So what’s the allure of Honey Boo Boo, anyway?

by Katherine Ladner of The Daily Campus

It's a train wreck.

AP Photo/John Bazemore

Seven-year-old beauty pageant regular and reality show star Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson speaks during an interview as her mother June Shannon looks on in her home in McIntyre, Ga. The round-cheeked second-grader, who previously appeared on the TLC show Toddlers & Tiaras, has a penchant for outrageous catchphrases as seen on her reality TV show, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.

Based on the past seven years or so, I have come to conclusion that the entertainment world has run out of ideas especially when it comes to television.

This why we have so many reality shows and remakes of old popular series like Dallas. From what I can tell, some Americans are not bothered by the lack of quality television, or are not even aware of it, and that is fine. In fact, sometimes I catch myself watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians or something on VH1. However, I knew television had hit rock bottom when I heard about and then watched a reality show called Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.

In case you have not heard anything about this unfortunate phenomenon, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo is reality show that exposes the life of a seven year-old girl, Alana, who competes in beauty pageants featured on the popular show Toddlers and Tiaras on TLC. People find this show entertaining and funny because of how unashamed the family is of its behavior and home life. Alana lives in a small town in Georgia with her parents and three sisters. Based on what they allow the country to see, I feel as though I’m watching a train wreck. They have a pet pig named Glitzy who runs around the house as though she is a dog. Additionally, Alana has a teenage sister who is pregnant, which is interesting because their mother June also dealt with teenage pregnancy.

Despite the quirks of her family, Ms. Honey Boo Boo herself still manages to steal the show. I must admit, almost everything that comes out of her mouth is absolutely funny.

AP Photo/John Bazemore

Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson shows one of her many trophies in her home in Georgia.

For instance, mentions how she likes to drink her “go-go juice,” and in another episode she suggests to her mother that they make a “redneck slip-n-slide” to beat the summer heat. Watching her work and get ready for more beauty pageants is also funny because, here, spontaneous personality really comes out.

Again, though this show is undoubtedly funny and unique, it is sad that this is what it takes for a channel to get views. Additionally, as a Georgia-born girl, I’m a little embarrassed for my home state. Most importantly, I’m sure the family enjoys the attention, but what they do no realize is that this could have a bad aftermath. I would not be surprised if Alana or "Honey Boo Boo" will eventually get picked on when she gets older.

While this show has a comic element, it's sad it exists.