Television
The “Honey Boo Boo” Craze
By LaDale Anderson
Feb 27, 2013 - 7:10:57 PM

HOLLYWOOD—What is it about the TLC phenomenon “Honey Boo Boo” that has everyone talking?  For months I have been hearing countless buzz about this reality series that follows a pint sized pageant girl and her family.  So after so much hype I finally stumbled across an episode of the series and I see why everyone is glued to their screen.

It’s perhaps the funniest thing on television right now and I’m not sure if that is a good thing or bad thing.  The series follows Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson and her redneck family, as some will call it.  They reside in the rural area of McIntyre, Georgia.  They’re not your typical family to say the least, but who has a perfect family anyway?  There is Mama June who keeps her family close to her; she has a special bond with Alana, as she helps her prepare and compete in pageants.  The little tot has a thing for Mountain Dew and skettie.  For those of you wondering just what skettie is it’s perhaps best that you watch an episode of the show. I’ll give you a hint, it involves road kill.

Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson

Other siblings in the gang include Jessica “Chubbs,” Anna “Chickadee,” Lauryn “Pumkin” and Mike “Sugar Bear.”  Each partake in behavior that some would say is disrespectful or unladylike at times.   As a viewer, there are moments that you want to turn away from the TV screen, but you can’t help, but continue to watch.  It’s almost like a drug; it’s becomes addictive to the spectator. Some may be surprised to notice the pantry in the home which is stocked with loads of tissue and other non-perishable items; looks like June is a fan of “Extreme Couponing.” 

Some would expect the family to change a bit with the newfound fame that they have acquired, but that does not appear to be the case.   This is who they are and frankly they can care less what everyone else thinks.  Various terms are used to describe feces, as are Alana’s wise cracking sayings that are so memorable.

Digging in ones nose or flatulence isn’t something the clan is afraid to discuss.  I recently caught a glimpse of the Thanksgiving episode and was a bit conflicted on how to feel.  Alana has a love for cranberry sauce and to see her devour as much as possible was funny at times.  It was hilarity to see two of the older girls stuff their faces with raw greens in hopes of obtaining $10 from their mother; in the end it made one of the sisters pretty sick.

I think the bigger picture about the reality series is that it’s a tale about family; that is a bond that I see throughout the few episodes that I have watched.  This is a family that has an immense amount of love for each other and they display that in each episode.  Rather it’s through arguments, through laughter or pranks; the love for each other is depicted to the audience.  It’s hard to believe in a matter of months that this series has exploded in pop culture and I’m sure it’ll be around for a few more seasons for audiences to learn more about Alana and her kooky clan.  “Honey Boo Boo” airs on TLC.