Jon and Kate Plus... Media

Ever since the rumors of separation began for reality t.v. stars Jon and Kate Gosselin, the Gosselin family has been under constant scrutiny by magazines, newspapers, and the Internet. Over the summer the relationship struggle between this couple has been featured on the cover of People magazine multiple times, with stories that range from Kate's perspective to Jon's to the family in general. With the numerous cover stories it is clear that the American public is eager for more information about the divorce of this famous couple. This information presents an interesting question: Why is America so fascinated by their divorce?

The divorces of other celebrities never have as much publicity and public appeal as that of the Gosselins. However American people can relate to the Gosselins because they are a family living a "normal" life. Many viewers might feel a connection with this family considering the way Jon and Kate Plus Eight is designed. The family goes through everyday struggles which viewers can empathize with. So is empathy the main reason for the heightened interest in the divorce of this couple? Or perhaps the scandalous nature of the divorce strengthened its attention? Either way the media has promoted the story in a way that pulls in readers, and additionally raises questions about the interests of American people. Americans could be attracted through feelings of empathy or perhaps the immoralities that "normal" families experience.