RSS
Home
Family of five puts themselves up for sale
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Photo courtesy of CBS
Anyone want to buy a family?
Well, if so, today's your lucky day. The Guerra family of Austin, TX--all five of them--are for sale on eBay. The dad, Loren, had put the family up for sale with the hopes of getting a corporate sponsorship to help make ends meet after he was laid off from his job.
I'm not sure what to make of this story. On the one hand, trying to have your family "sponsored" is nothing new; neither is trying to brand yourself. Celebrities do it all the time with clothing lines, perfumes, and endorsements. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen became teenage billionaires through branding themselves. And the Gosselins, the Duggars, even the Octuplet mom are making themselves into a brand. Captalizing on yourself and exploiting your children are the new ways to fame and fortune--why shouldn't the Guerras try?
On the other hand, is exploiting your children for your own fame and fortune fair? Is it good parenting to raise your kids under a cloud of media scruitiny, and make them believe that selling their image (and themselves) is the only way to make a living? Sure, what the Guerras are doing is mainly a publicity stunt, but what kind of example is this setting for their kids? They're still showing their children that when times get tough, sell yourself. That's not exactly the best lesson to teach.
Though they've thrown in the caveat that they will only be sponsored by "family-friendly companies" (no alcohol, tobacco, gambling, or adult-themed advertising), how far are they willing to go? When you open yourself, and your children, up to this kind of scheme, where do you draw the line? How much are you willing to compromise yourself and your beliefs in order to make money?
Times are tough for everyone. People are starting to get desperate to make ends meet. Are schemes like this going to become more common? How far are you willing to go to support your family?
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
