peoplemag:

“I want my kids to look back and say, ‘Mama played it smart. Not like those other reality TV people.’”

- Honey Boo Boo’s June “Mama” Shannon, who put most of the show’s earnings in a trust fund for her four daughters and granddaughter, to TMZ

Honey Boo Boo (real name: Alana Thompson), 7, makes about $15,000 to $20,000 per episode. That money, mom said, is placed in the girls’ trust accounts by TLC and she simply receives a statement informing her of the amount. 

The family bills, she added, get paid by her husband Sugarbear’s job as a contractor. Their biggest splurge since their TV success thus far has been a 2005 Ford Expedition SUV. 

“You’re never gonna see me drive a Range Rover or a Mercedes,” she said. “I’ll drive one if someone else pays for it. Never gonna live above my means.” 

I told y’all. She knows what’s up. For everyone suggesting that the Boo Boo family (as I’mma be referring to them as from here on out) are being taken advantage of, suck it. While this really only shows that Mama June has financial sense (which we already gleaned from the woman’s grade-a couponing), it suggests a general awareness. They’re conscious of their audiences’ pre-conceived notions and persisting judgements. They play up the elements that make them watchable. They’re performers. Those who pity them are doing so in a way that positions them as circus animals, sad in their misattributing the positive reinforcement they receive to respect. Also, those of you who suggest that this is a new low in lowest common denominator entertainment, eugh. That’s another post, but it’ll mostly be about you, Fresh Air contributor David Bianculli. 

(via leprincelutin)