Quote From: acdowdDr. Phil,
I watched part of "17 Kids and Counting" on TLC this week, and I was alarmed by what I believe is children whose minds are being controlled by their parents. After seeing your show today, I believe the Duggar family does display mind control at work.
1. The children in this family are completely isolated from the outside world. The parents in order to promote their strict religious doctrines do not allow their children to watch television or browse the internet. They are also homeschooled so they are not exposed to ideas outside of their parents' views.
2. The children's sense of identity is diminished by the fact that they are one of 17 children. There is no way each child is getting special attention when they are one of so many. Their identity has become "one of the Duggar children"
3. Further evidence of the control was exhibited when the children interviewed were asked their views about dating and relationships. According to their parents, it is best not to date, but rather find the one person you are intended to marry, get engaged, and then begin the courtship phase. Also, during the courtship, the couple does not even kiss because the parents have told them that it is best to save the first kiss for the wedding. This constant suppression of one's natural instincts has got to be harming the children.
Dr. Phil, I worry about the children in this family, and I think your show could be a good format for investigating their welfare. I certainly promote a parent's choice to instill their personal values in their children, but when those children are not allowed to gain any other information outside of their parents in order to form their own beliefs, I believe a line is crossed.
I have to agree with the person who posted this info on the show "17 kids and counting", which is about the Duggar family. This family is part of the IBLP group founded by Bill Gothard. Do a search on the internet about Bill Gothard or IBLP, and I assure you that you will find a LOT of information about people who have been through emotional and spiritual abuse through this group. I would LOVE to see Dr Phil dig further into this group and their teachings.
I have a family member who has gotten involved with this group and like the quoted post, she moved VERY quickly through the marriage process. The man came and met the family one month, and we were all told that they were just friends . . . not even dating. A few weeks later, they were "courting" and in less than 4 months from when this man was introduced to the family as "just a friend" they were married.
