Mayberry Redneck Style

I have never been a big fan of reality shows. Most of the ones that I have seen have been little more then silly made up drama caused by situations that most people, in their right minds anyhow, wouldn't be in in the first place. There have been a couple of exceptions of a paranormal nature but for the most part I have ignored most of them until now because they are about as realistic as soap operas used to be. Then came Duck Dynasty. I have admittedly come into this particular show late. After getting cable TV installed, for the first time in years, this summer, I became curious enough to watch an episode and then another and another. By the time A&E had aired the 4^th season opener last week I think my family and I had come close to seeing every episode that was available and all of us, from my wife and I to my teenage children, love it. Apparently we are not alone. It has been said that somewhere close to 12 million viewers watched the 4^th season opener making it the all time highest opener for a reality show.

The most obvious question is why. What has made this show so popular that so many people would watch it?

Several thought come to mind, the first being is that it's Mayberry, redneck style. They represent a way of life that most believe has gone by the way side and yet many wish would return. They are exactly what you see on the screen. They are not reading from a script and they are not pretending to be anything else other than what they are and that kind of reality appeals to people. They are a God fearing, Christian family that makes no apologies for who they are and what they believe and they pray. They are genuinely loving and they are funny to boot.

It could be that in this day and age of violence and corruption along with the overall attempts to destroy family values and morals that perhaps, in their hearts anyhow, people are looking for something that truly reflects them and their beliefs. I'm not talking about the beards and the guns, though both appeal to me, I am talking about the core values of family and God. The last 50 years or so we have seen a decline in both because we have let the Hollywood elite and the government dictate to us how and where we are to do both. Can't have prayer in school. Have to keep God out of the public sector and what have we got in return? Sex, drugs and violence on an unparallelled level. Core family values gone by the way side. I think maybe, just maybe, if the stats are true as to how many watched the show, folks are starting to wake up and realize that things can be that way again.

I guess for me though it comes down to their love of God and each other that really appeals. They can disagree with each other, usually in a humorous sort of way, but in the end they are family and you can see it as they all eat and pray together. Even from a distance and time removed I say Amen when they are done praying.

Here is a short passage that I think sums my thoughts up well.

Come let us turn back to the Lord:He attacked and He can heal us;He wounded and He can bind us up. In two days He will make us whole again;On the third day He will raise us up, And we shall be whole by His favor. Let us pursue obedience to the Lord, And we shall become obedient. His appearance is as sure as daybreak, And He will come to us like rain, Like latter rain that refreshes the earth. Hosea 6:1-3 JPS

Peace and Ducks