[Vince Ferrer]

I have never seen the show, but I have a question. This show and family does not seem to be the kind of people the Hollywood/PBS/New York entertainment complex would want to feature in any kind of positive way. Did the show originally start out as some sort of show to laugh at the “backwardness” of this family?

[Coldwater Creek]

The Robinson's aren't exactly “backwoods”. The father holds multiple degrees, as well as some of the others.

[greene66]

That’s a question I’ve often considered myself. That given the proclivities of the lefty entertainment-media complex, the networks’ intentions might have been more in the vein of putting out another condescending hick “minstrel” show. People to be laughed “at” as opposed to “with.” Obviously, it didn’t work out that way, as the Robertson folks didn’t play into to that demeaning paradigm, and managed to strike a strong cultural chord with mid-america, through their values.

[Tupelo]

I do not think it was ever intended to show them in a redneck light. Hell, that is what they proudly proclaim themselves to be. I think the show originally was an attempt to cash in on some of the popularity of the other shows highlighting the Louisiana and Cajun lifestyles. To everyone, including A&E's amazement this bunch is really the real deal. As Jase Robertson (I think)put it, the show is really a “Guided-Reality” show. But I compare it to a swampy Bill Cosby show. A Bill Cosby show without the idiot Theo and the weekly lecture.

[Dawgreg]

This family is hardly backward as you put it. They just live the way they want, where they want and put on no airs. What you see is what you get. I suppose if that’s what the mental giants in TV land wanted, it sure backfired didn’t it?

[Albion Wilde]

Did the show originally start out as some sort of show to laugh at the “backwardness” of this family?

Not really. Their duck calls are an excellent product. Someone asked them to be on a duck hunting show on cable -- Duck Commander on the Outdoor Channel. Then they did a Buck Commander show about deer hunting, also on Outdoor. They had proven audience appeal, and as you can see, Willie has a great eye for marketing; so voilà, Duck Dynasty was the next step.

[jodyel]

No, not at all.