Let’s not forget that this family (and the other TLC show families) are ALLOWING TLC to exploit and make a mockery of them for financial gain. They have choices, and chose money over dignity.

God gawd almighty. This little minute was appauling to watch…Im speechless and disgusted at how unhealthy these people are and so young at that. BUT on the other hand I agree with Brandip77…They can not be exploited if they dont allow it. They just didnt mind being treated like science projects for some money…If they really wanted to curb or change thier eating habits/lifestyle they would have gone on biggest loser or something if they just really wanted to be on TV as opposed to having camera’s follow them around while they eat…WTF?! SMH….

I have to disagree with this article…I watch the show and the person who wrote this article has obviously missed the big picture here. To me it is showing how a family has decided to make a life changing decision to better themselves…AS A FAMILY…it’s a reality show, so showing what they have to face under their circ**stances (ex: not able to get on a ride due to there weight) isn’t meant to make fun of them, it’s just simply teaching others what obsticles an obese person go through. I also like to point out the fact that it also show how a family (black in particular) sticks together, they sit down and eat dinner together, they go to doctors appointments together etc..it’s a positive show overall. Yeah they have a medical condition that some may find disgusting, but how about we praise them for there efforts to make a change versus looking at their appearances. I will continue to watch this family and pray for them as well, for once a reality show with substance…I LIKE!!

Typical HB article. You guys love fanning those flames, don’t you? The family is allowing it to happen. They aren’t outraged, so the. . .um, journalist who wrote this article should go have a beer and chill.

too_much7467, obstacles as obese people? Medical condition? Umm, they just eat to freakin much. They should be ashamed at the enormity of which they have grown…and in the clip of them scarfing down THEE international house of pancakes then going to the park THEN proceeding to scarf down a pound of sugar atop a funnel cake like puppies at chow time was not the picture of solving the problem. Its a crying shame that THIS particular family is shoved in the face of america to showcase how a black family ‘sticks together’. Why didnt they make a deal with producers for them to go to the GYM in the morning after a breakfast of bagels and yogurt or some simple Cheerios? America needs to stop that ole ‘Its a gland problem, its a thyroid problem, its genetics’ crap…No its a simple back yo big azz AWAY from the table problem…

TLC is an equal opportunity offender. The fat family, dwarf family, rabbit-baby-making family, and Jon and Kate are not victims. They are paid handsomely because we are a nation of voyeurs.

Hattie McDaniel, first Academy Award winner made a living playing domestics. When asked if she was humiliated by it, she said, “Why should I complain about making $700 a week playing a maid? If I didn’t, I’d be making $7 a week being one.”

Those folks will be fat w/ or w/o TLC. They’ve chosen to get paid.

THE ironic part is that they have a picture of the rail thin Cassie in here. A real life Klumps though.

I need to lose weight and get where I used to be even 10 years ago.
Thes people are really obese.
They serioulsy need to take a solid year of eating right, excerising -walking daily – 5 times a week,and getting a eating healthy eating wa for life.Some of us can’t, just can’t ever eat the wrong foods because our bodies multiply it. It is like a drug almost and they just cannot stop.
I wish them well.

I do not TLC or watch that station.

@CaliFemme23……….you’re missing the point, I’m not saying excuse the fact that they’ve put themselves in the position to be obese. Yeah it’s unfortunate that they’re very unhealthy and again it’s a REALITY show meaning these individuals are going to continue to do what they do on a regular basis and let’s not forget that bad habits don’t just stop over night. Look at the bigger picture, they are trying to turn there lifestyle around. You’ve gladly commented on all the “bad” food they “scarfed” down, but yet you fail to notice how they went through their kitchen and cleared it of the “bad” food they have already purchased….making progress, y would you knock them for that???? regardless of how they choose to do it (in front of the cameras or not) they’re trying to turn a bad situation around…This show can help others who are on the same path, inspire them to make a change, become healthy. You’re just simply focused on how they look, life is bigger than that.

ummm…i’m pretty sure she’s saying “powdered sugar” not pound of sugar…smh. this show looks good, yea sure they are being exploited but like so many others have said THEY ARE GETTING PAID! they are allowing this! to the fool below who said that obesity isn’t a medical condition and that its as simple as this family “eating too much” its a crying shame the blackplanet community has to read ignorant comments from people like you.

_mz_k_, Ummm, sorry mz k, but it IS them eating too much. Did I miss the part where GREED/GLUTONY is a medical condition? Oh yeah sure its a medical condition NOW because the young children involved probably have heart disease,diabetes, high cholesterol, and on their way to kidney failure among other things. When long before it came to TLC they could have done something about it, curtailed it. Sorry but im not a bleeding heart type of person, i’m so very blatant it gets on my nerves at times BUT thats the only way to be. Society is WEAK these days..everything has an excuse now, nothing is ever seen for what it is…And as far as my ‘ignorant’ comment, YOU responded to it, so what does that make you? I usually ignore ignorance…

too_much7467, I hear what youre saying, I just know that clearing all the Oreo’s out the house isnt going to help if their minds arent right. I dont think they are because there is MONEY involved. And no my focus isnt on how they look, it is on the shape they are in. Have been in for years apparently. I’m more of the cut it off before it gets this bad type. When I personally noticed and found out I was about 10 lbs past where I wanted to be health wise…I didnt let it get to be 20lbs,45lbs,65lbs before I did something about it. Blaming it on depression or bad habits, just picked up and changed it..simple. BUT in good faith I do hope in the coming weeks of the show they actually do take it seriously and take PRIDE in who they are as people.

I dont see anything wrong really.. Isn’t this the same network that also had a show about little people and their struggles in life? Some people may have thought that was exploitation, and probably even funny. BUt I think this will be great. They seem like a good family, and thankfully not “ghetto”..

CaliFemme23, I think you have a point about personal responsibility and the general problem in society about excusing almost everything. But that’s not all the story. Based on one of the clips, this family does not know all they need to in order to do better (the father thought spinach only came in a can!! the mother telling the kids to eat all they wanted because they would work off the calories by walking around the water park!!!) So even if they want to change, without the knowledge about what to do (besides just eating less) they won’t see the results they want. Hopefully, the show will get someone in to give them information about nutrition, exercise and so forth.

HOW CAN U EXPLOIT ANYONE WHO CHOOSES TO BE ON A SHOW???

ebonyscribeDC, EXACTLY! their minds arent right just yet…How can you walk off a meal similiar to that of a BUFFET and walk it off at a water park, BUT you stop and demolish a greasy, sugar thumped funnel cake?? When the producers of the show bring in some experts on eating healthy and TEACH these people how to eat to live as opposed to living to eat, then ill give kudos…dont worry, ill wait…..

young black men make a Spectacle of themselve everyday with thier pants hanging off their ass and knowbody say anything, if these fat people got a hustle let them do what they, we need that fat people on tv just like we need to see rappers asses.

young black men make a Spectacle of themselve everyday with thier pants hanging off their ass and knowbody say anything, if these fat people got a hustle let them do what they, we need that fat people on tv just like we need to see rappers asses.

Amen mkj72163…I’m glad I’m not alone on that thought. Some of these guys are WILLFULLY IGNORANT and take pride in looking like CLOWNS! Lol! All under the guise of “Hip Hop”. That ain’t Hip Hop,that’s just…horrible. They remind me of the movie Malcolm X,when Denzel and Spike were sporting those loud ass zoot suits and swore up and down they were “cool”. While to everyone else they looked like they were auditioning for a circus. Sometimes I tell my wife that some of our folk have lost their pride. These “people’ (you know who) aren’t laughing WITH you…

LOL, in today’s “It’s not my fault” society, everything’s a medical condition, didn’t ya’ll get the memo?

i agree with the comparison to rappers.

Rappers/Hip Hop artist on TV degrading themselves and women daily. The white T shirt society with their saggin pants. The fat people…ok they like food. Other than them liking food and being fat they seem like nice law abiding citizens. Now the rappers….they idolize money, jewelry, hoez, cars, drugs, alcohol, clothes, shoes, IN AND OUT OF JAIL etc. Half the stuff they do is illegal for all children to see and no one is protesting that!! I rather watch the fat people than to see rappers any day.

I was shocked to see Ray J with his 4th reality show. Talk about that. Leave the fat ppl alone.

How are they making a spectacle out of a family that agreed to do the show?????
There are obese people in America. Nothing wrong with understanding their struggles and seeing how society treats them….

There are young white, latino & asian guys who sag their pants worst than young black guys. Include them too, better yet instead of being crtical “as usual” why don’t you talk to the young brother about self respect. Remember this generation is the offspring of a previous failed generation. Don’t blame them blame the parents because I’m sure when y’all where young in the 90s y’all where saggin too because that’s when it started. All I’m saying is stop talking and be it, you don’t like it help the young brothers.

It’s not a spectacle if they agreed to it. But, why do we have a problem with this? If it was a large white family, would we even have this discussion? Or are some people just upset that TLC is showing a large black family?

There are more important thngs to be concerned about. TLC is NOT in my top 100 of them.

I THINK THE WRITTER IS A RACIST.

[...] TLC Show Makes A Spectacle Of Black Obese Family [...]

NOBODY POINTED A GUN AT THE FAMILY AND MADE THEM DO THE SHOW. THEY ARE NOT BEING PAID WITH PEANUTS TO DO IT AND THE ONLY WAY ANYONE CAN BE MADE A SPECTACLE OF IS BY THEIR OWN QUESTIONABLE ACTIONS THAT SURELY THIS FAMILY MAY HAD A LOT OF.

Love all the comments about personal responsibility, especially as it relates to Hip-Hop culture. But I have a question.

We are all so enthralled with celebrities and what they do, say, wear, etc… After all, we want to be just like Mike (or Jay or Bey or Diddy, or RiRi, or Drake, etc…)

Don’t we share some of the blame for things being like they are??

would this have been posted if they were white?? Maybe they decided to do the show because they were running out of ways to pay for their groceries..lol

lol They deserve to be ridiculed for signing up to do something like this. I’ll definitely be Tivoing this foolishness for a good laugh when I’m high.

i seen a couple episodes and its so weird to see the eating habits of obese people. whats really weird is the lady not being able to cook anything healthy like baked chicken is a science.she made turkey burgers on the grill with cheese and said this is dinner

lol…getting high while watching this show??? good idea
lol

this family does not portray the eating habits of obese people smh there are obese people that eat like fit people but clearly does not burn the calories to be fit therefore they are obese..

ive seen this show and i do not think it portrays them in a negative light…these people are livin their lives how they been living their lives cept now they are on tv…smh…..why do we expect people to be perfect no they are not gonna be one happy family that is not reality familes are not perfect and i like the fact that as a family they show love to each other unlike alot of these shows out here…smh…i like how as a family they are trynna get right smh i thought this show was positive its showing people that they need to get right and get healthy but hey thats just my opinion

The power of the pen is a dangerous weapon, in the hand of a closed minded individual.

In the writers first few lines, she reveals just how shallow a person she is. By claiming TLC to only have train wreck shows, simply because they highlight individuals in our society whom are often ignored or swept under the rug. For me, I find inspiration in the fact that many of the people on those shows are able to live productive lives, despite their shortcomings (no pun intended) Some of those train wrecks, are highly educated business owners, all of which are also family orientated.

As far as this new show, I guess you’d rather ignore what many people of all races go through in this country dealing with obesity. Including the fact that many of them eat unhealthy, and have put themselves in that situation. If you can find a better way to doc**ent an obese family at a water park, near rides they cant fit on, while gorging on sugary foods. Please do so. You also seemed to have missed the point with Eddie Murphys Nutty Professor, it was far from a parody if you sat and watched the whole thing. The main character after going through what many obese people experience daily, learned the importance of loving himself. Eddie Murphy made a very humanastic picture, imploring humor as a teaching tool. Which is something few comedians are able to do.

I question who really controls hello beautiful, since nothing of beauty ever seems to come from its writers.

I WILL NOT BE WATCHING THIS CRAP

I WILL PROTEST IT WITH THE CLICK OF MY REMOTE(HECK I DONT EVEN WATCH T.V)

THIS IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THEM TRYING TO FORCE KOONERY ON US

SOME WILL ACCEPT AND SOME WONT,BUT THIS VERY FAMILY COULD OF VERY WELL HAVE BEEN MOST PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITES INCLUDING THE TALL SKINNY DOPE BOYS WITH BIG ASS GUTS FROM ALL THAT TACO MEXCIAN CRAP AND FAT HOES WHO EAT THE SAME.

I WILL NOT BE WATCHING THIS CRAP

I WILL PROTEST IT WITH THE CLICK OF MY REMOTE(HECK I DONT EVEN WATCH T.V)

THIS IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THEM TRYING TO FORCE KOONERY ON US

SOME WILL ACCEPT AND SOME WONT,BUT THIS VERY FAMILY COULD OF VERY WELL HAVE BEEN MOST PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITES INCLUDING THE TALL SKINNY DOPE BOYS WITH BIG ASS GUTS FROM ALL THAT TACO MEXCIAN CRAP AND FAT HOES WHO EAT THE SAME.

TLC isn’t exploiting anyone. this family picked up the pen and signed that contract with their own fat fingers. anyone who gets their own reality show is exploiting themselves, obese or not.

so let’s just sit back and see how obese people live…or what tactics they’ll have to use to lose weight. (?) hell, idk what this show is supposed to be about…

I could see if they went on Biggest Loser or something…I would THINK they were serious…Maybe im just stuck on the fiasco of the water park! That was some BS…”Go head, eat how much you want, we gone walk it off in the water park” and did yall check how the daughter said ‘EXERCISE!!!” Like someone asked her to snort some lines! SMH STILL….

these fat f.u.c.k.s look like many of our people which is a shame

but why could they have not shown an afrakan amerikan family

who does martials arts,yoga,eats healthy,buys gree products

goes camping

shoots guns lol

lol….

I notice a common pattern with alot of these obese/medically obese people: you never see them love vegetables/grains in the amounts they love processed food and processed meat

How many people you know get obese off of tofu and stir fried veggies??

Ok I have to ask the burning question: if this were a white family, would this even be a story on this site?

TeachThemCulture
1-5-2010 2:21 pm

i agree

alsoif i eat like that i get sick my body is now trainned to eats los of fruis grains and veggies and drink alo fo water and f alot of p.u.s.s.y

if i dont do thes things i grow ill

Oh please people…stop being so emotionally-thin skinned! I’m fairly sure that no one put a gun to their heads…please stop with the “Someone is making me do this” bulls#it! If these overs-sized unsophistocated dullards want to be exploited and make themselves look like fools in the process, let them! Vote with your remote controls if it “offends” you! Maybe the experience will embarrass them into making changes in their apparently pathetic lives! ;)

They should round up all these obese people and cart their azzes off to a camp where they’re only served healthy food in tiny portions. If they want any food at all, they will have to work out.

This reality show really should get a health van and ride through W.Virginia. I swear they have the biggest people in the world. Again, I rode through there and it scared the hell out of me.

this shows you how far irresponsible journalism will go…

it was actually the Cole who CONTACTED TLC to do the reality show…

gotta do your research BP, or you end up looking stupid…

They would put anything on tv and people will watch anything. That’s why I watch cartoon network.

Kut the goddamn TELL LIE VISION off and get you some ASHRA AND MERIRA KWESI dvds @ kemetnu.com. Watch some real shyt for a change

fat people disgust me.

anyway – http://www.blackplanet.com/photos/your_page/view.html?pid=24603054&gtid=3&profile_id=56847569&profile_name=LADYJUNE82&user_id=56847569&username=LADYJUNE82&slider_total=4&slider_page=1

SHE BANGS!!! SHE BANGS!!!
she……needs….bangs – I am so sorry for this.

maddox2u2maddox2u2

TiredMan

BOTH COMMENTS WERE VERY FUNNY

maatra

DON FORGET DR JHON HENRY CLARL AND PASTOR RAY HIGGINGINS

TLC didnt MAKE them do this im sure. So why the title? This family did this to themselves and they have admitted it. So what if they want to do a reality show on the subject? Why the big deal?

INSTEAD OF PUTING THE COLES ON TELEVISION TO MAKE FUN OF THEM, YOU SHOULD HAVE PUT THEM ON THE BIGGEST LOSER, SO THEY CAN GET THE HELP THEY NEED. THEY DONOT NEED PEOPLE MAKING FUN OF THEM LAUGHING AT THEM IN THEIR FACES…… THEY NEED SUPPORT! AND IT IS VERY SAD HAT ALL PEOPLE DO THESE DAYS IS PICK AND LAUGH AT PEOPLE WITH PROBLEMS, ONE THING HEY FAIL TO REALIZE IS YOU COULD BE THAT WAY, GOD PUT IS HERE ON EARTH DIFFERENT FOR A REASON!!!!!! WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT SHAPES AND SIZES, AHVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT THAT? GROW UP PEOPLE!!!!!! ALWAYS TRYING TO FIND A STORY, GET A LIFE, REMEMBER PEOPLE HAVE FEELINGS TOO…..

THEY’RE ON TV ..I THINK THEY WILL BE OK!!!!

it is what it is. if i were them i would not have agreed to be on the show for fear of being laughed at or made fun of for being obese. it’s sad but a reality. at the same time, they are about to get paid and can use that money to get gastric by-pass and ease the pain or just spend it the way every other black person spends a decent paycheck-wasting it on material s**t.

@Ramses_Ny…Gosh dog gone it you are so on point; thanks.

lmao @ shango24, maddox2u2, and C4pricorn!

sigh…no comment. -_-

U think they aren’t used to getting laughed at? At least now they are getting paid for it… Sad. I hope they lose all that weight.

Hey, Hey, Hey , Hey……… At least they aint livn in a junkyard

I think this family should be celebrated instead of ridiculed. They are attempting to make a positive change in their way of life and realize they have a problem. Bravo! This thread like many others on Hello Beautiful is so negative.

[...] show would be anything other then someone for people to laugh at I will never know. According to hellobeautiful.com, TLC is preparing for the launch of its newest series, “Big Happy Family.” This reality train [...]

YEA they gettin PAID to better themselves how many of you can say that

What? Uh…no…first it has nothing to do with them “A BLACK OBESE FAMILY” …this clearly isn’t racial. Why even write that? If they were white it would just read “OBESE FAMILY.” (rolling my eyes) These people seem to have a loving family and they seem close and like they enjoy having fun with each other. They recognize they have a problem…but they are first giving you a look into their normal life before beginning the process. I think it’s awesome. If you wanna talk about race…white people are always on t.v. for any and everything. Good this black family is on t.v. getting paid….they might “blow up.” (no pun intended) ;-) good luck to them. inspirational.

Pretty ignorant article.
Yes they’re big, black, and unhealthy. It’s is there reality, an it is for many in America. TLC don’t have to sugar coat it. Hopefully it helps show the light to some…

Hello Beautiful, are you sponsored by the KKK? Here you go again, trying to fan racial flames. People of all nationalities over eat, but if you feel this family is being targeted because of their color, then why don’t you invite them to your house for a weekend of salads and fresh fruit? Please come back and tell us how well your offer was received. And let us know if being black had anything to do with it.

Based on this clip, no – I don’t think they are being made fun of. It’s not like the family members each had their own funnel cake and when the girl got her frozen drink, her mother told her that it wouldn’t taste like anything after eating the funnel cake. That may have been their first steps to weight loss even if they were still eating. If someone goes to McDonald’s every day and eats 2 double quarter pound value meals for lunch but then they decide to lose weight and go to McDonald’s every day and begin only eating 1 double quarter pound vale meal, that’s progress for them and guess what? They’ll initially lose weight because they made one small change and they’ll probably succeed in losing more weight the more baby steps that they take. The people who make drastic changes and go from (using my previous example) eating McDonald’s plus other fast food for all of their meals to eating salad’s and carrot sticks for their meals usually fail. You have to make one small lifestyle change at a time. It may have to start with something as simple as drinking more water. If you take baby steps you’ll adjust better and most likely stick to those changes. Therefore eating the funnel cake as a group may have been an improvement and a baby step for this family.

I hate to go here…but…you ALL are much too young to get the point here. You’re so used to looking at TV,movies,music videos and everything else and seeing black folk as any and everything BUT normal everyday hard working productive members of society that you all are so willing to accept these images.
Why do I need to look at these fat black folk on tv? Each and every ghetto and black neighborhood is overrrun with fat black people. Just like Meet The Browns and House of Payne, these images serve to perpetrate a fraud and further the old stereotype of no account, lazy, fat,immoral worthless n****rs.
We are NOT that and this is neither cute nor instructive.
You check media history and run your own scorecard. Those positive images and depictions of black folk are FAR outnumbered by the perpetration of stereotypes likethese.
This is crap. they want to lose weight? Good, it’s good for their collective health to do so but I really don’t need to see it. white people LOVE to show the big,black fat mammy…they did this crap 50 years ago and even though y’all feel all liberated and special y’all don’t even know that they STLL doin it to you today!

(1.) Nothing wrong with this family. TLC is not making fun of Black people.
(2.) This is not the television show “The Biggest Looser” and should not be compared .
(3.) The family is eating a funnel cake in the video and they are covered a powdery substance.
(4.) Race card will not work. TLC is not making fun of Black people.
(5.) Let the family be themselves, if you don’t like the people or personalities turn the channel. The family are not suppose to be Hollywood stars or professional actors. This is reality television for the most part.

This is a dumb article. I don’t think this show has anything to do with race. They’ve always had shows like this but with white families. This time it just happens to be a black family and someone is throwing the race card. Let these people get paid like everybody else. Hopefully being watched by millions will push them to loose weight a little harder.

of course they’re making fun of black people. Racism in this country is so insidious that you don’t even know it. Someone posted that they NEVER show black people as folk whom practice yoga or martial arts or eat healthily. Why? Ya’ll wouldn’t believe it because y’all think that this is cool.We are inundated with poor images of black folk when there are sooooo many positive images out there.
WE NEED NO MORE OF THIS!!!!!!!
Every time another pants-around-the-ass-fat-sloppy-law-breaking-drug-using-or-dealing-ignorant-no-talking-doo-rag-wearing (and the cat is bald)-weave/wig-having brother or sister is presented it adds to and further supports the claim that black folk aint shiggity.
I guarantee you the less of this crap is presented the less WE will see ourselves this way.
Why are so many addicts and drug abusers? Because the government wants it that way. What you think Intervention is here to keep you off drugs? Think again. It is a one hour excursion into hypocrisy because they know the addict is ATTRACTED to lurid lunacy.
Same as this whether they see these cats lose weight or not many will look and say: wow there’s me and jo-jo and em. Daaammmmnn…thass jes how we do!
There IS positivity in this for sure but we cannot afford even ONE more image or presentation that is ntot positive. We as a people are on life support. all this does is keep us in a coma.
It’s time for balance and counterbalance. It’s time for beautiful two-parent black families that have NOT A++++ students but just good hard-working folk who are actually making ends meet, have some sense of God or spirituality (i.e.morality?) in their lives who are productive members of society

Just from reading some of the posts here, I believe that we have a couple schools of thought here. You have the materialist thinkers who see nothing wrong with the show and who say that race does not matter, and you have the Idealists who do not like it; who understand that because race matters, there is something wrong with the show. Materialist, LOVE THINGS, i.e. “as long as they are ‘gettin paid’”, and USE PEOPLE, i.e. “It’s the family’s own fault.” Idealist thinkers, on the other hand, LOVE PEOPLE, i.e. “that fam is being exploited for t.v. ratings” and USE THINGS, i.e. “money can’t buy happiness.” An Idealist has a strong interest in or concern for human welfare, values, and dignity. A Materialist could care less. Which one are you. Think about it.

I’d hate to comment on such a stupid and inappropiately titled article, because some of you have already stated my sentiments, but this goes out to the person who erroneously said that “sagging” started in the ’90′s. In actuality, it really started with the zoot suiters that were brought up before you made your comment. And for those who equate it to “hip-hop”, please stop letting the mainstream dictate to you what that is and isn’t supposed to be. During the late ’70′s and ’80′s there was no “sagging”, it only came en vogue with west coast “gangster” rappers in the late ’80′s emulating the convicts who weren’t allowed to have belts for the fear of hanging themselves (this loose trousered style stemmed from the afformentioned zoot suiters who would always get arrested for skirmishes with Naval troops on shore leave back in the late ’40′s and it lasted for many decades….look up “Zoot suit riots”).

I think that the younger you are the more you want to believe racism is a thing of the past, and we are the world! I know everything is not racist, but if you understand the evils of slavery was to demean a race of people, namely us! Racism come in many disguises, some seem innocent, while others are more obvious! Just remember, if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for ANYTHING!

The sentiments expressed in this article are busted.

TLC does more than place “particular emphasis” on “self-destructive behavior.” TLC gives you an accurate portrayal of the everyday struggles people face as they begin to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Yes, we see the Coles covered in powdered sugar having a good time at the water park, but if you watch the show you will also see the family having a garage sale in order to raise some money to buy fresh dark leafy vegetables, antioxidant rich berries and lean cuts of protein. Yes, the trans fatty demons of the Coles past still haunt them, but this is the reality of any deadly addiction.

TlC shows the hiccups that happen along the way to healthy living. The only “spectacle” is this poorly written review by Jeanene James of “Big Happy Family.” Quit relying on sensationalism; give readers an well-thought and intelligent springboard instead.

I think most of us cringe when we see a segment of our society get exploited and/or objectified. However, In world of reality television, anything goes. TV execs, producers have sold their soul to the devil simply to make a buck. Shows like “Jon & Kate + 8,” “19 Kids & Counting,” “Bad Girls Club,” “Sex Rehab w Dr. Drew” only get airplay because as a society we want to be able to watch and say, “I’m glad I’m not like them.” TLC’s “Big Happy Family” is no different.

Exploitation at its finest!!!

I imagine the same people that watch these types of shows are the same people that like to slow down at scene of a car crash or watch someone get pummeled to death in a street fight.

These shows require very little brain power. Just the type of shows the oligarchy/government want you to watch to shift your focus away from REAL news/events that will effect your life.

After reading most of these comments I would have to side with Elpee. However, me and most of my friends do not watch TV. Why? Because all you see is white folks. Most shows are either all white or like 30 Rock. One black dwarfed by white folks. You only see black folks on the first 48 or Cops. You ever watch Dirty Jobs? Ever see any black folks? We don’t even have dirty jobs anymore. They could have easily placed a fat white family on the show. Having this family on, not shooting up people and car jacking folks is a step up, It’s just a really really small step up.

By the way, where is the Daddy??? He must be skinny!!!

I am amazed at how poorly written most if these articles are on this site. The writing is so bad it’s distractingfrom the actual content. jeanene, I hate to do this to you sista, but you have a Long way to go as a writer. This piece reads like a very non-trained person wrote this. It would do you good to take some classes that are specific to journalism. There is no way you can show your work here and get work anywhere else. This article almost had the same pulse as an article written on hip-hop by some nerdy white dude that does not even listen to the music. Your over use of incorrect quotes and incorrect cliches made for an awkward read. I can only walk away from this thinking two things. 1. You have never watched TLC. 2. You have a very limited career as a writer.

Like all the families on TLC shows the Coles family signed up freely. In general, reality shows make a spectacle of everyone and anyone so the race card need not be played. Please find some real social injustice to tackle.

[...] TLC Show Makes A Spectacle Of Black Obese Family [...]

I typically don’t watch reality TV, but last night I watched several episodes of this show with my family. Originally, I felt the show was a joke and intended solely to make fun of the family. My sons were embarrassed that the show was even made. But after watching several episodes my opinion changed, because I began to see the family in a different light. You can sense that there is real love between them, and I really like the attitude of the young man. Anyone that has had to battle weight, know the most difficult part is changing your eating habits. I really hope they can develop a healthy lifestyle, and wish them the best.

People can complain and make their own assumptions but they signed up for the show and they didn’t need to. In reality i can say atleast they ain’t like some of the crazy white folks we have seen on any other show. I like this family and if they feel they are being made fun of then they can approach TLC about it with their concerns.

I am so glad to see a Black Happy Family !! I watched this show last night and I am looking forward to seeing them lose the weight. The way they reacted to the food is the same way I react when I want to eat something that is not good for me. They also reacted the same way I do when I have made up my mind to lose some weight. AND THEY ARE GETTING PAID !! Leave them alone haters.

I watched Big Happy Family last night and really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to see the outcome of their success. Thanks TLC for showing an unhealthy black family make life changes to become healthy and fit.

its the TOXIC & ARTICIFICIAL ‘foods’ that is making us so UN-Healthy…….

go to ——>
dherbs.com

I agree with you mon20ey. I don’t think that TLC is doing any more than hellobeautiful.com is to harm the family. The family is seemingly doing all they can to remove themselves from harms of public displays in evil. They ARE a large family and the love they have for themselves and each other surmounts the humiliation heeped on them in their already everyday lives. I’m glad that TLC chose them to help and show what is to deal with the public humiliation that other humans display for anyone not fitting into whatever they consider abnormal categories. I mean, honestly, the man that chose to come into the driveway of their home and call their young son fat, not only to the young man’s face but to his mothers’ as well! That is not only total disrespect but I can’t even fathom what ignorance he is living in to assume the boldness. TLC should have followed his ignorant a– home to see how it is he makes it through a normal day. I say “CUDDOS” to this family for having not only the courage needed to reach out for this help, but the commitment and dedication it must take to let them into your private lives and private pains. I pray that God blesses you and your family well beyond your triumphs.

Here’s exactly what I hate about BlackPlanet. They allow bloggers such as Jeanette James to write up some bullsh*t with a title I get in my inbox titled ‘TLC Makes A Spectacle Of Black Obese Family’. Naturally, like everyone else, I think to myself, “What the f*ck???”. If you’ve watched the video though, you’ll see that TLC is actually showing more of the side how the family is dealin’ with it, and how they think they are ‘getting exercise’ by going to the water park for a funnel cake. Never did anyone laugh at the family as Jeanette suggested, nor did TLC try to get me to laugh AT them rather than with them. Looks like a fun group to watch, and it’s reckless blogging by idiots that Jeanette James that ruins BlackPlanet…….

Come on with the BS, tell me where are these people being made fun of ?, didn’t the agree to do the show and I’m sure they’re gettin’ broke off propa for it!. If this could help others see a part of their life being played out by this family’s habits and it helps who is it hurting?,everything’s not always about making black people looking bad, look at the positive in it “emancipate ourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our mines”. We need to eat right and exercise that’s the bottom line!!!

Preach @ SHOTGUN517.

Most of these reality shows revolve around dysfunctional Caucasians. Now some folks with brown skin are being highlighted and it’s a conspiracy. PLEASE.

the blog is ridiculous!!! black planet nutts

If we want to be considered equal to White people in entertainment, we have to be equal in the good and the bad. This means that if White people can be shown in a bad light in reality tv, then Blacks can too. Let us not forget that the Style channel has Ruby (a show about an obese White woman and her battle with the bulge) and countless other special programs that are shown on the discovery networks that show White people going through weight struggles, addiction problems, etc. So why can’t they show Black people who are trying to do well for each other by getting their weight under control?

Point blank: Black people in America have a weight problem. Truthfully, I HAVE A WEIGHT PROBLEM. I would love to have the will power to be able to loose about 50 lbs. I would love to have a show with a trainer and chef and dietitian to help me loose 50 lbs. Just b/c this family has chosen to be televised and show how American families (especially Black families) have significant issues with fitness, don’t think that TLC is somehow exploiting Black families. The fact of the matter is that it’s true. We have a problem eating right and exercising. And it’s about time, frankly, somebody put us on blast about it.

Man who the hell typed this? Proof-read!

Well a lot was speculated about this series from one pilot episode. There was a lot of exaggeration as well. I didn’t see any incident of this family being laughed at due to weight restrictions-I simply see a an overweight, however loving (which is absent in so many families black and white these days) family that happens to hae a collective weight problem. We can’t tell anything about the show at this point, maybe they will be given diet advice, an exercise regiment etc. From this one episode I can’t see how Ms. James interprets this family as being made into a joke for the masses.

Besides, we can take a hit, reality TV has been showing the ridiculous side of white society for years.

[...] TLC Show Makes A Spectacle Of Black Obese Family [...]

omg they need to call me, i lost of 65 pounds since 5/08 gym walking, jenny craig!! still losing weight i work hard,but eating that crap what the hell!! they look foolish why eat that of all things!! theres fruit,salad made wonderful,fish, chicken,lord someome please dont air this.

To those of you who say that, “race doesn’t matter nowadays”, why are we on “Black” Planet?

From this clip I see a family that makes jokes of each other (hence the question about the stomach line for the ride when they are in the kitchen). The spectacle is four obsese people living in the same house. Being a past overweight person, 340 pounds down to 170 due to gastric bypass surgery I know how it was to have people stare and make comments. I hope this show helps at least one person take control of their life. Good Luck Coles family and I will pray for you all.

WOW! I’ve read all the post and I’m just blown away by some of the suggestions and assumptions that’s being made from just a eposide of a “REALITY SHOW.” The generalization that some are making about african american as a hold is appalling to me personally as an african american.
I’m one who rarely come to the Black Planet sight and I certainly never post. But when I do and something catches my attention I will read about it and this caught my attention because I just couldn’t believe some of the things that’s being said.
First of all not every person who’s over weight has a health issue. Some are more healthier than those of us who eat right, exercise and don’t have a weight problem.
Second, one person said that because they’re getting paid that they are going to do what most of us do and spend their money on material things. How dare you! You have no idea how these people are going to spend their money. There’re many people of all races who don’t know how to handle money. For example AIG. Don’t just assume something because you know what assuming can make you.
Third, someone even said that fat people ( which I prefer to say weight challenged) is disgusting. You know what, you maybe disgusting to some also who may not think that you are all that! If you don’t like what you see turn your head or your t.v. Some people fine big to be beautiful.
Food like so many other things can become an addiction and we all know or should know that addictions are hard to break. Personally, I would rather them be addicted to food than crack or any drug or alcohol. In a time when people are getting laid off and fired from their jobs we should be glad to see people working and making a living to support their family and not out stealing and killing to make ends meet. Who are they really hurting?
As for the racism, some of us are always going to see racism around every corner no matter what. We all know that racism still exist. We are not idiots or blind to that fact. I myself, don’t see the racism in this show. I see a family who love eachother, support eachother and enjoy eachother. If their size is disgusting to you and the way they make their living is not up to your standards then that’s ok. It’s your right not to like them or what they may represent in your world. But the bottom line is it take a lot of different people to make up this world and not all of us are going to be beautiful, a size 2 or 3, educated, and live in a house with a white picket fence. So I applaud them for putting themselves out there for all to see and judge. I hope that they are sucessful in whatever they choose weather it’s lossing the weight or not. To me, there’s nothing more important than family who loves eachother and stay together regardless of how they’re seen or judged. Because the reality is, we all have some type of a short coming. So the next time some of you who want to judge and be negative maybe you should take a look at the person in the mirror and start there. Believe me, there’s no such thing as 100% perfection. Well that’s just my food for thought like it or not and now I’ll get off my soap box.

I know norris coles personally,he’s my best friend,and i love him like a brother,we met back in 1993.We took some courses together at Arch,him and his family are good people.The show does”nt make a spectacle of them,it shows a family serious about changing there lifestyle and eating habits to prolong there life.Norris,i miss you my friend,next time that your in D.C come by the house,mama told me to tell you hi.Keep your head up,stay strong. Sincerely [mac} Mark Mcduffy.Happy new year.

What people do for moneeeey!

oh please! if they was white we wouldn’t even be talking about this show…i agree with Angilix- what people do for money

I absolutely LOVE the mother! She is such a wonderful, nurturing and unconditionally loving lady! Keep up the good work because it is YOUR light that is lighting the way for your family to change! The ONLY thing I’d wish for, is for hubby to get up off his as$ and help pay them dayam BILLS and for God’s sakes…PLEASE–PLEASE—P-L-E-A-S-E GET RID OF THEM TIRED CORN ROWS AND THOSE LITTLE GIRL ICE CUBE’s at the ends of your hair. You are absolutely hoodified and too old to be trying to be wit it…cause you’re not.

Get a FINANCIALLY PAID POSITION AND HELP PAY THEM DAYAM BILLS, YO! Be a better example for your kids…

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ is all they are seeing because they are not going to lose weight unitl they are ready to so why not make $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Can I get a show spoiled ass black child that refuses to live with parents? I’m sayin I need a show

I heard of the show but have not actually watched it yet. TLC did not put a gun to their heads and make them sign the contract to do this show. Like the post below…all they saw was $$$$$$$$$ and went for it.

if you don’t like it, don’t watch it. this is why i don’t have cable.
i hope they get to lose the weight they need to be healthy! it’s hard, i know.

I HAEN’T WACHE DTH SHOW BUT IF THIS WHA TIT TAKES TO GET THEM HELP TO LOSE WEIGHT I DON’T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WTH IT.ALOT PEPLEHAVE TROUBLE LOSNG WIEGH UNTL THEY GET THAT EXTRA PUSH FOR SOMEONE.ALL THEY NEED TO CONCENTRATE ON IS THEIR GOALS TWIGH IS NO DIFFEREN THAN TH EBIGGEST LOSER TO ME JUST ANOTHER WAY OF GOING ABOUT IT.GOOD LUCK TOTHE COLES FAMILY.AND I LIKE SEEIG FAMILIES THAT STICK TOGETHER FOR EACH OTHER.

also, other than the weight, they do see genuinely happy. they’re tight, and they made the decision to get healthy as a family. that’s something to be happy about.
i’m sure the money helped!

Oh HB, here we go again; ‘woa is me, woa is me,woa is me’ Our attitude kinda reminds me of Eeyore. You know, the donkey character from Winne the Pooh; always thinking the world is still out to get him, even though his friends have proved him wrong on countless occasions…Question? Why do black folks ALWAYS pull the “race card”? If there’s an issue that needs to be addressed, why can’t we stand there & face the music? Now I agree, the Water Park scene may have a been a bit tasteless, however the article didn’t discuss how it’s a discrace that a 14 year old should weigh apprx 300 lbs!! So, it’s ok for him to continue to lead an unhealthy lifestyle because he’s “black”? Should we be exempt from this because of my (our)ancestors had a Mammy once?!!!!!!!!!! Save it ok, I’m sick of it..The black community has always struggled with food, with an insatiable desire to nurish that hunger. When is enough ENOUGH?! So black folks, don’t get ya panties/drawers in a bunch because you were called out. I’m really sick of our community continuously playing the martar. It’s been years and we can’t keep using that as an excuse. Grow up, and take responsibility for your (our) actions..*wink

I don’t fault TLC. These days, all you have to do is wave a few bucks in the air and the line of jackasses willing to shuck and jive for the camera is endless. If these clowns are willing to make fools of themselves….so be it. The only time I object is when minors are being exploited (such as the case of the 8 belonging to Jon and Kate, per se). What does their race have to do with anything? Hell, at least there is now some diversity among the jackasses on TLC programming. I mean seriously do you think the casting call requested 4 black orcas or simply 4 orcas willing to sell their pride for the camera?????

Amen Peach1224. Preach!!!!!!

DAMN SHAME

It’s pathetic that any of you would look down your nose at this family. To call them Orca’s…1GrayGal you disgust me. So what they’re getting paid to do this show. I have seen much worst behavior from other black people. This is a close knit, two parent, middle class, Intelligent and well-spoken family. Their only negative is their weight and health which they are addressing. They will have access to specialists and whatever help they need to succeed. It does not hurt that the money they make will probably go toward their kids education.

bottom line is this… If nobody watches the show, it won’t stay on the air. In other words, its you people (not necessrily saying you), that keep these idiotic shows going. Who watches the nonsense on bet, vh1, tlc??? Certainly not me! I’m too busy focusing on getting my own money.

Who carers? They look beautiful just a little heavy but beautiful.

The show is def different from other weight lose show. It’s the way they are being portrayed to LOOVE anything fatty and sweet. The way they gawk at food in the show is sooo not right (although it may be true)… they chose to do the show so it’s their bad.

[...] the United States and I do not think shows like this are helpful nor are they entertaining IMO!! TLC Makes A Spectacle Of Black Obese Family | Hello Beautiful Boy you are on a roll today, first the chicken ad and now this..Again we all need to relax, and [...]

wow silliness at its finest

http://www.swaggtalk100.net

Look past the weight shiyt, and you see a positive, wholesome and real black family.

I dont think that it makes a spectacle of them b/c they are black…they are just too damn big. I’m sorry if that hurts some of your feelings but it is true. These ppl, not black ppl, but ppl need to realize what they are doing to themselves and to their children.

Don’t blame this mess on TLC “Big Happy Family”. Blame it on the family for waiting on TLC to exploit them. Why didn’t they want to lose the weight on their own??? Why did they wait on a TV show to so-call help them lose weight??? In my opinion, all the reality show participants are out for the money!!! Look how much Kate Gosslins (sp) has (and is) making. These people don’t care if they are exploited, just as long as the paycheck is in the mail.

I don’t really think they are making a spectacal of the family, I think TLC realizes that there are many families in the U.S. who share this circ**stance. This show will help a lot of families to accept and love who they are and to show them how to make choices that will lead to a healthier life for them.

I agree with Peach1224. Being that overweight for anybody, no matter of race is unhealthy. I saw on the news that AMERICANS are the most unhealthy people in the world because of our poor diet and eating habits! Just because you live 2 blocks from McDonald’s, don’t mean you have to go there everyday! I have a friend(who comes from an obese family), when they were little, their mother would feed them very unhealthy foods like: hotdogs, chips, soda, candy, pizza, fastfood etc. Well anyway her brother was just 19 years old and he passed away from HEART DIESASE last year. 19!! come on. My son is 14 and very athletic( we are small people in my family) I use to let him eat all that crap! My mother told me diesases do not discriminate including heart diesase and clogged arteries. That was a wake up call for me to change my family diet. I do not want to bury my only son, I want him to live a full, productive and healthy life and I want some grandbabies in the future!
But on a positive note, it’s good to see a black man married to a black woman and taking care of his black children! Which is rare to see nowadays.

Most of you guys are totally missing the target. Some are complaining about they are a disgrace to blacks, others saying they should have tried to loose the weight on there on, blah blah blah. The point is what is TLC’s purpose or message in this show. How are they helping these people live healthier lives. From what i see, nothing is being done. What good is going around and following a herion addict with a camera and showing him to the world in his exploits if no correctional guidance is given. Shows like the biggest loser and celebrity rehab, can be seen as entertainment and specticles, but at least these shows try to find solutions to these people problems rather than glorifying and/or making a mockery of it. I have not seen yet what this show will become but hopefully it takes a path closer to the show that i have previously mentioned for the family’s sake. The could really use the professional help not a circus side show.

i agree wisdom69oh. They joined reality TV to get paid. the contract allows the TV networks to portray you however they want with editing and you have no say so. TLC is trying to get paid as well as the family who werent forced to be on the show. The family sold themselves

THE REAL LIFE KLUMP’S A EXPLIOTAION COON AND HAPPY SLAVE SHOW BUT IM NOT MAD BUT HOW MUCH PORK ON THERE FORK THEY GOING DO DO CLOSE UPS ON WHEN THERE AT THE DINNER TABLE !LOL YES TLC CAN! YO SEE HOW PEOPLE CAN SELL THEY SOUL TO GAIN THE WORLD !F**K THE MEDIA!

I DON’T UNDERSTAND THAT EVERY TIME WE GET ON TV WHY WE CAN’T BE OURSELVES. WHAT U SEE ON TV IS WHAT U SEE AT HOME & IN THE REAL-WORLD. WHERE NOT SELL OUTS .THIS IS WHAT EVERY OBESE PERSON DEAL WIT ON A EVERYDAY BASIC ESPECIALLY AT AMUSEMENT PARK . I DON’T SEE WHY WE ALWAYS HAVE TO FIND SOMETHIN WRONG WITH EACH OTHER. BE PROUD THAT WERE ON TV AT LEAST THERE TRYNA DO SOMETHING..

THE FAMILY AGREED TO THE BULLS**T SO WHATS THE PROBLEM????

i agree wit peach1224.. we pull the race card 2 damn much … now WE tired of hearing it.. im disgusted wit that DAMN card.. it makes us look weak.. like cry babies.. they makin money and have the opportunity 2 do somin..

Obesity is not a black problem, it is an American problem. We gravitate towards the most unhealthy food choices and our portions are outragous! We are dying from every desease in the book, at very young ages.
People have to be educated. This show mentioned is for pure entertainment pourposes, and moneies are to be made by all people involved, including the Coles. Every show on T.V will not have the goal and pourpose to educate. Reality television is exactly that…reality.
There are Coles on everybody block and in everybody’s family. If you really want to make a difference in this struggle and change these peoples lifestyles…take a obese friend to the gym with you… cook a healthy meal and show them that eating healthy can taste good and be fulfilling. Encourage them to see a doctor and find out thier health status….otherwise.. what good are all these comments.

HA HA!!

Fat fuccs…

all i have to say is that the mother could have gotten her daughters hair done better then that. what is up with that old ass weave……

=(

They seem to be an intelligent and articulate family and they definitely not acting like Neffe and Frankie but I think it might be good because it will help us see some of the things that we do in our own lives and with our own families. How to might turn to food for solace and confort when we’re not hungry but lacking something and using food to fill that gap. I just hope that TLC HELPS actually helps them and just not use them for ratings and exploit them as a joke.

LOL HEARD BOUT THIS – HAVE 2 WATCH IT AND LMAO AT THE WRITERS YALL BE TRYNA BE FLAT OUT AZZZZZZZZZZZ FUNNY!!! “BIG HAPPY FAMILY” …….YALL KNO YALL WRONG LMFAO

I see a whole family in distress when I look at the video. Nothing TLC can do will make it funny to any sane person. The daugher staggering after drinking the slush and her mothers response about going in a diabetic coma was said lightly, but listen and look closer. This family is living in fear every bite they take. Hopefully buy exposing themselves to the world via the reality show they will also look and see for the first time that they need medical help or they collectively will all die at an early age.

i see their plight and i see the humor in it and the fact that,they’ve decided to do something more then just be about it how they do that i would like to see. but i hope they used this experience to change and not wallow in it.

THATS A BIG ASSS MESSS! PERIOD! THEY NEED TO BE ON BIGGEST LOSER NOT MAKING THEY ASSES MORE COMFORTABLE THATS A DAMN SHAME FORREAL.IM DISGUSTED

wow this is not cute i mean seriously being obese is neither funny nor amusing i’m a full figired woman who’s takin the neccasary steps to lose my weight and so far so good please feel free to check out my page by the way thanks….. but this is a very serious issue that need to be addressed please family of this show seel medical help before it’s really to late to do anything you have a chance to turn this problem into something positive please consider your health if nothing else especially the two young ones im mainly concern for them by the way noone made a spectacle of them they did this to themselves by inking an deal with these ppl im not mad at them them for gettin that money i’m just upset of how they are killin themself with food who does that?

my bad that’s full figured oops my bad i was typin a lil too fast plz excused the f**k ups lol

YEAH THEY ARE HUGE, BUT THEY ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THE SKIN THEIR IN SO I GUESS THATS GREAT

May they find peace and joy. http://www.moderndayblackmomma.com
Gen Eyes Wide.