD!!
But if people backed down every time something was challenging, women wouldn't have the right to vote, black people would still be property, interracial marriages wouldn't be legal, gays wouldn't be gaining the right to marry...
ReplyDeletePerhaps someone should have had this discussion with the "poster child" of polygamy Kody Brown. As we have stated on this blog many times - people gave up their LIVES for their rights in this country. So, what did Kody do when the going got tough in Utah? Did he work tirelessly for his cause? Did he campaign day and night, risking his life for his beliefs? Did he display the traits of an 'unreasonable man'? Did he even attempt to fight the good fight? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! He doesn't just back down, HE RUNS LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT TO LAS VEGAS!
And don't forget, according to their book, they didn't tell anyone they were leaving, not even the producer of their reality show...so I wonder how the cameras and film crews were there to film the Browns running to in Las Vegas?
Polygamy benefits only one person - the man.
We see the proof in a 'reality show' called Sister Wives.
Just call me a realist...
Oh my GOD! I don't know how I missed Kody and Meri doing that. That is seriously so funny. I'm printing this out for a rainy day.
ReplyDeleteJenelle just said on Anderson Cooper the way to get to heaven is to be a Good Person. What?? Christ paid the price on the cross, its a free gift, the way to heaven.... we could never be good enough to get their on our own good works!! Love the show, but, perfect example of this works based religion... sad.
ReplyDeleteMormons behave as though good works will get them into the highest level of heaven. Hence their "callings." They also believe living in polygamy will attain them their own planet in the afterlife. Seriously. Stop laughing. :)
ReplyDeleteNot long after sister wives started on TLC the Dargers were on Dr Phil. Not sure if anyone else saw that episode of Dr Phil but I thought the Dargers came across as intelligent, articulate and for the most part pretty happy. I think Kodouche and his 4 extremely unhappy wives could learn some valuable lessons for the Dargers.
ReplyDelete