If you are reading this, you are probably a friend of mine. If you're a friend of mine, you probably watch Duck Dynasty, or have at least seen it. In case you haven't, it is a "reality" show on A&E about the Robertson family that started and still runs the Duck Commander company. They specialize in making some (rather high end) duck calls. Although they are stinkin' rich, they are still very "red neck". Just like all "reality" shows, there is a lot of staging and scripting (if you don't believe me, watch the Clint Bowyer episode), but I must believe the heart of the show is really the heart of the Robertson family.
What I love:
First, the characters. I think we all know someone like one of the Duck Commander family. You can't script those personalities! I can identify with them - even crazy Uncle Si. Who doesn't have a mother, grandmother, or aunt like Miss Kay?
Second, they play with guns. I don't mean "play" in a derogatory sense. I mean they use guns for sport and have fun with them in line with their intended purpose - like when Phil and Si were shooting golf balls that Jase and Willie were hitting off tees, or when Phil had the little girls trying to shoot duck decoys with their BB Guns from their playhouse "duck blind". Despite all that gun play, no one is hurt, or ever feels threatened by a gun. Guns are useful and fun, and a perfectly normal feature in a family setting.
Third, they hunt and fish. They kill things, and they clean them and eat them. There is no shying away from killing or the messiness that comes from killing your own food. On the other hand, they don't kill just to kill. Everything has a purpose.
Finally, this is one of the few (possibly only) "reality" shows that has values. I say the show has values because every episode is permeated with family values. The family participated in a Christmas program at their church, Phil is constantly working to teach the next generation his values, and in the end of every conflict, family wins out. Put on top of that, every show ends with the extended family gathered around the table together for supper, and they always join in prayer. No other show on TV would be so bold (and its a shame that I consider that bold).
If you've never seen it, re-runs are on every Wednesday and new episodes are on Fridays on A&E.
*Disclaimer - none of the pictures belong to me. They were on the internet and assumed to be public domain for non-profit use.
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