The Duggar Family’s “Shiny Happy People”: A Closer Look at 8 Heartbreaking Moments

Examining the Dark Side of Reality TV: Shiny Happy People Reveals Troubling Secrets of the Duggar Family‘s Institute of Basic Life Principles

Introduction to the Duggar Phenomenon and Its Downfall

Before the Kardashian clan and The Oppenheim Group became stars on reality TV, there was the Duggar family. The Duggars gained fame through their hit TLC show “19 Kids and Counting.” This large family of 22 followed the conservative Christian organization Institute of Basic Life Principles, which espoused strict obedience and discipline in the name of God. However, the picture-perfect image of the perfect Christian family was shattered when the family‘s oldest son, Josh Duggar, was accused of molesting five younger girls, four of whom were his sisters. This was followed years later by his conviction of possessing child pornography. The Duggars’ secrets and scandals are the subject of the docuseries “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets,” currently available on Amazon Prime.

The Dark Curriculum of the Institute of Basic Life Principles

The docuseries explores how the IBLP’s teachings allowed abuse to flourish unchecked within the Duggar family. The IBLP heavily pushed for so-called “wisdom” booklets, which children read in lieu of textbooks throughout their home schooling. These booklets preached the idea that no one but God has full knowledge and that women should be submissive to their husbands. The booklets contained drawings of women which children were then asked to identify the specific “eye-traps” – things that might attract a man’s “lustful attention.” Instead of learning math, children were effectively learning slut-shaming. The booklets also admonished women who winked and presented the idea that if a woman doesn’t cry out to God while being sexually assaulted, she’s at fault and equally to blame as her predator.

The Duggars’ Relationship with TLC

The series sheds light on how Jim Bob Duggar secretly made his daughter Jill sign a long-term TLC contract, tying her to the show, without her knowledge. Jill’s father also apparently offered some of his older children a lump sum for their participation in the show, which required a new contract with Jim Bob’s production company. Over the years, the Duggar family had also faced various scandals, but they did their best to keep them hidden, even reportedly downplaying these issues during a Megyn Kelly interview.

The Fallout and Current Status of the Duggar Family

According to Jill, everything within the family dynamic became worse after Josh’s conviction, and the Duggar family has apparently cut contact with Jill and her husband. The Duggars and their relationship with IBLP are the subject of deep concern, now that their secrets have been revealed. The real issue is how organizations like IBLP are able to wield such power and authority over their followers and maintain their insidious teachings.

Final Thoughts: Reality TV, the Duggar Family, and the Dark Side of Christian Fundamentalism

Reality TV has become a significant cultural phenomenon that often glamorizes certain lifestyles. However, it can also have a darker side, as demonstrated by the Duggar family and their experiences with the IBLP. The Duggar family might have initially appeared to be a picture-perfect example of an ideal American Christian family. But behind the cameras, their lives were far more complicated and disturbing. The series “Shiny Happy People” is not just about the Duggar family, but also about the dark side of fundamentalism and how it can control individuals and families. The revelations in this series should prompt everyone to question how much power we give to religious organizations and question whether their teachings promote healthy living or harmful behaviors.